Sanders did not have a strong group of people to support him, both in his professional career and personal life. He explains, “You are essentially left to fend for yourself, facing challenges from all sides. It can leave you feeling exposed and vulnerable, almost like you are being set up or trapped. I felt incredibly isolated and struggled to open up about my struggles. In 2012, it was not common for people to talk about their anxiety or depression, except for maybe Delonte West, who was often ostracized by others.”
Sanders shares with the Guardian that he experienced cramps throughout his entire body, from his ears to his toes.th pick
Sanders played on a successful college team, winning 75 games and losing only 27 in three years. In his third year, he chose to join the professional league and was drafted by Milwaukee as the 15th overall pick.th
If he had not left college, he would have joined the VCU basketball team under the guidance of coach Shaka Smart, who led the team to the Final Four. However, he was still eager to start his NBA career. He admitted that he had put in a lot of work in practicing his jump shots and was looking forward to getting paid for it. Despite feeling grateful for the opportunity, his experience in the NBA fell short of his expectations. He explained that it was both a blessing and a burden, as it came with its own set of challenges. Coming from a humble background, he suddenly had everything, but those around him who were supposed to guide him ended up relying on him instead. He felt overwhelmed by these new responsibilities at such a young age.
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On the eve of Christmas in 2014, Larry Sanders – the highly talented center for the Milwaukee Bucks – came to the realization that it was the end. This realization came after his team suffered a defeat of seven points against the average Charlotte Hornets squad and their stern new coach, Jason Kidd, was livid. The Milwaukee squad, who were maintaining a record around .500, were supposed to have the day off for the holiday to spend time with their loved ones. However, Kidd changed the plans and ordered them to practice as a form of punishment. The players had to cancel their flights and inform their families of the changed plans which was an unwelcome task for them. During the practice on Christmas Eve, Sanders gave it his all but he also expressed his displeasure by confronting Kidd. Later, when he was the only one left in the locker room, his body began to deteriorate.
After taking a two-year break from the NBA, Sanders attempted a return to the league. He worked out for multiple teams and eventually signed a contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2016-2017 season, joining stars LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. However, in order to continue playing for the team, he had to undergo a rehabilitation stint and the team was also dealing with internal issues at the time. After just a few games, he was released from the team. Although he was still in his prime and in his 20s, his decision to leave the NBA received a lot of criticism. However, Sanders chooses not to dwell on these negative comments. His belief is that if someone will not be present at his funeral, their opinion does not matter. As he puts it, “One moment you are seen as larger than life and the next, you are viewed as insignificant.”th and 12th grade (
During high school, he finally developed a strong interest in the sport of basketball. By the time he reached 10th grade, he was already 6 feet 6 inches tall, but still had a lot to learn. In his first game, he accidentally scored on his own basket. However, as he began to watch professional players more closely, he became inspired by his idol Tracy McGrady, who played for the nearby Orlando Magic. He even imitated McGrady’s style by wearing arm bands. With practice, he eventually mastered double-digit blocks. In his 11th and 12th year of high school, his skills continued to improve.th and 12th
During his high school years, his team was extremely successful in their region. Once he reached senior year, he joined AAU and even traveled to Las Vegas for competitions. It was during this time that he formed strong connections with fellow players, some of whom ended up attending the same college as him, VCU.
Sanders was delivered into this world on the 21st of November in the year 1988, in Fort Pierce, Florida. He spent his childhood in an area rife with violence – gangs were present on almost every street. During this time, his parents went their separate ways and struggled with untreated mental health problems. Sanders reflects, “They carried so much hurt and trauma. They were prone to aggression without recognizing the benefits of therapy and meditation.”
When he was younger, Sanders had a passion for drawing and found it to be a form of escape. He dreamed of becoming a comic book illustrator and working for Disney. He also had a fascination with the ocean and was awarded a grant to study oceanography, even getting the opportunity to ride in submarines. Despite his height, he did not have a particular interest in basketball. However, basketball ended up being the thing that saved him.
At the height of his career, Sanders, who is currently a member of the NBA Retired Players Association, was widely recognized as one of the top defensive players in the league. He prided himself on shutting down his idols and other players in the key. “I was their worst fear,” he recalls. “I felt like, ‘I truly excel at this sport. It’s a perfect fit for me!'”
In his second year playing professional basketball, Sanders tried marijuana for the first time after being offered it by his teammates. He found that the drug had beneficial effects, similar to those of medication. However, due to the league’s drug testing policy, he faced suspensions, had to attend rehabilitation programs, and was isolated from his team. It is worth noting that the NBA no longer tests players for marijuana.
He stated that he always carried a ball with him wherever he went. It was like his ticket, ensuring that he could just go and play basketball at the court. If he didn’t have the ball, he would have faced constant scrutiny and possibly even needed to join a gang for protection. Despite this, he didn’t even end up playing.
It was difficult to leave that situation. However, even though everything isn’t always ideal, Sanders remains thankful. He also continues to have a passion for creativity, owning a production and publishing company. He is currently working on a memoir, children’s books, a movie script, organizing camps, creating music, and has a foundation and cannabis business. He also spends summers playing in the Big3 league. Sanders also maintains connections with other athletes who struggle with mental health.
On his second occurrence of a stress reaction during his young career, Sanders was forced to swiftly seek medical attention. He spent Christmas Eve and Christmas hospitalized, and did not return to the Bucks practice facility despite signing a lucrative four-year contract extension the previous year. Sanders explains, “Physically and mentally, I just couldn’t bring myself to go back there. I had a mental block that prevented me from even getting in the car.” Despite previously excelling on the court with an impressive double-double and shot-blocking record, the 6ft 11in center found himself unable to play the game for the next two years. He did not touch a basketball, not even for a shot or a dribble.
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Sanders is content with his decision to publicly distance himself from the game, as it has sparked important discussions among others. He explains that as a parent to potentially future NBA players, it is crucial for the league to prioritize mental health. Despite his love for the game, he realized he did not have the necessary support and resources while playing. He notes that his body and mind are at an elite level, but his surroundings and environment did not align with that.
Upon making the decision to walk, he was responsible for two children and understood the importance of being in the right mindset for their well-being. He later sought treatment at a different rehab facility, which was not selected by the NBA specifically for marijuana use. Despite this, he still formed meaningful connections with patients who were battling addictions to heroin and other drugs. This particular facility focused on therapy and emotional wellness. It has been the only facility he has been to since then.
Sanders explains that growing up in the projects meant there were certain areas he couldn’t visit due to gang rivalries. However, he discovered that by riding his bike with a basketball to visit family, he was able to avoid any confrontations. Gangs tend to have a level of respect for those who participate in sports and actively try to leave the neighborhood.
“Was I naturally drawn towards taking medication or turning to alcohol?” he questioned, contemplating options that wouldn’t be easily identified. Not only that, but his once active creativity had now come to a halt. He felt stuck. “I craved support, I just wanted someone to listen. But there was nothing in the materials that addressed what I was going through at the time.” Sanders was one of the pioneers in discussing mental health, though now, due to others like DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Love, it is a much more openly discussed topic. However, when you are the first to do something, you are often subject to harsh judgement. “I knew I couldn’t have been the first one dealing with mental health issues,” he recalls. “But I was the first one to speak out about it.”after newsletter promotion
Sanders states that the reason for their intense effort is because they want their journey to be a success. They want to serve as an example to young people, showing them that they made the correct decision and that there are endless possibilities for success without giving in. They believe that the key to achieving this is by living and seizing the present moment.
