Sydney Kings point guard Shane Heal announced his retirement from basketball after 16 years at the top of the level.

After leading the Kings to their first championship just two weeks ago, Heal shocked the audience at the Kings' championship dinner in Sydney saying his time in the game was over.

The 32-year-old believes there is little left in the game for him to achieve, but hasn't entirely ruled out a comeback.

"I think physically I can still play the game and 12 months down the track I don't know how I'm going to wake up or if anything is going to change," Heal said.

Starting his career with the Brisbane Bullets back in 1988, Heal played with three NBL clubs including three stints with the Kings, averaging 25.8 points per game at 43 per cent with 6.5 assists.

With stints at the Minnesota Timberwolves, Near East Athens (Greece), and Imola Fillatice (Italy), Heal also played for Australia at three Olympics and in 1997 was awarded the Basketball Australia International Player of the Year trophy.

Long time rival and good friend Andrew Gaze said the news amazed him but he understood the decision.

"I was very shocked but I understand there is a lot of pressure on Shane, I think he has a lot to deal with," Gaze said.

"He thought if he wasn't prepared to play and commit 100 per cent then he didn't think it was appropriate for both him and the Sydney Kings for him to carry on."

Gaze said he had known about the decision for a short time, saying the recent Kings victory didn't influence Heal's decision.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP