Updated: Feb. 4, 2006, 8:47 PM ET Knee injuries ending Bender's career at 25Associated Press Indiana Pacers forward Jonathan Bender is almost certain his career is over because of a series of knee injuries. "Due to a medical condition in my knees, I will not be able to continue playing basketball," the 25-year-old forward said Saturday in a statement released by the team. "The Pacers gave me the chance to play with, and against, the best players in the world." Though he does not expect to play again, Bender has not yet filed official retirement papers with the NBA. Toronto made Bender the fifth pick in the 1999 draft, then traded him to Indiana before the season started. He played seven seasons with the Pacers, but never in every game. His best season was in 2001-2002, when he averaged 7.8 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. The 7-foot Bender also played guard at times. He made 87 3-pointers in his career. As a defender, he was an intimidating shot blocker. Indiana coach Rick Carlisle said Bender is a hard worker who appreciated the chance to play in the NBA. "I'm sad for him, for his family," Carlisle said. "A situation like this couldn't happen to a more undeserving person. Jonathan really is a great kid. He wanted to play basketball in the worst way and he wanted to help this franchise in the worst way." When healthy, Bender presented mismatches and was a force on the boards. But he rarely was able to contribute. He played in 237 regular-season games with 27 starts, and was limited to nine games the past two seasons. "It'll be one of the questions when you look back in history. How good could this guy have been?" Carlisle said. "I'm not sure that there was any limit to his potential. It was just not to be." http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2319500
He could have been an awesome player if he had stayed healthy. When you're 7 foot, and can run the point, that's insane.
Sad, I know he gets injured a lot maybe it wasn't supposed to be for him. But he is still young at 25, maybe he should just keep trying and not give up. The thing is he has probably had enough of trying to comeback. What is especially notable is that he was picked out of high school, wasn't he? Hopefully he invested his earnings, or he might be working a 9 to 5 from now on.
its so sad.... only 25 and his nba dream is over... every player work his butt off to get to the nba level and this guys only 25, and just retired... well the school principal is gonna say this to him "should have gonne to collllllleggge and at least could have gotten a degree then we can move you up from the janitor job"
That's really sad. I would be so upset if I had to end my career so early. BTW how much money was in his contract?
this is sad. ive always rooted for this guy. you get a chance in a life time to play in the nba, but then you have to realize its all over. as sad as we are right now, i just cant imagine how he's feeling. i wish him luck, and maybe he can somehow make another comeback. though its far fetched.
So sad...I would have loved to see this kid reach his potential...I remember Larry Bird always marveling at his shooting ability and his athleticism and quickness for a 7-footer...
Very sad for the guy. And sad for fans too because the guy had the ability to revolutionise the game. 7ft and genuinely capable of playing the 2, just amazing.
