In a shocking announcement that has left basketball fans worldwide in awe, Ognjen Kuzmic, the former Golden State Warriors second-round pick and NBA champion, has officially retired at the age of 35. The Serbian center, who carved out a remarkable career both in the NBA and overseas, bid farewell to the sport on Tuesday, as confirmed by his former club, Crvena Zvezda.
Kuzmic’s journey to basketball stardom was anything but conventional. Selected 52nd overall by the Warriors in the 2012 NBA Draft, the 7-foot big man spent his early years dominating European courts with various clubs before earning his shot at the NBA. His raw talent and relentless work ethic caught the attention of Golden State, a franchise on the cusp of building a dynasty.
While Kuzmic split time between the Warriors and their D-League (now G-League) affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, he made every moment count. In 2015, he showcased his defensive prowess, earning a spot on the D-League All-Defensive Third Team and helping Santa Cruz secure a championship title. But that was just the beginning of an unforgettable year for the Serbian star.
That same season, Kuzmic etched his name into NBA history as a member of the Golden State Warriors’ championship squad. Led by the electrifying Stephen Curry, the Warriors toppled the injury-plagued Cleveland Cavaliers to claim their first NBA title since 1976. For Kuzmic, the ring was more than a trophy—it was a testament to his perseverance and ability to seize every opportunity, no matter how small.
Though his NBA stats were modest—averaging 0.9 points and 1.0 rebounds across 37 games with a 52.0% field goal percentage—Kuzmic’s impact went beyond the box score. His hustle, defensive tenacity, and team-first mentality made him a valuable asset during Golden State’s historic run.
After his time with the Warriors, Kuzmic returned to Europe, where he continued to shine. He suited up for powerhouse clubs like Panathinaikos (Greece), Crvena Zvezda (Serbia), and FMP (Serbia), cementing his legacy as a formidable force on the international stage. However, a devastating injury in February while playing for FMP cut his final season short, ultimately leading to his decision to retire.
At 35, Kuzmic walks away from the game with no regrets. From a late draft pick to an NBA champion, his career is a story of grit, determination, and triumph against the odds. While his time in the spotlight may have been brief, Kuzmic will forever hold the bragging rights of being part of the Warriors’ 2015 championship glory.