Shane Battier to retire at the end of the season

[OtW]

Ethan J. Skolnick ✔ @EthanJSkolnick
Yes. Shane Battier is retiring after season. No more equivocating. "It would take an act of God to change it & that act of God hasn't come."

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2010 ... g-national

Shane Battier Will Retire After This Season Barring an 'Act of God'
By John Dorn , Featured Columnist Mar 28, 2014

When Shane Battier's contract expires following this season, the Miami Heat will need to be on the lookout for a savvy wing player. The 35-year-old announced Friday (via B/R's Ethan Skolnick) that, barring an "act of God," the 2013-14 season will be his final NBA campaign.

Battier's shooting has dipped this season after a hot 2012-13 that helped the Heat bring home their second straight title. After posting a 43 percent clip from long range last season, he's posting just a 33 percent mark this year, and only 20 percent (10-of-50) over his last 20 games. He's averaged just 16 minutes per contest in the month of March.

Battier mentioned the topic of retirement before the season to USA Today's Alex Kennedy:

"I think I have one more year. My contract is up next year, and I'll reassess where I am, but we'll see. It's a good possibility, a good possibility. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it, and everything in this league is negotiable, but at that point I'll be 36 and it may be time to do something else."

The news comes as a disappointment to not only Miami, but likely a number of other clubs who'd have pursued his talents on a cheap deal this summer.

Battier worked as an analyst for ESPN last summer during the NBA Draft, and it wouldn't be crazy to suspect him winding up in front of the camera fairly often once the retirement papers are filed.

He's not quite as valuable to Miami as he was during its last two title runs, but the veteran still delivers the locker room voice and gritty determination often found somewhere on a championship depth chart. Miami will likely find a more viable threat from the arc, but it'll be difficult to replicate Battier's presence off the floor.

Could a Miami three-peat be the "act of God" Battier refers to? Or maybe an offer to reunite with his former Memphis Grizzlies or Houston Rockets? Unlikely, though crazier NBA circumstances certainly have gone down.

[Heat_Fan_87]

thought this was well known

[KingDavid]

All I read was James Ennis is on a one way ticket here.

[Myam333]

All I read was James Ennis is on a one way ticket here.

Yesssiiiirrr

[dr3am]

Even though Battier hasn't had a great season so far I really appreciate what he has done for us. Came to the team in 2011 and automatically made a huge impact. Battier is the ultimate team guy & has risked his body so many times for us, whether it's taking charges or banging with PF's. He was always there when it matters the most (2012 NBA Finals against OKC or Game 7 of the Finals last year dropping 6 3 pointers on the Spurs). I love me some Battier & the funny moments he's brought during his time as a Heat whether it's Battioke or reading about Battier eating at Denny's as a celebration for winning the 2013 championship last year

With all that being said, hopefully he's going to cop his 3rd ring before he hangs it up

[Mars]

"It would take an act of God to change it & that act of God hasn't come."

[twozeroMM]

Gonna miss him. Crazy how in three years he could seem like a life long Heat player.

[puppa bear]

Does a team in need of veteran leadership for young players (ie 76ers, Jazz) paying him $5m for a season of mentoring count as an act of god?

[NBADraft2003]

Shane was a huge addition to this team, really hope he stays and keeps doing Battioke but he'll most likely in my opinion return to Memphis for a front office role.

[RJM]

True. Hopefully Battioke keeps happening down here. I want most of the guys from this recent run to be involved down here, though that truthfully won't be the case for personal reasons. He's been great for us while at his best, but he's on his last legs, no doubt about it. That gives us another roster spot to fill with some young talented legs, and I'm excited about it. Once again, I'm lobbying for Xavier Henry. He would be perfect at the G/F spot for us.




James Ennis is also someone I'm looking forward to seeing down here in the summer and in training camp. I can't wait to see this core surrounded by young, talented athletes to lessen the load on LeBron as the years progress. There's a reason those Lakers in the 80s were able to sustain greatness for ten years. A combination of luck and a revolving door of smart FA acquisitions kept the continuity of the roster stable.

[HeatNation88]

Been following Ennis when he was playing in Austrialia this guy can play he has a lot of talent and Miami should snatch him up and keep him he looks like a key addition once we reload in the off season

[Vertical Limit]

Shane was a huge addition to this team, really hope he stays and keeps doing Battioke but he'll most likely in my opinion return to Memphis for a front office role.

I think he's eyeing the Duke job in five years, most likely becomes an assistant of Coach K after this season and gets groomed.

Anyways I hope he has something left in the tank to contribute in this postseason. Good luck Shane.

[Altered_Beast]

hes gonna go out like gary payton shouldve. old man clutch plays

love shane gonna miss him just as much as miller

[HEAT111]

The Man, The Legend, The Horse?

[RexBoyWonder]

Gotto love Battier, really going to miss his smarts both on and off the court. Sadly I think he feels his body is wearing down to the point where he's not as helpful as he used to be, that's why he'll retire and not stay for another year. Only chance is if he magically turns back time in the playoffs and plays youngish again.

[DefenseWins]

I think most knew this but I appreciate this dude

Well spoken, smart, funny, and overall a great guy

I hope he gets a job with the front office, with player development or something

[420]

Damn, for as much grief as I give him, I'd never thought he would retire after this season. :'(

[LikeABosh]

Ah, going out as a 3peat champion. That's the way to go

[Lord Hades]

I figured as much. He's had a damn good run.

We have to send the Horsetronaut out right. I expect him to still have a few moments of reliability before he hangs em up.

[Vertical Limit]

I don't see Battier taking a front office job when he could make a lot more as a coach in college basketball. You're gonna have to tell me what makes Shane less qualified than a guy like Kevin Ollie or Fred Hoiberg to coach a big program. I think he's just as qualified as them two and just needs to be groomed, but that's just my opinion.

Maybe Marquette should wait after the NBA season.