5 NBA legends who might retire at the end of the 2015-16 season

End of an era?“How did it get so late so soon? It’s night before it’s afternoon. December is here before it’s June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”. Dr. Seuss summed it up perfectly. My, how the times have changed. It seemed like the men who have defined greatness in this era of the NBA would never see the sun set on their careers. But now, it seems like it’s a matter of months before they hang up their boots and walk away from the game Here’s a list of the 5 legends who might possibly retire at the end of the 2015-16 season:

#1 Kobe Bryant

The 5-time NBA Champion is probably the only player to have two names derived from food – “Kobe”, from the Japanese beef, and “Bean”, his middle name, after his father’s nickname, “Jellybean”.

Kobe’s body has been on the decline since 2013, when he tore his Achilles tendon against the Golden State Warriors and sat out the rest of the season. The NBA’s third top scorer has been plagued with problems in his knees, heels and shoulder. Despite his glory days far behind him, fans never stop cheering when he steps onto the court.

#2 Tim Duncan

“The Big Fundamental” recently set a new record for most wins with a single team – a mind boggling 954! The five-time champion is one of the most consistent greats of the modern game, in his role as captain and player.

His simple but effective style and calm demeanour make him one of the most respected players in the league. After mulling retirement at the end of the last season, Duncan returned to the Spurs and is hunting for one last championship to cap off his decorated career.

#3 Kevin Garnett

Even his “aggressive” plays will be missed

The man who brought the Celtics their record 17^th Championship returned to the team he started his NBA career with, the Minnesota Timberwolves, this season. This gave rise to speculation that “The Big Ticket” would be looking to end his career on a high.

In 2013, Garnett joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone in the select trio of players who had reached 25,000 points, 14,000 rebounds and 5,000 assists. Garnett has one of the most bizarre pre-game rituals, where he bangs his head repeatedly against a padded basketball post to psych himself up.

#4 Paul Pierce

One-third of “The Big 3” that brought the Larry O’Brien trophy to Boston for the 17^th time reunited with his mentor in the Celtics, Doc Rivers, this season, by signing with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Pierce was given his nickname, “The Truth” by Shaquille O’Neal in 2001, when the former scored 42 points and made 13 of 19 attempted shots. Pierce ranks fourth on the list of the NBA's all time three-point scorers, with over 2000 shots made.

#5 Manu Ginobili

The Argentinian star is one of only two players to have won a Euroleague title, an NBA Championship and an Olympic gold medal. One-third of the reigning “Big 3” of the NBA was reportedly convinced by teammate Tim Duncan to continue with the Spurs for one more season.

Ginobili is vaunted as one of the best international players to play in the NBA and has four championships to back it up. He is known for the clutch plays that he pulls off when his team’s under pressure and has won the NBA “Sixth Man Of The Year” in 2008.