5 NBA veterans who need to retire

Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant are few veterans who are still a key contributor to their team’s success

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.