Joel Przybilla, who spent eight seasons with the Trail Blazers, retired from basketball on Sunday according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The decision came after sitting out the entire 2013-14 season.
The 7' 1" center was a fan favorite in Portland for his defense, hard work and dependability. Affectionately known as "The Thrilla" or "Vanilla Gorilla", Przybilla set the Trail Blazers all-time record for rebounds in a regulation game (26) at the Los Angeles Clippers on March 22, 2008. He also shares the franchise record for most blocked shots in a game (9), set at Seattle on April 2, 2006. In each of his first two seasons in Portland (2004-05, 2005-06), Przybilla ranked seventh in the NBA in blocks per game.
The 13-year NBA veteran currently sits fourth all-time on the Trail Blazers' blocked shot list (623). His favorite movie is The Big Lebowski.
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