Tyrell Terry Announces NBA Retirement, Focuses on Mental Health

Written By Berson Eliancy

How important is your mental health? Would you be willing to divorce your dreams and aspirations if your mental health proved to be disruptive throughout your daily routine?

These were questions that Tyrell Terry, former Stanford University men’s basketball player and 2020 Dallas Mavericks 2nd round draft pick encountered as he found himself present in both the space and role that he devoted his entire life to, the NBA.

The Minneapolis native was branded as a promising player to watch, receiving various accolades such as being named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team, shattering the NBA’s IQ test record administered by the league and being selected 31st overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2020 NBA Draft. He spent one season with the Mavericks, appearing in 11 games before being waived by the team. After his run with the Mavericks, he was assigned to the Memphis Hustle, a G League affiliate of the Grizzlies.

On December 15th, 2022, Terry announced his retirement from the game he grew to love on his Instagram page and attributed his major decision to the negative impact being in the league had on his mental health. Terry described the anxiety the game brought him as a “rock that would sit on my chest that seemed to weigh more than I could carry”. He appreciates the people who have supported him along the way while admitting that the game of basketball has become something he’s “fallen out of love with”.

Terry acknowledged the potential backlash and name calling he might receive from fans as a result of his decision to prioritize his mental health and well-being, but stands firm with his decision with hopes of finding genuine happiness and self-love.

The NBA’s Mind Health Initiative, established in 2018 is one of many mental health programs produced by the league to promote the importance of mental health to its community of players, coaches and fans. Many other major professional leagues have also created similar wellness programs to destigmatize the conversation around seeking mental health support in sports. As the world of sports continues to push forward and plant seeds to help the next generation blossom in the sport psychology space, will we see similar announcements in the future?