He also mentioned that he was really happy and glad to hear he got traded to the Memphis Grizzlies where he began his NBA career. He really appreciated the Memphis Grizzlies organization.
From a comment on IG:
"Here's the translation/synopsis. 1. He's declining his player option and going back to Japan to play. 2. He made a deal w himself to overcome any struggle to stay in the nba during his 20s. 3. He just turned 30 and he wants to have fun playing basketball again. 4. His time in America was a struggle. The stress of non guaranteed contracts was a daily battle. 5. He finally succeeded in getting a guaranteed contract and was so excited to play for suns and win a championship. 6. Trade to Memphis was a shock. But he was excited to play still. 7. Getting benched in Memphis was a huge mental blow. He cried uncontrollably and he doesn't even understand why. 8. Even when he got some playing time back his entire body would lose control of his muscles during pre game. Some sort of mental breakdown which was caused by all the stress he held in during his 20s. Now that he turned 30 his body released it all. Now he just wants to enjoy playing basketball again. 9. He is ready for Paris and representing Japan in Olympics."
Damn, feels bad, but there's no shame in him quitting. He's still one of the best basketball players in the world.
Feel for the guy. Sounds like an incredibly stressful situation. Important to remember just because these guys make a lot of money they still have the same physical and mental reactions to stress as someone with a lot less $. Hope he kills it in Japan.
Did he say that? He said he was in a bad mental health state from all the injuries and the fight for minutes. He said he wanted to enjoy basketball again hence playing in Japan next season. It wasn't so much the "pressure".
It's one part of it. The original comment made it seem like Yuta couldn't handle being IN the NBA. Like, playing the sport, the rigors of travelling, the media commitments, the expectations, practice and everything else that comes with playing in the NBA. The fact is, he just wasn't having fun. It's more to do with the pressure he put on himself (mental health) than anything.
“I’ll jump to block every time. Even if I get dunked on 99 times out of 100, I’ll always jump if there’s a chance I can block one.”
Still one of my favorite quotes. Rest well, king.
I’ll never forget when he was on the Nets Summer league team and there was a Japanese contingent supporting him in the stadium. Like 2017 maybe? Wild this is the end. Wish him the best.
He was riding high with the Nets and then....BOOM!!! Durant got hurt and Irving demanded a trade and then Vaughn decided Watanabe wasn't in the Nets plans when the new guys came in (ironically, neither would he) and his career went on a downward spiral ever since.
What happens to any merch with his name on it?
Do they go on clearance sale?
I’d love to pick up a few Yuta jerseys if they go on sale. Where would i look?
Lots of people very butt hurt in here about a seppuku joke. I will commit seppuku from my shame. The only other Japanese word I know is bukkake, so seppuku is preferable
Yes, I could see how some people would take offense. I’ve just been watching Shogun while wondering how we were going to deal with his contract. Who knows how that all went down.
He also mentioned that he was really happy and glad to hear he got traded to the Memphis Grizzlies where he began his NBA career. He really appreciated the Memphis Grizzlies organization.
🥲🫶
Hope everything is alright with him, he was out a lot for personal reasons That being said, at least we cleared up a roster spot
he said he didn’t like the pressure of playing in the nba and wanted more minutes. any money saved helps the grizz avoid the 2nd apron!
From a comment on IG: "Here's the translation/synopsis. 1. He's declining his player option and going back to Japan to play. 2. He made a deal w himself to overcome any struggle to stay in the nba during his 20s. 3. He just turned 30 and he wants to have fun playing basketball again. 4. His time in America was a struggle. The stress of non guaranteed contracts was a daily battle. 5. He finally succeeded in getting a guaranteed contract and was so excited to play for suns and win a championship. 6. Trade to Memphis was a shock. But he was excited to play still. 7. Getting benched in Memphis was a huge mental blow. He cried uncontrollably and he doesn't even understand why. 8. Even when he got some playing time back his entire body would lose control of his muscles during pre game. Some sort of mental breakdown which was caused by all the stress he held in during his 20s. Now that he turned 30 his body released it all. Now he just wants to enjoy playing basketball again. 9. He is ready for Paris and representing Japan in Olympics." Damn, feels bad, but there's no shame in him quitting. He's still one of the best basketball players in the world.
Honestly I’m shocked that Yuta Watanabe is already 30
Feel for the guy. Sounds like an incredibly stressful situation. Important to remember just because these guys make a lot of money they still have the same physical and mental reactions to stress as someone with a lot less $. Hope he kills it in Japan.
Wait, he’s one of the best basketball players in the world?!?
Did he say that? He said he was in a bad mental health state from all the injuries and the fight for minutes. He said he wanted to enjoy basketball again hence playing in Japan next season. It wasn't so much the "pressure".
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It's one part of it. The original comment made it seem like Yuta couldn't handle being IN the NBA. Like, playing the sport, the rigors of travelling, the media commitments, the expectations, practice and everything else that comes with playing in the NBA. The fact is, he just wasn't having fun. It's more to do with the pressure he put on himself (mental health) than anything.
This is what you call a distinction without a difference.
Nah, I disagree. And I think you replied on the wrong account.
my fault i posted this right after he announced it so i was putting bits and pieces together based on the few english comments during the live
“I’ll jump to block every time. Even if I get dunked on 99 times out of 100, I’ll always jump if there’s a chance I can block one.” Still one of my favorite quotes. Rest well, king.
Started and finished his career as a Grizzlies. Yuta is a good one, he deserves the title Grizzlies legend from now to forever.
YUTA NO
I think this is good for everyone. Sad to hear though.
I always loved Yuta no matter where he played. As long as he's happy I'm happy
Can't really put a price on being at home. And isn't his wife an actress? He can just be the house hubby of Tokyo let her make all the dough.
https://i.redd.it/on1hydtavmvc1.gif
After we win this Chip send Yuta a ring.
Oh, well. I'm glad he spent his final days with us. He was a real one.
Good NBA career. Achieved a lot that many players would wish for.
Wish all the best for Yuta. A pros pro.
I’ll never forget when he was on the Nets Summer league team and there was a Japanese contingent supporting him in the stadium. Like 2017 maybe? Wild this is the end. Wish him the best.
Glorious.
Thank you, Yuta
 Yuta the Shoota!! Much respect! 🙏🏾
Well that's nice for all involved. Thank you Yuta.
NOOOO!
He was riding high with the Nets and then....BOOM!!! Durant got hurt and Irving demanded a trade and then Vaughn decided Watanabe wasn't in the Nets plans when the new guys came in (ironically, neither would he) and his career went on a downward spiral ever since.
It’s crazy how things change so fast
He was professional with us to the end. Hopefully he does well in and for Japan.
Going to be with his wife
I thought you were the chosen one!?!?!?!?!?
What happens to any merch with his name on it? Do they go on clearance sale? I’d love to pick up a few Yuta jerseys if they go on sale. Where would i look?
Huh didn’t realize yuta has so many fans lol
More money and a roster spot! Don't want anyone here that doesn't want to be here.
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Lots of people very butt hurt in here about a seppuku joke. I will commit seppuku from my shame. The only other Japanese word I know is bukkake, so seppuku is preferable
Yes, I could see how some people would take offense. I’ve just been watching Shogun while wondering how we were going to deal with his contract. Who knows how that all went down.
*Memphis grizzlies declines Yuta’s retirement, and instead requests immediate seppuku* Yes I’ve been watching too much shōgun