In a unique farewell, former NBA player Meyers Leonard has announced his retirement from professional basketball through a country song. The 33-year-old center, who last played for the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2022-23 season, shared the news on Instagram, accompanied by a music video for his original song, “Good in Goodbye.”
Leonard’s announcement reflects on his journey in basketball and life, capturing poignant memories from his career. The video features highlights from his playing days, including his tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he was selected with the 11th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Leonard spent seven seasons with the Blazers, averaging 5.6 points and 3.7 rebounds across 393 regular-season games.
In his Instagram post, Leonard expressed gratitude to his fans, teammates, and coaches for their support throughout his career. He also shared his newfound love for singing and songwriting, which has given him a chance to reflect on everything basketball has given him. Leonard’s song, “Good in Goodbye,” serves as a thank you to the sport, the fans, and everyone who believed in him.
I knew after the Milwaukee season that I couldn’t play basketball anymore.
It was the hardest decision I never had to make—because my body made it for me.
At first, I wasn’t planning to say anything. I figured people would assume as time passed.
But what I’ve come to realize is that while my body told me to hang it up, my heart wasn’t ready.
Learning to sing and songwrite has given me a chance to reflect on everything basketball has given me—and how every goodbye has led to something good.
Leaving my small hometown to play for the University of Illinois led to meeting the love of my life.
Leaving college early for the NBA gave me the opportunity to take care of my entire family.
Leaving Portland for Miami gave me the chance to compete in the Finals and play the best basketball of my career.
And now, leaving the NBA has given me the greatest blessing of all—the chance to be the father I never had, to fall asleep next to my beautiful wife every night, and to spend time with the most important people in my life.
This song is a thank you—to basketball, the fans, my teammates, my family, the organizations, and everyone who believed in a young kid from Robinson, Illinois.
I love and appreciate you more than you’ll ever know. Cheers to the next chapter. 🤠🍻🔨
The Hammer
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Leonard’s career saw both high-flying moments and challenges. His most notable performance came in his final game with the Trail Blazers, where he scored 30 points in a season-ending loss to the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 Western Conference Finals. After being traded to the Miami Heat, Leonard played two seasons in Miami before sitting out a year and making a brief return with the Bucks.
As Leonard transitions to the next chapter of his life, his farewell message and song suggest he is ready to embrace new opportunities beyond basketball.
