Adelaide 36ers star and former co-captain Isaac Humphries has announced his retirement from professional basketball at just 28 years old, with a persistent knee injury bringing his playing career to an emotional end.
The popular centre informed his teammates of the difficult decision on Tuesday morning, October 20, after several years battling knee problems that have prevented him from taking the court this season.
While his retirement marks the end of an impressive career spanning the NBL, NBA and Australian national team, Humphries will remain with the Adelaide 36ers in a new off-court role.
In an emotional farewell, Humphries reflected on the sport that had shaped much of his life.
“Sometimes life deals you cards that tell your story for you,” he said.
“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.”
Humphries played 173 NBL games across eight seasons, averaging 11.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.
The 211cm centre began his professional Australian career with the Sydney Kings, earning the NBL Rookie of the Year award in the 2017–18 season. Before that, he spent two years playing college basketball with the University of Kentucky Wildcats.
His career also took him to the United States, including an NBA stint with the Atlanta Hawks, before returning to Australia for periods with Melbourne United and Adelaide.
It was with the 36ers that Humphries established himself as a fan favourite, playing 124 games across two stints with the club.
His standout NBL24 season saw him claim the Mark Davis Trophy as Adelaide’s Most Valuable Player after averaging a career-best 15.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
He was subsequently appointed co-captain for NBL26, recognising his leadership and contribution to the club.
Beyond his basketball achievements, Humphries became an influential figure in Australian sport when he publicly came out as gay in 2022, becoming the first openly gay male player in the NBL. He has since used his profile to advocate for LGBTQI+ inclusion and mental health awareness.
Adelaide 36ers Executive Chairman Grant Kelley praised Humphries’ achievements and the contribution he has made to the wider community.
“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.”
Humphries’ connection to Adelaide will continue, with the 36ers confirming he has accepted a non-playing position working across the club’s community, marketing and commercial teams.
While supporters will no longer see him representing the Sixers on court, his involvement with the organisation will continue into the next chapter of his career.
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