Some anxiety is a part of life, but anxiety disorders can interfere with your daily functioning. Anxiety disorders include conditions such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety, panic disorder, or specific phobias.
NBA players with anxiety include Tyrell Terry, Kevin Love, Royce White, Paul George, and more. At least four NBA players have shared their experience with anxiety disorder, proving that it’s a common condition.
More than the four NBA players below likely have or had an anxiety disorder. Read on to learn more about these players and their circumstances.
1. Tyrell Terry
Tyrell Terry, a Dallas Mavericks guard, retired after only two seasons when he was only 22. He entered the league in 2020 as the second-round, number 31 overall draft pick. The reason for his short NBA career was anxiety.
Terry spent one year with the Dallas Mavericks, taking an extended leave of absence. He played 11 games with the Mavericks until they released him in October 2021.
From there, Terry spent the 2021-2022 season with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he played only two games. He announced his retirement in December 2022, stating that he experienced “the darkest times” of his life.
2. Kevin Love
Kevin Love, a power forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers, opened up in 2018 about his struggles with both anxiety and depression. However, he was considered a veteran at this point in his career. Love was a round-one pick, fifth overall, in 2008. He played for the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2008-2014 before joining the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he currently remains.
Love spoke openly about suffering a panic attack during a November 2018 game against the Atlanta Hawks. Since then, Love has made it his mission to help and support others with mental illness. He founded the Kevin Love Fund, which provides education, research, and grants centered around mental health.
3. Royce White
Royce White was the 2012 number 16 overall draft pick. He was selected by the Houston Rockets but never actually played for the team.
White was then traded to the Philadelphia 76ers but waived following training camp. In the 2013-2014 season, White played for the Sacramento Kings via 10-day contracts.
White’s anxiety includes one crippling fear that greatly impacted his NBA career, a fear of flying. Each NBA team plays 82 games per season, half at home and half away, which lends itself to a lot of travel via air.
White did travel by plane once with the Houston Rockets. The team otherwise attempted to make travel accommodations for him. Alas, Royce White’s career in the NBA was short-lived.
4. Paul George
Paul George was another round-one draft pick. He was the tenth overall pick in the 2010 draft and began his career with the Indiana Pacers. Later he played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and he is currently a forward for the Los Angeles Clippers.
George’s anxiety has impacted his time on the court. In an interview in 2020, George attributed his “shooting slump” to anxiety. George was able to make his way out of his anxiety and depression during the playoffs after talking to a psychiatrist.