Reeves, the affable, yet fragile centre of the Memphis Grizzlies, formally announced the conclusion of his NBA career on Tuesday.
"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."
Reeves, 28, showed plenty of promise when drafted sixth overall in 1995 out of Oklahoma State, where he earned Big-Eight player of the year honours with 21.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game as a senior.
Bryant (Big Country) Reeves is retiring after six NBA seasons.(AP Photo)
The first-ever pick by the expansion Vancouver Grizzlies, Reeves was touted as the cornerstone of the fledgling franchise.
The soft-handed, 7-footer posted respectable numbers with the Grizzlies, averaging 12.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.76 blocked shots and 30.6 minutes in a team record 395 appearances over six seasons.
But injuries limited his effectivness, in particular the degenerative spinal discs which prompted his premature retirement.
"Bryant has been a tremendous player and an exceptional team member and we will certainly miss his contributions to our organization," Grizzlies general manager Billy Knight said. "We really appreciate his hard work and dedication to the team throughout the years.
"Right now, our primary concern is Bryant's health and his ability to enjoy a good quality of life."
Reeves never suited up for the Memphis Grizzlies, having been sidelined since the team relocated to Tennessee over the off-season.
Given the circumstances surrounding Reeves' retirement, the NBA granted Memphis a $4.5 million US salary cap exception to sign free agents or traded players by Thursday.
