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San Antonio Spurs: Tiago Splitter announces retirement

By Rob Wolkenbrod

SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Tiago Splitter #22 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 27, 2015 at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Tiago Splitter #22 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 27, 2015 at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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On Monday, Tiago Splitter, a member of the San Antonio Spurs’ 2014 championship team, announced his retirement.

After not signing with an NBA team for the 2017-18 season, former San Antonio Spurs center Tiago Splitter, on Monday, announced his retirement on SportTV (h/t FanRag Sports). This ended his seven-year career that started in the 2010-11 season.

The reason for retirement? Health, as Splitter discussed in his SportTV interview:

“I am going to stop playing. It’s a decision I’ve made these past few months,” said Splitter. “It’s not something I want, but the hip injury I’ve been having is more troublesome than we thought. It’s a difficult time because you stop doing something you’ve done a lifetime. I remember being on a basketball court as long as I remember my person. I talked to my family, my wife, everyone, and really, it’s time to hang up the sneakers.”

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The Brazil native dealt with ailments through the final two years of his NBA career. This resulted in just 44 games played across these two campaigns, including just eight for the Philadelphia 76ers in what’s now his final stretch in the Association.

Before this, Spurs traded Splitter to the Atlanta Hawks after the 2014-15 season, with the rights to Giorgos Printezis and a 2017 second-round pick (did not convey) as the return. This was after the Silver and Black signed LaMarcus Aldridge to take over a starting big-man spot. The Hawks then traded the now-33-year-old center and second-round draft picks to the 76ers for Ersan Ilyasova and a second-round selection.

In seven NBA seasons, Splitter played in 355 games and averaged 7.9 points, 5 rebounds and 0.6 blocks per game on 55.5 percent shooting. This was after the Spurs made him the No. 28 overall pick of the 2007 NBA Draft, with a three-year gap before a move to the United States. His biggest accolade was in 2014, as a member of the Spurs’ championship team. He also contributed on the runner-up squad in 2013.

Next: Top 25 players in Spurs history

What will you remember most about Splitter’s Spurs tenure? What might be next for him?

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