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P.J. Brown retired?

Email|Link|Comments (8) Posted by Marc J. Spears, Globe Staff January 1, 2009 01:24 PM

Check out an excerpt from this story from the Times-Picayune in New Orleans written by Jimmy Smith in today's paper about former Celtics forward P.J. Brown calling it quits.

By Jimmy Smith
Times-Picayune

For all those NBA teams - the New Orleans Hornets included - who were hoping for yet another comeback by veteran forward P.J. Brown, there's no good news in the New Year.

Brown said Wednesday he's officially retired.

"My career ended June 17," Brown said of the day he became a world champion when the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2008 NBA title.

Brown had left a voice message to that effect nearly five months ago, on Aug. 7, but would never use the "R" word.

"I want to tell you that, I wanted to let you know that I'm officially announcing my, uh, I wanted to say I'm leaving the game," was the way Brown put it that day, stopping short of using the words 'retirement' or 'retired.' "There's been a question around here. People are asking me every day but I just wanted to let you know that today, I'm officially, uh, uh, my career ends."

Brown laughed Wednesday at his reluctance to utter the word of finality.

"I really don't like using the word 'retire,' " he said. "It's funny hearing me say it. But I feel the same way I felt when I called several months ago. I still feel the same way. I'm officially retired.
"When you've been doing something for 15, 16 years, and you know in your heart it's over, it's a little hard to say that word. Very difficult to say that word."

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8 comments so far...

PJ was money for the C's during their playoff run.

Posted by Jeff January 1, 09 05:25 PM

Thanks PJ...that shot again Cleveland was HUGE!

Posted by maggie January 1, 09 06:22 PM

Good for you - there are far too many athletes who hang around far too long! Go out with the ring and a smile!

Posted by JB Brightman January 1, 09 07:00 PM

There have been many boxers who have retired & then come back. PJ is definitely needed in Boston if they're going to win this year. Other than the Laker's in the Finals, Boston didn't have an easy time in the prior 3 rounds.

Perhaps the Celtics could hire PJ as a mentor & then convince him that the young big guys on the bench don't have the length or the experience to do what PJ did last year. If PJ mentors those young guys, they might be ready next year.

Posted by sdc January 2, 09 05:08 AM

The c's need a tall power forward to back up KG. Powe and Big Baby are great players but don't have the height to stop 7 footers on the way to the hole. PJ filled that role beautifully and added some very important leadership and crunch time plays. PJ will always be one of my favorite players and is a class act in the NBA.

That said, Danny and Doc.. talk PJ out this!! or get some veteran like him to fill the role! And DONT get starbury.. we dont need a downer on the bench and i have faith in Eddie House.

Posted by Lucky January 2, 09 01:10 PM

PJ Brown, I hope you read this. Have you ever thought that maybe it's difficult to say the 'R' word because you know that it's really not over? You were clutch last year, and played a much bigger role than most recall in getting the Celtics to the Finals. We need you back, it became even more apparent on the road trip. Come back to Boston please.

Posted by Chris January 3, 09 01:30 AM

PJ,Why don't you come to greece and play for your first professional team Panionios?We wish you the best!

Posted by panionios January 4, 09 08:10 PM

thanks for the the title,bringing celtics' pride back and for being a c also your great great plays

Posted by michael w. March 23, 09 01:22 AM