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The Memphis Grizzlies guard had constant injuries

Memphis Grizzlies President of Basketball Operations Jerry West announced today that guard Michael Dickerson and the team have reached an agreement for his retirement due to chronic pain caused by a groin strain and sports hernia injuries. To complete the deal, the Grizzlies will waive Dickerson Monday. The transaction will reduce the Grizzlies camp roster to 15 players.

Dickerson, acquired by the Grizzlies in a three-way trade with the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic on Aug. 27, 1999, ends his career ranked among the top five of career leaders in 12 team categories. Through five NBA seasons and 212 games played, Dickerson averaged 15.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and a field goal shooting percentage of 43.2 percent.

“This is a sad day for me. I am grateful to the entire Grizzlies organization for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout my career and especially the lengthy process to attempt to rehab my injuries,” said Dickerson. “Playing in the NBA allowed this kid born in South Carolina and raised in Seattle to share the court with the greatest players in the game, and I have a lifetime of memories. I want to thank Mr. Heisley, Jerry West, Coach Brown, my teammates and Grizzlies fans worldwide, but especially in Memphis and Vancouver.”

Dickerson participated briefly in the first day for veterans to participate in training camp on Sept. 30. He has not played in any pre-season games this year. Dickerson played in just six games last season and was placed on the injured list twice, missing 44 games from Nov. 8-Feb. 5, and missing 23 more games after being placed on the injured list on Mar. 3 for the remainder of the season. In 2001-02, he played in the teams first four games and averaged 10.8 ppg and 3.0 rpg before suffering another injury that ended his season.

West said “Michael (Dickerson) has been a tremendous team member, and we will miss his contributions to our organization. We really appreciate his hard work and dedication to the team during the last three years in his attempts to return to play with us. He has suffered through two years of injuries, and I am sure that it’s frustrating and difficult for an athlete to endure. Right now, our main concern is Dickerson’s health and his ability to enjoy a quality good life. We wish nothing but the best for he and his family.”

Grizzlies Head Coach Hubie Brown said “Michael will be missed. He is a pro’s pro. He was mentally and physically tough everyday. Michael had to overcome operations, incredible pain and rehabilitation work on a daily basis. This is a difficult decision for Michael, and we will certainly miss him.”