BREAKING: Adelaide star's shock retirement

Adelaide 36ers star Isaac Humphries has shocked the NBL community, announcing his retirement on Tuesday.

The former Sixers co-captain informed his teammates of the decision prior to Tuesday’s training, citing a persistent knee injury which has plagued him for a number of years.

The 28-year-old played 173 games across eight NBL seasons, averaging 11.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1 assist and 1.5 blocks per game, during stints with Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne.

“Sometimes life deals you cards that tell your story for you,” Humphries said via his Instagram page.

“Due to my continued knee injury, I’ve had to make the incredibly difficult decision to retire.

“I’ll miss my teammates, the laughs, the trenches. I’ll miss the fans, the noise and the feelings of having an entire community behind you.

“I gave so much of my life to this sport, and it gave me a life I could never have imagined right back.

“There is so much more to say, but for now, just thank you.”

The NSW product enjoyed a strong junior hoops career before spending two seasons in the United States at the University of Kentucky.

After turning pro, he debuted in the NBL with the Kings (where he was named 2017-18 Rookie of the Year), before returning to the US for NBA stints with the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic.

He then returned to Australia and played two seasons with Adelaide and one with Melbourne United.

After that one campaign in Melbourne, Humphries returned to Adelaide and was in his fourth season with the franchise.

Most notably, Humphries, who played 124 games for the Sixers, was crowned the Mark Davis Trophy winner as the club’s NBL24 MVP after averaging a career-best 15.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

Humphries, who helped the club reach the NBL26 Championship Series, has also represented the Australian Boomers on numerous occasions.

36ers Executive Chairman Grant Kelley paid tribute to Humphries for his contribution to the club and to Australian basketball.

“Isaac has been an outstanding ambassador for the Adelaide 36ers and for basketball in this country,” Kelley said.

“I have long admired Isaac’s personal and professional courage and the way he has carried himself across his 124 games for our club.

“Beyond his impact on the court, Isaac has used his platform to advocate strongly for LGBTQI+ rights and mental health awareness, making a meaningful difference in the wider community.

“As our NBL24 Mark Davis Trophy winner and a co-captain in NBL26, he has led by example and represented our club with great distinction.

“We thank Isaac for his contribution and wish him every success in retirement.”

Humphries will now transition into a non-playing role at the 36ers, working with the community, marketing and commercial teams.