Channing Frye missed the entire 2012-13 season due to an enlarged heart. It seemed his career could be finished at age 29.
Instead, he returned and has played six more seasons. This one might be his last.
After the Cavaliers beat the Knicks last night, Frye – who was drafted No. 8 overall by New York in 2005 – posted to Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bud-3TGA_rQ/
That sure sounds like someone who’ll retire after the season.
Frye was up-and-down with the Knicks and Trail Blazers then found his groove as a stretch big with the Suns before every team had a stretch big. He was quietly solid with the Magic then got traded to the Cavaliers in 2016.
In Cleveland, Frye joined a star-studded team – featuring LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love – but a team with chemistry issues. Frye’s open communication and friendliness helped the Cavs connect, and they won the title that year. Frye deserves plenty of credit for his contributions.
The 35-year-old Frye is back with the Cavaliers and playing a limited role. At this stage, he’s too much of a defensive liability to do more on a winning team. This is probably it for him, as he’s clearly acknowledging.
After he retires, Frye could have a bright future in media, much like his recently retired podcast co-host, Richard Jefferson.
