Have you feared not being the same person after a major life setback? Damion Lee feared that too. But what he did not lack was self-belief. He continued pushing himself season after season until that one dreadful 2023 injury, from which he arguably never recovered. One broken hand, one postseason ban, two torn ACLs, two years in the G-League, one NBA Championship, and a double meniscus tear later, he has decided to call it a day on his professional career.

Lee’s biggest motivator was his mother. In fact, he decided to wear No. 0 during his early basketball days because no one but her believed in him. The former Golden State Warriors star, though, knew how to keep going and make a strong comeback, given his injury-prone nature. Years later, he also did not get too boastful after seeing some college and NBA success. Lee once mentioned that the best life advice that he received was, “Stay humble. As quick as you rise is as quick as you can fall.” And after overcoming some of his biggest hurdles, he made sure to shed light on that unseen part of his career in his retirement message.

In a post titled “A Story of Adversity and Comebacks,” Lee penned, “What wasn’t shown in these clips were all the injuries, the surgeries, hours on hours of rehab, tough days, and convincing my body that chasing the dream is worth the pain that comes with. But what you do see is hope, belief and determination in full action! Me always betting on myself when many didn’t. Knowing that if there is a will, there is a way and you are capable of doing anything in this world.”

“I appreciate all of my coaches, teammates, athletic trainers, co-workers that I’ve came across in my career,” Lee continued. “I hope that I was able to make a positive impact on your lives as you have on mine! This game has meant everything to me, so much that I put my body through the wringer over the course of the last 15 years…but that time has come to an end. I am grateful for this body that has helped me make so many of my dreams come true despite all that is has been through.” The 2022 NBA Champion was humble enough to reveal that making it in the biggest hoops league was something he never ever expected.

“The dream was never the NBA, I thought it was so far-fetched but God had His own plans for me that was beyond my dreams and I am thankful,” Stephen Curry’s brother-in-law wrote. “Lastly, I want to thank my family. My mother who believed in me before I ever did. Who was with me through every single up and down. I can never thank you enough. To my wife and kids, thank you for always being there and continuing to be my why and reason when I thought there wasn’t one. I love yall more than anything. On to the next chapter.🫡” Steph, speechless after reading this writeup, simply added “🙌🏽” in the comments.

The final nail in the coffin was when Lee suffered a rare and severe double posterior root meniscus tear in his right knee during a pre-training camp workout in October 2023. Even though he did not spend much time in Phoenix, Lee became a Suns fan favorite. He was one of the best shooters in the league in his first season with the team in 2022-23, averaging 8.2 points while shooting 44.5% from deep across 74 games. After regaining most of his fitness, Lee did not return to the NBA; instead, he found a vacancy with the Israeli team Ironi Ness Ziona for the 2025–26 season. But by December, both parties mutually parted ways.

It wasn’t just this one final major injury. Lee was plagued by injuries very early on in his hoops career. His first major setback came in his third college year at Drexel when he suffered a torn ACL against Arizona. It caused him to sit out the entire season, and he ended up redshirting his junior year. He also suffered a fracture in his right hand during his tenure with the Dragons. Still, when he transferred out, ESPN considered him the top transfer in college basketball.

After spending his final year in Louisville, Lee went undrafted in the 2016 draft, subsequently joining the Miami Heat for the Summer League. He then found a spot with the Maine Red Claws, an affiliate of the Celtics in the G League. Bad luck hit again after he tore the ACL in his left knee only 16 games into his pro career. Lee kept hustling, and after a short stint in Atlanta, he landed a two-way deal in the Bay Area. Injuries followed him there as well, but all his hard work paid off when he won the 2022 Finals with the Warriors. Stephen Curry then handed him the championship ring and stood with him as the crowd applauded.

One of the most memorable moments of Lee’s career came in 2020, when the Warriors trailed the Bulls 128-126. He inbounded the ball to center Kevon Looney at the top of the arch. Looney handed the ball back to Lee, who took a dribble before draining a contested game-winning 3-pointer to give Golden State a one-point lead. Curry at the time dropped a special note for his brother-in-law after the matchup, saying, “Big time message @dami0nlee….always stay ready. Your opportunity is coming! That’s 1 for #dubnation.”

The Warriors haven’t forgotten Lee’s contributions, and the team’s handle posted a heartwarming message after his retirement. “Forever a champion in the Bay. @dami0nlee, who suited up for the Dubs from 2018 to 2022, announced today that he is retiring from professional basketball. Wishing him all the best in his next chapter.” Cameron Brink, Steph’s god-sister and the host of “Straight to Cam” with Sydel Curry-Lee, also dropped an encouraging message.

“So proud of you🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻” Brink wrote with other family members and fellow basketball star celebrating his career. Lee’s wife (Steph’s sister) got emotional and backed her husband’s decision. “So proud of you honey. Truly. You are and will continue to be an inspiration to me. I am soooo excited for your next journey because it will be your best one next!! Love you!!!! This was emotional, just like it was emotional for her to see her husband leave for Israel.” Sydel had initially called that move “hardest see you later.”

WNBA star Sophie Cunningham also commented, “congrats big homie!! enjoy the next step of life ✨you’re gonna kill it.” Austin Rivers, who is related to the Curry family, wrote, “🙌”. His sister, Callie Rivers, is married to Seth, and Steph was the best man in their wedding.

Another veteran, Danny Green, who played in the NBA for 15 seasons, wrote, “Congrats my guy!!! One helluva journey!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽”. Cleveland Cavaliers talisman Donovan Mitchell joined the emotional bandwagon, posting, “Proud of you bro!!! Appreciate you always my guy🫡🙏🏾.” It is safe to say that Lee’s retirement post has been immensely showered with love on social media, with it now close to 20,000 views and 600 comments from the fanbase.

All the best, Damion!