The last representatives of the golden generation of Spanish basketball are leaving the scene. While Rudy Fernandez announced his intention to retire after the Paris Olympics, Sergio Rodriguez announces its own today.
After twenty years of career, the playmaker considers, in an Instagram postthat ” the day has come “. “ This season, in which we won the ACB League title, the Cup and the Super Cup, is the perfect time to say goodbye. I always dreamed of retiring physically healthy and winning my last match, and life gave me this gift », he displays.
This season, the 38-year-old averaged around 4 points and 4 assists with Real Madrid, his favorite club. “ Ending my career at Real Madrid is a dream come true, and even more so after winning five titles in the last two seasons, including the historic EuroLeague triumph (2023) in Kaunas », continues the veteran who says he achieved his “ childhood dreams “.
Sergio Rodriguez recalls starting his career in 2003 with Adecco Estudiantes when he was still only 17 years old. First three seasons of training with being spotted by American recruiters. In 2006, he was drafted by the Suns at 27th place.
A return to the NBA with the Sixers
Recovered immediately by the Blazers, he played three full seasons in Portland, rotating with Steve Blake who then accompanied Brandon Roy in the five. After a season between the Kings and the Knicks, Sergio Rodriguez returned to the Spanish championship, Real Madrid in this case, for six years.
And this, before a very last experience across the Atlantic with the Sixers this time. His most accomplished exercise (2016-2017) in the NBA on a personal level since, more regularly as a starter, he will average nearly 8 points and 5 assists. The 2014 EuroLeague MVP subsequently returned to the Old Continent with several seasons at CSKA Moscow, then at Olimpia Milan.
“ Furthermore, I had the privilege of representing my country on the Spanish national team and winning seven medals », Adds Sergio Rodriguez who announced his international career in 2021. He was notably part of the team which won the 2006 World Cup and the 2015 European Championship.