With Udonis Haslem’s recent retirement (finally!), it made us think about certain NBA names who could have done the same but are still employed in the league.
Some of them are probably squeezing out their potential to earn while others are still legitimately contributing despite being a shell of their former selves.
In today’s list, we will name 5 NBA players who need to retire next season and 5 NBA players who are still capable of continuing their careers in the association. We will only include players who are signed with teams and exclude the ones who are free agents or undecided.
Retire – Taj Gibson (Washington Wizards)
It’s hard to fathom that Gibson was selected in the same draft class as Steph Curry, James Harden and DeMar DeRozan. He’s been a solid contributor in the early part of his career but within the last few years, his play understandably regressed due to his age.
Gibson is already 38 years old and playing for the Washington Wizards. Clearly, he has no business playing for a rebuilding team at this stage of his career and he would just get some minutes away from a younger player in the team.
Stay – Rudy Gay (Golden State Warriors)
Gay should have been on the other side of this list but after signing with Golden State, there’s potential that he could still contribute in lesser minutes per night. While he’s no longer the springy kid he once was, Gay is still capable of scoring whenever he gets it going.
He can still give the Warriors a good production off the bench for 15 minutes per game and could slide to Andre Iguodala’s former role with the team next season. Expect his scoring to bump up a little while playing with the Warriors.
Retire – Jeff Green (Houston Rockets)
Green has played for 11 teams in his 15 seasons in the league. He’s a respected veteran who could be useful for short bursts for some NBA teams. But like Gibson, Green has no business playing for a young team like the Rockets.
He already won an NBA Champion as a member of the Denver Nuggets last season. Green finally got one after years of chasing it. Now at 37, he has nothing more to prove in his career and should have retired after the championship parade in Denver.
Stay – Al Horford (Boston Celtics)
Throughout his NBA career, Horford has been a solid big man for all the teams he’s played with. Even at 37 years old, he still has a few tricks under his sleeve to outsmart younger foes on a nightly basis.
While his scoring production has taken a slight dip in the last couple of years, Horford continues to be a solid rebounder and defender for Boston. He never backs down from a challenge, even at the expense of many talented players in the league.
Retire – PJ Tucker (Philadelphia 76ers)
While some may argue that the 38-year-old Tucker still has some value on the court, his on-court production says otherwise. For a 6’5″ starting power forward who averages 3.5 PPG, 3.9 RPG and nearly 26 MPG, Philadelphia essentially needs a younger guy who could help Embiid more at the frontline.
For a renowned defensive stopper like Tucker, he was not even named in any All-Defensive Teams throughout his entire NBA career. It’s really baffling that a mediocre player like him still has an NBA job today.
Stay – Chris Paul (Golden State Warriors)
Paul has done everything imaginable on the court except for winning an NBA championship. Even at 38, he is still one of the best pure point guards in the league today.
It’s quite interesting to see how he’ll fit with Golden State next season. A future first-ballot hall of famer, Paul deservingly has all the right to chase a ring at this stage of his career. Plus, Paul is still capable of averaging a double-double for a season despite nearing retirement.
Retire – Robin Lopez (Milwaukee Bucks)
Unlike his twin brother Brook who innovated his game to cater to this three-ball era, Robin’s game is fairly outdated. He’s a traditional center who peaked in his late 20s. Lopez never developed a proper jump shot throughout his NBA career and for a big man his size, he’s a very poor rebounder.
At 35 years old, there’s basically nothing Robin can do to contribute to a team due to his limitations as a player. The Bucks could have benefitted if they signed a younger player to serve as a backup to Brook Lopez.
Stay – Kyle Lowry (Miami Heat)
Lowry was initially dismissed as a player due to his up-and-down play last season. But after an improbable finals run with the Heat in the playoffs, Lowry’s game began to show life again. At 37, he’s still capable of facilitating the offense for Miami.
The spitfire point guard showed us that he has a lot on the tank left in his game. He still has the desire and determination to help Jimmy Butler and the rest of Miami win a championship within the next couple of years.
Retire – Derrick Rose (Memphis Grizzlies)
The former 2011 NBA MVP has done everything possible to recapture his old magic but sadly his body just would not cooperate anymore. Rose hasn’t played more than 51 games in a season since 2019.
Don’t get me wrong – he could still produce if given the minutes. It’s just sad to watch him play knowing that he could have been one of the best players in his generation if it wasn’t for injuries.
Stay – LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
LeBron is turning 39 years old next season but by looking at his numbers, there isn’t a single indication that his production will somehow fall off the cliff soon. While his game has drastically changed throughout the years, his drive remains the same – to win another championship.
Realistically, LeBron could play until he’s 45 and be as productive as NFL’s Tom Brady. While he’s no longer overpowering opponents with his athleticism, he does it masterfully with his basketball IQ.