At the end of the regular season, fans have witnessed the final games of two of the NBA's brightest stars; Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki and Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade. Both players had illustrious careers highlighted by multiple All-Star appearances, individual accolades, and NBA championships.
That is the basic cycle of the league, as the NBA welcomes the future generations, it also bids farewell to some of the greats who've given significant contributions not only to their teams but also in the league in general.
So, who are the players that are expected to walk away from the NBA in the near future? Let's look at some of the likely candidates.
The Proven Stars
Vince Carter – Atlanta Hawks
Carter is considered the best in-game dunkers in NBA history. He just finished playing his 21st season, but he said that he plans to end his career with the Toronto Raptors. However, it is not certain if the Raptors would like to bring him back next year. They are a perennial championship contender and will most likely prefer to develop young guys rather than entertain the request of someone who burnt bridges with the franchise more than a decade ago.
Then again, people forgive and forget. If Wade was able to do it with Pat Riley and the Heat, then the door might still be open for Carter's reunion with the Raptors.
Pau Gasol – Milwaukee Bucks
The last couple of years in Gasol's career has been plagued by various injuries. He recently had an agreement with the San Antonio Spurs on a contract buyout and he shortly joined the Bucks after. However, he suffered an ankle injury and he is expected to miss at least the first round of the playoffs.
Gasol has already won two championships back when he was playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, but it's clear that he's just a shell of his old self. Do not be surprised if he decides to hang it up this summer or at the end of next season.
Tony Parker – Charlotte Hornets
You might be surprised, but Parker recently said he's 50/50 on whether he will play next season. He has indicated in the past that he wants to retire with the San Antonio Spurs, but that might no longer happen.
If he does return, Parker said he wants to remain with the Hornets, but also wants to make sure that they will be better. His decision might depend on the decision of All-Star guard Kemba Walker regarding his upcoming free agency.
The Role Players
Jamal Crawford – Phoenix Suns
Crawford recently became the oldest player to score 50 points, and he did it during Nowitzki's final home game with the Mavericks.
The 20-year veteran made a name for himself as one of the most prolific scorers off the bench. In fact, there are already a lot of fans claiming that he's the best sixth man in the history of the NBA. Crawford hasn't indicated that he plans to retire after this season, but he was almost left without a team last year until the Suns decided to take him. He may be back in the NBA for one more year before he calls it quits.
Tyson Chandler – Los Angeles Lakers
Chandler was brought in by the Lakers mainly for his veteran presence and his defense. However, he hasn't lived up to the expectations. He's often injured and can no longer protect the rim the way he used to be. Although he already won a championship with the Mavericks back in 2011, he still plans to end his career with a second ring.
It is uncertain if there will be a market for a 36 year-old banged up big man, but if there will be any takers, Chandler will probably return next season. If not, he might just call it quits.
Some NBA vets who aren't in the league at the moment
Carmelo Anthony, Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, Joe Johnson, Al Jefferson
All five guys are currently free agents. Anthony is the only one who has a legitimate chance of making it to the NBA next season, but his stubbornness to come off the bench and inability to adjust his game are some of the reasons why teams never wanted to risk a slot for him this year. Although he hasn't indicated that he plans to retire anytime soon, Melo might be forced to do so if no one will be willing to give him another shot.
Jefferson and Johnson are already in the Big3 Draft Pool, while Randolph and Allen remain as free agents. They might decide to retire either this summer or after next season.
***
No one can defeat Father Time, that is a proven fact. Every year, we'll see some of our favorites go, and when they do, they give others the opportunity to shine in their own light, while we are given the chance to celebrate their careers.
Follow Us
Subscribe