'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
We all witnessed entertaining games on the opening night of the NBA where home teams Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers and the Indiana Pacers all came away with the win. However there are a few teams out there who don’t have such a good season to look forward and these teams are already looking forward to picking up big prospects from the much talked about Draft class of 2014.
But while teams look to draft in youngsters, there are a few veterans out there who are finding it tough to compete at the highest level and we could see them hang their boots after this season. With an aging body, players fall victim to injuries more easily and the rehab time is far longer than usually projected. As the season rolls on, the players find it tougher to remain fit and ultimately their value to the team is lost.
Despite being aged above 35, there are some NBA veterans who are still valuable assets to their team and its success. Dirk Nowitzki, Ray Allen, Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant are few notable ones. However there are few players who are well past their prime and yet have not hanged their boots. Here are few: -
5. Vince Carter: -
Vince Carter
Years in the NBA: 15 (1,067 games played)
Entering the final year of his contract with the Dallas Mavericks, he shouldn’t expect any team to offer him anything more than the veteran’s minimum for next year. Simply because he just isn’t the player he once was with the Toronto Raptors or the New Jersey Nets.
In 2011-12 he recorded his worst statistical season of his career. The following year he started in only three games all season, the first time in his career that he has started in fewer than 40 contests. He just isn’t the versatile player he was when he entered the league.
There is the possibility that he could become the next fading NBA superstar who accepts a pay-cut in the promise for a ring, but it would be wise if Carter hangs his boots while he still has some dignity left.
4. Derek Fisher (Oklahoma City Thunder): -
Derek Fisher
Years in the NBA: 16 (1,206 games played)
Ever since he was traded by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2012, Fisher has been on the roster of two different teams. Last season with the Thunder, was Fisher’s worst season in terms of stats and figures since his rookie campaign. He has not averaged more than 3.3 assists since the 2005-06 season with the Lakers.
Although his championship experience would be a valuable asset in the Thunder locker room, his time in the NBA is surely coming to an end with his scoring and role with the team on a steady decline. He should call it quits after this season if he wants to maintain his legacy.
3. Marcus Camby (Free Agent): -
Marcus Camby
Years in the NBA: – 17 (973 games played)
He has had a disastrous year with the New York Knicks, battling a plantar fasciitis all year. When traded to the Raptors, Camby did not want to end his career with another stint in Canada and was shortly waived by the team.
Since 2006-07, Camby has played 5 different teams and has not averaged double digits figures since that season with the Nuggets.
He was picked by the Houston Rockets and the 17 year veteran could have been staring at his last shot at the title. With the Rockets he could have seen more time on the floor but that of course does not guarantee production.
But alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Prior to the start of the regular season, he was waived by the Houston Rockets.
2. Mike Bibby: -
Mike Bibby
Years in the NBA: 14 (1,001 games played)
Mike Bibby has played for 4 teams in the past two season: – Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Miami Heat and the New York Knicks. With each new team, the number of minutes he has played have reduced.
He was known for his running style of offense and outside shooting but at the age of 34 in his most recent stint with the Knicks he has slowed down and shot a career low 28.2% from the field.
He participated in mini camps with the San Antonio Spurs and had he made the roster, he would have made it to his seventh NBA team. While many might be cheering for a comeback by the 14 year veteran, it is just not a realistic option for Bibby.
1. Juwan Howard (Free Agent): -
Juwan Howard
Years in the NBA: 19 (1,208 games played)
After 19 seasons and playing for 8 different teams, Howard can finally say he is a two-time NBA champion, having won with the Miami Heat over the past two years.
The 40- year old is a free agent but don’t be too surprised if no team picks him up despite being a two-time champion, having played in just 35 games over the past two seasons with the Heat. The oldest man in the league, Howard has failed to put in quality production since his stint with the Orlando Magic in 2003-04 and in the 10 years since he has scored points in double digits just once.
All said and done he is still a two time champion even though he spent more time on the bench than on the court.
Guess the Lakers players!
