Bruno
09-12-2008, 05:29 AM
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-magic1208sep12,0,2155660.story
Orlando Magic forward Pat Garrity retires
Brian Schmitz | Sentinel Staff Writer
September 12, 2008
The Orlando Magic are welcoming a new point guard and saying goodbye to their longest-tenured player.
Forward Pat Garrity, who had been with the Magic longer than any current player on the roster, announced his retirement on Thursday after nine seasons in an Orlando uniform.
Meanwhile, well-traveled veteran Mike Wilks signed as a free agent to be the Magic's third point guard, the Sentinel learned. The club is expected to announce the deal within days.
The 5-foot-10-inch Wilks will add depth behind starter Jameer Nelson and Anthony Johnson. Wilks, 29, signed a one-year deal for $1.04 million.
Garrity's decision was not unexpected, as his playing time had dwindled the last few years.
He became a free agent after last season, and the Magic had no plans to re-sign him.
Garrity, 32, said he actually made his mind up to retire a few months ago, even though the Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs had showed some interest.
"I view it as a happy time. It wasn't really a hard decision," he said from his home Thursday. "Lon [Garrity's agent, Lon Babby] told me to take a month to see if my feelings would change, but that only made me more sure of what I was doing."
Acquired from the Suns in 1999, Garrity finished his career averaging 7.3 points and 2.6 rebounds with the Suns and the Magic.
He posted career highs with 11.1 points and 4.2 rebounds during the 2001-02 season, but injuries would eventually take their toll on Garrity, including a torn ACL in 2003.
Admittedly not a great athlete, Garrity said he lasted longer in the NBA than he expected, largely on the strength of his textbook jump-shot.
"I got more out of it than I ever dreamed as far as financial rewards and the places the NBA has taken me," he said. "For as long as I played, I was never confident I'd have a 10-year career. I got more out of it than I could ever hope for."
Garrity said he will apply at a business school next year and try to earn an MBA. One of the Magic's most active community ambassadors, he said he would like to continue participating in the league's "Basketball Without Borders" program, spreading goodwill and teaching the game in foreign countries.
Orlando Magic forward Pat Garrity retires
Brian Schmitz | Sentinel Staff Writer
September 12, 2008
The Orlando Magic are welcoming a new point guard and saying goodbye to their longest-tenured player.
Forward Pat Garrity, who had been with the Magic longer than any current player on the roster, announced his retirement on Thursday after nine seasons in an Orlando uniform.
Meanwhile, well-traveled veteran Mike Wilks signed as a free agent to be the Magic's third point guard, the Sentinel learned. The club is expected to announce the deal within days.
The 5-foot-10-inch Wilks will add depth behind starter Jameer Nelson and Anthony Johnson. Wilks, 29, signed a one-year deal for $1.04 million.
Garrity's decision was not unexpected, as his playing time had dwindled the last few years.
He became a free agent after last season, and the Magic had no plans to re-sign him.
Garrity, 32, said he actually made his mind up to retire a few months ago, even though the Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs had showed some interest.
"I view it as a happy time. It wasn't really a hard decision," he said from his home Thursday. "Lon [Garrity's agent, Lon Babby] told me to take a month to see if my feelings would change, but that only made me more sure of what I was doing."
Acquired from the Suns in 1999, Garrity finished his career averaging 7.3 points and 2.6 rebounds with the Suns and the Magic.
He posted career highs with 11.1 points and 4.2 rebounds during the 2001-02 season, but injuries would eventually take their toll on Garrity, including a torn ACL in 2003.
Admittedly not a great athlete, Garrity said he lasted longer in the NBA than he expected, largely on the strength of his textbook jump-shot.
"I got more out of it than I ever dreamed as far as financial rewards and the places the NBA has taken me," he said. "For as long as I played, I was never confident I'd have a 10-year career. I got more out of it than I could ever hope for."
Garrity said he will apply at a business school next year and try to earn an MBA. One of the Magic's most active community ambassadors, he said he would like to continue participating in the league's "Basketball Without Borders" program, spreading goodwill and teaching the game in foreign countries.