Fans revered 2x champion David West, known for his 15-year NBA career, as one of the game’s most thoughtful players. His journey in the league was not just about the stats, but about the wisdom he imparted. However, it was an encounter with Josh Hart that made him confront an uncomfortable reality. In an interview video shared by Jefe Island, West candidly spoke about the moment he knew his time in the NBA was up after he played against Hart.

“I never try to lie to myself about what I was doing,” West revealed during the interview. “A lot of guys hang on, create unnecessary injuries, and deal with them for the rest of their lives. I was never delusional about that.” It was during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 when West, despite his best efforts, found himself unable to move Hart off his spot. “I was trying to do what I usually do, and my body was like, ‘No, not tonight.’ That’s what it was with Josh,” he said.

The narrative surrounding that game became a defining moment. West, weighing 260 pounds, was outmaneuvered by Josh Hart, who is 6-5 and 215 pounds. On X, West recalled, “This little mofo stood me up in the post twice… ‘Time to hang it up, bruh,’ I said to myself in the game.” Hart responded humorously, “Stood a lot of bigs up down there… don’t take it personal OG.” It was a moment of respect and reality.

West had been trying various methods to keep up, including massages before games, but his body was not responding as it once did. “I had nights where I tried everything to get warm, and it just wouldn’t happen,” However, West confessed. “When you can’t move the young guys anymore, it’s time to go.”

The decision to retire wasn’t just about his performance, especially that Hart incident. “I’m thinking about my son, my daughter… I’m not getting ready to be limping for the next 30-35 years,” West reflected. His family played a crucial role in his choice to step away from the game.

When the interviewer inquired about moving from a player to a mentor or a leader, West advised the players, “You got to know when it’s time. I wasn’t going to fight it once it became inevitable.” His honesty and wisdom continue to resonate, offering a blueprint for athletes facing the end of their careers.

How Other NBA Players Hang Their Boots

During a BasketballNews.com Virtual Watch Party for the NBA Finals, David West revealed the moment he knew it was time to retire after he played against Hart. He emphasized, “I would say just wanting to do it. You’ve gotta want to do it. The guys and the ladies [on this call] who played, they know you’ve gotta want to do this.” Transitioning to the struggles of maintaining physical fitness, West acknowledged the inevitable decision to step away gracefully.

Similarly, 2× Big East Defensive Player of the Year and former Washington Wizards forward Etan Thomas, who enjoyed an 11-year NBA career, echoed West’s sentiments. Furthermore, he recalled, “For me, it was just realizing that I can’t do what I used to do.” However, persistent injuries and the arrival of younger, more explosive players influenced his decision. “When you wake up and your body’s hurting all the time,” he explained, “you’ve just gotta be real with yourself.”

Likewise, 6× WNBA All-Star and 3× NCAA champion Chamique Holdsclaw recounted her final moments on the court, facing younger talent like Candace Parker. “It was so fast, and I was just stuck there,” she laughed. Meanwhile, 2× NB champion James Posey remembered rejecting a 10-day contract during the 2011 lockout, choosing to be content with his career achievements. “I was like, ‘You got me all the way messed up,'” Posey stated, deciding to exit professional play with dignity.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.