Veteran forward/center Jan Vesely has announced that he intends to retire later this year (Instagram link). Vesely, who is playing for FC Barcelona, said he’ll call it a career when the Liga ACB season comes to an end.
“After many unforgettable years, the time has come to close the chapter of my basketball journey,” Vesely wrote on social media. “From Belgrade to Istanbul and to Barcelona I was privileged with countless battles, outstanding teammates, coaches, most loyal fans, many victories and tough losses, a whirlwind of emotions and a collection of memories that will stay with me forever. I gave everything I had to this game, and it gave me even more in return. I leave with gratitude and pride.
“We still have two more months to fight in the ACB League, and my full focus remains there until the very last game. And as of September, see you from the stands!”
A 6’11” Czech big man, Vesely was the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft after playing for KK Partizan in Serbia from 2008-11. However, he spent just three seasons in the NBA with the Wizards and Nuggets, averaging 3.6 points and 3.5 rebounds in 15.2 minutes per game across 162 total appearances (25 starts).
Vesely headed back overseas in 2014 and spent the next eight seasons with Fenerbahce in Turkey before joining Barcelona in 2022.
Although his NBA stint didn’t go as he or the Wizards had hoped, Vesely enjoyed a long and successful career in Europe, making the All-EuroLeague first team in 2016, 2018, and 2019 and earning EuroLeague MVP honors in 2019. He also won a EuroLeague championship with Fenerbahce in 2017 and has claimed four titles in the Turkish Super League and one in Liga ACB.
Vesely, who turned 36 last month, ranks among the EuroLeague’s all-time leaders in several statistical categories, including games played, minutes, points, rebounds, steals, and blocks. Additionally, he represented the Czech Republic at multiple international competitions, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Barcelona has a 21-9 record in ACB play and is battling with UCAM Murcia (22-8), Valencia (21-9), and Baskonia (21-9) for the No. 2 seed behind Real Madrid. There are four games left in the regular season, with the playoffs set to take place in June.
Who????
The answer to your question is to read the article. He has been a major factor in top-level European basketball for many years since leaving the NBA.
Never forget that draft night smooch
A shame that he didn’t work out for my wizards but he made a pretty good career across the pond
Good for him. Just because it didn’t work out in the NBA doesn’t mean u can’t have a good career overseas making good money.