Shawn Marion to Retire After Season: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Cleveland Cavaliers veteran Shawn Marion announced Wednesday that he will retire following the 2014-15 NBA season.

Paul Coro of AZCentral.com reported the news, as Marion cited family time as a big reason why he'll be walking away from the game after what will be 16 seasons in the Association.    

"I wanted to go out on my terms," said Marion. "The biggest thing is having a son. I got attached to him. Seeing him periodically is hard. Watching him grow up on pictures and videos is hard."

Marion also reflected on his time with the Phoenix Suns, who selected him ninth overall in the 1999 NBA draft, and stated that the Suns helped him transform at the apex of his career:

"

I was able to grow as a player and watch the city grow at the same time. I really wish I could've won a title in Phoenix. When you spend that much time with an organization and do what I did there, you feel like it's part of you. The fans there know I came to play and laid it on the line.

It was a special time. Those were special fans in Phoenix. It'll always have a part of me. I'm always going to keep a place there.

"

The 2005-06 campaign in Phoenix had to be Marion's best, as he averaged 21.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and two steals per contest. For a player listed at 6'7" to crash the glass that hard is a testament to how physically gifted Marion was in his prime.

Per Basketball-Reference.com, Marion had 14.6 win shares that season. In that stat category, Marion is ranked 36th all time—one spot behind Scottie Pippen, to provide some context.

ESPN Radio host Chuck Cooperstein weighed in and praised Marion's role in helping Dallas win the 2011 NBA Finals:

Given that Marion's nickname, "The Matrix," stems from a classic science fiction film that hit theaters in the prior millennium, it just goes to show how long the 36-year-old has been successful at the highest level of pro basketball.

The versatility and athleticism Marion brings to the hardwood still allows him to play a considerable role on a Cavaliers team that is counting on him to contribute to a championship push.

No matter what part Marion has in Cleveland's rotation for the rest of the year, he is a key cog on a young squad talented enough to deliver the Larry O'Brien Trophy. A second title would be ideal for Marion to retire with, but the Cavs have a long way to go before such thoughts can be entertained.

When Marion does hang up his jersey for good, fans won't soon forget the four-time All-Star's unorthodox shot, his knack for guarding anyone on the floor and the sheer energy he's brought to the lineup.