"Darkest Times Of My Life": 2020 Draft Pick Retires, Telling Tragic Story

In a sad and shocking revelation, the first pick of the 2020 NBA Draft's second-round, 22-year-old Tyrell Terry, has announced his retirement due to mental health problems he associates with the game of basketball.

Tyrell Terry, Mavs’ No. 31 overall draft pick in 2020, just announced his retirement from basketball, citing “the darkest times of my life” and “the anxiety this sport has caused me.” pic.twitter.com/1Spw5iGQ9y

— Callie Caplan (@CallieCaplan) December 15, 2022

“Today I decided to let go of the game that has formed a large part of my identity," wrote Terry. "Something that has guided my path since I took my first steps.

"While I have achieved amazing accomplishments, created unforgettable memories, and made lifelong friends … I’ve also experienced the darkest times of my life. To the point where instead of building me up, it began to destroy me.

"I began to despise and question the value of myself, much more than those surrounding me could ever see or know."

He was chosen by the Dallas Mavericks with the first pick (31st overall) of the second round in 2020, and his reaction to watching the selection was emotional.

Here’s the moment that the @dallasmavs made @tyterry05’s dreams come true. #GoStanford pic.twitter.com/j8A1QvCVTz

— Stanford Men's Basketball (@StanfordMBB) November 19, 2020

Terry got into 11 games in his rookie season with the Mavericks in 2020-21, but only played about five minutes per game. He missed some time due to “personal reasons,” before he was waived.

He played three minutes across two games for the Memphis Grizzlies this past season, and spent time in the G League as well.

He sums up by saying that he's "headed down a different path now, one that will hopefully lead to happiness and being able to truly love myself again."

We wish Tyrell well. 

Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports