MEMPHIS, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Memphis Grizzlies center Bryant Reeves, who was the franchise's first-ever draft pick, has retired due to chronic back pain caused by degenerative discs, the team announced Tuesday.
The sixth overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft, Reeves is the Grizzlies all-time leader in games with 395. He averaged 12.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
"As the first-ever draft pick of the Grizzlies, this is a sad day for me," Reeves said. "I am grateful to the entire Grizzlies organization for their support and encouragement throughout my career."
Reeves never got to play a regular-season game in Memphis as the Grizzlies moved after six seasons in Vancouver. He averaged just 2.0 points and 2.5 rebounds in two preseason games before he was placed on the injured list at the end of October.
As a result of Reeves' condition, Memphis was awarded a $4.5 million injury exception to its salary cap by the NBA. The team has until Thursday to pursue free agents or complete trades using the exception.
