The Associated Press is reporting the retirement of Bryant "Big Country" Reeves of the Memphis Grizzlies due to excruciating back pain from several degenerative spinal discs.  Stories out of Memphis lately have been that Reeves can't even pick-up his toddlers or sit for any length of time.

Reeves was one of those players that never seemed to realize his potential in the league despite being picked number six in the draft.  Many fans mocked him for a body that was obviously never meant to be subjected to the rigors of the NBA, his somewhat hickish demeanor and a large contract that he was given the same year that Kevin Garnett broke the bank.

Despite what some supposedly-knowledgeable people think, Reeves was an excellent student of the game and when his offensive skills left him, he became a consumate team player and top-notch help defender.  In his heyday, he gave fans in Vancouver many memorable moments, including several 30+ point nights where he carried a miserable franchise to some of its biggest wins.

His parting words were typically classy: "I am grateful to the entire Grizzlies organization for their support and encouragement throughout my career," Reeves said. "Playing in the NBA allowed this small-town country boy from Gans, Okla., to share the court with the greatest players in the game."

Good on you, Bryant.  Here's hoping your back gets better so you can enjoy the rest of your life.