The Boston Celtics announced Thursday afternoon that they waived veteran guard Keyon Dooling after the 12-year NBA veteran informed the club he would be retiring in order to spend more time with his family.

Dooling's agent, Kenge Stevenson, said in a statement: "Keyon has decided that he has given the NBA 12 good years and that it's time to pursue other interests and spend more time with his family. He will never forget his time with the Boston Celtics."

In his only season in a Celtics uniform, Dooling emerged as a strong veteran presence in the locker room last year, while overcoming early season injuries and contributing to Boston's lengthy postseason run. He finished the season with averages of 4 points and 1.1 assists over 14.4 minutes per game. He was re-signed to a one-year, veteran's minimum contract late in July.

"We'll miss Keyon's spirit and energy, both on and off the court," Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said in a statement. "The whole Celtics family wishes him well as he enters the next phase of his life."

Over the course of his 12-year career, in addition for playing for Boston, Dooling, 32, suited up for the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, New Jersey Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks. He finished his career with averages of 7 points and 2.2 assists, having shot 34.9 percent from 3-point range.

News of Dooling's departure comes mere hours after the Celtics agreed to a veteran's minimum deal with free agent center Darko Milicic. Boston will still have 13 guaranteed contracts entering training camp.

The departure of Dooling bodes well for several of the players Boston currently has signed to partially or non-guaranteed contracts, including Dionte Christmas, Jamar Smith and rookie Kris Joseph. All three players could spend time at shooting guard and will be competing for one of the final roster spots when training camp opens in a little more than a week.