Shaun Livingston announces retirement from NBA

Veteran guard Shaun Livingston announced his retirement from the NBA following 15 years in the league.

The 34-year-old was a free agent after being waived by the Golden State Warriors this offseason.

"I’m excited, sad, fortunate, and grateful all in one breath," Livingston wrote. "Hard to put into a caption all of the emotions it takes to try and accomplish your dreams."

Warriors coach Steve Kerr paid tribute to Livingston on Friday night.

Livingston spent the last five seasons with the Warriors, playing a key role in their three NBA title runs.

The fourth overall selection in the 2004 draft averaged just 5.4 points on 52% shooting across 367 appearances for Golden State. However, his ability to guard multiple positions gave head coach Steve Kerr plenty of defensive flexibility.

Livingston had been contemplating retirement this past campaign, and his playing time and scoring were down from previous seasons.

The Illinois native had a promising start to his NBA career with the Los Angeles Clippers but suffered a horrific knee injury - tearing his ACL, MCL, PCL, and lateral meniscus - midway through his third season in the Association.

Livingston missed the entire 2007-08 campaign and bounced around the league for several years as he struggled to remain healthy. He eventually found a home with the Warriors in the 2014-15 season.

"I wasn’t supposed to be here," Livingston wrote. "Anybody that has beat the odds understands the mental and emotional strain it takes to inspire yourself on an uphill war, let alone inspire others.

"The injury gave me a chance to find and prove to myself (and the world) that I wouldn’t be defined by my circumstances."