Cavaliers centre Channing Frye approaches retirement with open mind

Cleveland Cavaliers centre Channing Frye is approaching retirement with an open mind and a sense of humour. If you don't like that, well, too bad. "Listen, I'm rich, I'm a champion, I'm 35 and retiring and I'm living a great life," Frye said in an interview with The Athletic. "So if you think I suck, I'll see you at L.A. Fitness in a year, (expletive)." It's easy for Frye to smile after a 14-year career with six teams including the New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers. The Arizona product entered Tuesday with 7,771 points in 888 contests for an average of 8.8 points per game.

Frye has averaged only 3.4 points in 34 games (5 starts) with the Cavaliers this season. He won an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016 and appeared in 49 postseason contests during his career. During a wide-ranging interview with The Athletic, Frye discussed many of his highs and lows as an NBA player.

What are three things he might tell his children about playing with LeBron James? "No. 1, he has smelly breath," Frye said. "Smelly breath. No. 2, he was a freak of nature. And then No. 3, Kyle Korver and I fixed his jumper for one year."

How about three memories of Cleveland? "Restaurants were unreal," he said. "The fans are rabidly loyal. I've never been as cold as I have come off some of those aeroplanes with that wind chill."

Frye said he has few regrets -- but not zero regrets. "I would've taken more pictures," Frye said. "I feel like I've had great times and great relationships with a lot of awesome people. I would've taken more pictures for more memories of it all."

(With inputs from agencies.)