Warriors Rumors: Darren Collison to Work out for GSW; Last Played for Pacers in 2019

Timothy Rapp @@TRappaRTFeatured Columnist IVAugust 30, 2021

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 17: Darren Collison #2 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter of Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 17, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Veteran guard Darren Collison reportedly will work out for the Golden State Warriors this week, according to Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes.

Collison, 34, last played in the NBA for the Indiana Pacers in the 2018-19 season. He retired after that campaign.

In his last season, Collison averaged 11.2 points, six assists and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 46.7 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from three.

He cited family and religious reasons as the basis for his retirement.

"While I still love basketball, I know there is something more important, which is my family and my faith. I am one of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and my faith means everything to me," he wrote for The Undefeated in June 2019. "I receive so much joy from volunteering to help others and participate in a worldwide ministry. The joy I feel is unmatched."

There have been rumors of Collison's potential return to the NBA since his retirement. In early 2020 a number of teams reportedly courted Collison, including the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers.

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Story filed to ESPN: After a stunning retirement prior to free agency, veteran guard Darren Collison is considering a February return to the NBA – with the Lakers and Clippers emerging as his two preferred destinations.

But Collison ultimately stuck with retirement.

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As for a potential fit with the Warriors, Collision would give the team a much-needed veteran guard off the bench behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The Dubs could use another reserve ball-handler, and while Collison has been out of the league for two years, the playmaking, shooting and defense he displayed during his career could make him an excellent depth piece for a number of contending teams.