Damion Lee Announces NBA Retirement: The Journey of a Champion Sharpshooter

After 15 years of dedication, sweat, and perseverance, Damion Lee has officially announced his retirement from the NBA. In an emotional Instagram post shared on May 12, the veteran guard bid farewell to the game that defined his adult life, expressing deep gratitude toward the coaches, teammates, and staff who supported him throughout his professional journey.

“This game has meant everything to me, so much that I put my body through the wringer… but that time has come to an end,” Lee shared, marking the end of a resilient career that saw him rise from the G League to the pinnacle of professional basketball.

A Championship Legacy and Career Highlights

Damion Lee is perhaps best remembered for his pivotal role with the Golden State Warriors, where he helped the team secure the NBA Championship in 2022. Known for his reliability and precision from beyond the arc, Lee provided crucial depth for the Warriors during their championship run.

His career was marked by several impressive milestones across different franchises:

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• Golden State Warriors: Reached his career peak in 2019-20, averaging 12.7 points and 2.7 assists per game while starting 36 games.
• Phoenix Suns: Demonstrated elite shooting skills in the 2022-23 season, ranking third in the entire NBA in three-point percentage (.445).
• Atlanta Hawks: The place where his NBA dream officially began in 2018.

Overcoming Adversity: From the G League to the Big Stage

Lee’s path to the NBA was not an overnight success. His journey is a testament to hard work, beginning with the Maine Red Claws in the NBA G League during the 2016-17 season. Before turning pro, he honed his skills at Drexel University and later at the University of Louisville, where he earned an All-ACC Second Team selection in 2015-16.

Despite facing significant physical challenges—including a rare and grueling double posterior root repair of his meniscus—Lee’s tenacity never wavered until his body finally signaled it was time to step away.

Family Ties and a New Chapter

Beyond the court, Damion Lee is well-known for his close ties to one of basketball’s most legendary families. He is the brother-in-law of NBA superstars Stephen and Seth Curry, and is married to Sydel Curry, daughter of former NBA guard Dell Curry.

In his retirement announcement, Lee highlighted that his family was his primary motivation: “To my wife and kids, thank you for always being there and continuing to be my why and reason… On to the next chapter.”

For more detailed statistics on his career, you can visit Basketball-Reference, which catalogs his 315-game NBA journey.