Post by Akomplice on Oct 25, 2011 12:49:13 GMT -5
This list was complied when I was looking at the potential free agents, I noticed that a lot of them were actually up there in age and I realized that we could see a ton of talented players retire at the end of the year. Without further delay lets dive into this list, which is not rankings but rather just ten players who we might be saying goodbye to at the end of the year.
Alf Sjoberg
2017 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2017 - All-Rookie Team
2018 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2019 - All-Star Game Participant
2020 - All-Star Game Participant
2020 - All-League Second Team
2021 - All-Star Game Participant
2021 - All-Star Game MVP
2021 - All-League Third Team
2022 - All-Star Game Participant
2022 - All-League Second Team
2023 - All-Star Game Participant
2023 - Playoff MVP
2024 - All-Star Game Participant
2025 - All-Star Game Participant
2025 - All-League First Team
2027 - All-Star Game Participant
2027 - All-League First Team
2028 - All-Star Game Participant
2028 - All-Star Game MVP
2028 - All-League Third Team
2029 - All-Star Game Participant
With career averages of 19.5 points a game, 12.2 boards a game and 2.4 blocks a game Alf was one of the most dominating players in this league for quite some time. Alf has clearly stayed on for to long, some are quickly to forget how dominating he truly was however his size and age finally caught up to him. His best season in the league came when he was spending time with the Milwaukee Bucks when he averaged a career best 28 points a game. He was then traded to the Warriors for promising rookie Rudy LaRusso. Alf has won two championships already so there was no need for him to go ring chasing at the end of this year. He is averaging 15/10 this season but his FG percentage is shot, his contract is earning him 29 million dollars but he will be 36 years old next year. We plan on saying goodbye to this great player.
Jacquez Knight
2017 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2017 - All-Rookie Second Team
2018 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2020 - All-Star Game Participant
2020 - All-Star Game MVP
2020 - Most Valuable Player
2020 - All-League First Team
2021 - All-Star Game Participant
2021 - All-League First Team
2022 - All-Star Game Participant
2022 - Most Valuable Player
2022 - All-League First Team
2023 - All-Star Game Participant
2023 - All-League Third Team
2024 - All-Star Game Participant
2024 - Most Valuable Player
2024 - All-League First Team
2025 - All-Star Game Participant
2025 - All-League First Team
2026 - All-Star Game Participant
2026 - All-League Third Team
2027 - All-Defensive Second Team
2028 - All-Defensive Second Team
2030 - All-Star Game Participant
2030 - All-League Third Team
2032 - All-Star Game Participant
One of the greatest point guards there has been over the past twenty years, Jacquez Knight is still playing some great basketball. Looking at the resume of Knight he is arguably the best point guard since he has entered the league, he is a three time MVP player, he has two championship rings, he has all defensive teams, all league first teams, all star MVP's he has it all. With career averages of 25.2 points, 8.7 assists, 5.5 boards and 2.3 steals a game his numbers are simply stunning. Testament to how great he is still playing he is still averaging 22, 8 and 4 this season for the Nuggets. Trying to pick his best season is simply foolish as he has continually dominated for a decade strong and begs the question as to how did someone so good bounce around the league so much? Knight's 28 million dollar expiring is up at the end of the year and will be 36 next year, however his best playing days are not gone yet so it's conceivable that he will continue to play however what's left to prove for him? Looking back at Knight's career what more can you say? He was a beast.
Douglas Washington
2019 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2019 - All-Rookie Second Team
2020 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2028 - All-League Second Team
2029 - All-Star Game Participant
Douglas Washington is another veteran who has bounced around the league during his career, but no matter where he want he always posted the numbers to back his game up. Looking at the accolades he has gotten in his career it really doesn't paint the picture of how much of an impact he has made during his stops. Always a threat to score the ball no matter where he had it, he was an excellent three point shooter, could take his man to the rim and has a solid mid range jumper. With career averages of 19.4 points, 6 boards, 4 assists and 1.5 steals a contest he has always shown a wide range of skills in the game. Currently playing for the Bulls his numbers have dipped a bit, but he might be having one of his better seasons in terms of impact making a big difference coming off the bench as a potential sixth man of the year award winner. The Bulls have Willie Jones starting at the shooting guard spot and his contract will be expiring as well, so it's likely the Bulls will let Douglas go to resign Jones. Washington will be 35 next year but he has never won a championship and is proving this year that he can still contribute to any team.
Jason Paulson
2020 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2027 - All-Defensive Second Team
2028 - All-Defensive Team
2029 - All-Defensive Team
2030 - All-Defensive Team
2032 - All-Defensive Team
Jason Paulson was a bit of a late bloomer taking three years to really explode onto the scene. Paulson played some great basketball with the Bulls, he was a terrific offensive weapon for them being an outside shooting threat. While posting some great numbers for him his basketball came when he joined the Dallas Mavericks. His two best seasons came while with this franchise, when he made the All-Defensive team in his only two years with the Mavericks. His scoring was also top notch as well notching, 25 points a game in each of the seasons. He then joined the Blazers and stayed in the mold that the Mavericks were using him. When people talk about Paulson everyone remembers the lock down defense, he would put the clamps on perimeter players and that he was a player that you couldn't give a step to because if you did the shot was going in. 46% from the field, 43% from beyond the arc Paulson was one of the better scorers in the league in terms of efficiency. 19 points, 5.4 boards, 1.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.7 blocks a game are his career averages. As you can see he was never much of a passer, but he did show a refined defensive game that made him great. He will be 36 next year, has already won a ring. Paulson is playing phenomenal this year but the Blazers aren't winning, will he remain in the league?
Paul Arizin
2024 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2024 - All-Rookie Team
2025 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2026 - All-Star Game Participant
2027 - All-Star Game Participant
2027 - All-League First Team
Paul Arizin didn't come into the league as a young spring chicken, while only in his tenth season of his career the age has caught up with him as he is 35 years old. However what does age have to do with anything as he is still playing some great basketball. Arizin's best season when his rookie contract was expiring when he poured in 26 points a game, 8 boards and 5 assists to go along with 1.7 steals a contest. Arizin then left the Spurs to go to the Wolves where his game was the same, but numbers took a dip to due playing on a better team. Arizin has career averages of 21 points a game, 7 boards, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals a game. Arizin will be interesting to watch because his age is up there where guys tend to start retiring, but he is still playing great basketball and is arguably having one of his best seasons. However the Spurs at the moment are a sub 500 team and who knows what Arizin wants to do. He has never won a championship and his defense is not getting any better. He can still provide scoring punch off a bench for a team, but is he willing to come off the bench is the question?
Dexter Rider
2022 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2022 - Rookie of the Year
2022 - All-Rookie Team
2022 - All-Defensive Team
2023 - All-Defensive Second Team
2024 - All-Defensive Team
2029 - All-Star Game Participant
2029 - All-Defensive Team
2031 - All-Defensive Second Team
Dexter rider came right of the gate and was a phenomenal defender making his way to the All-Defensive team in his rookie year, which he also grabbed the rookie of the year award as well. Right away Rider's game was made for the BBS, a triple double threat right off the bat as he flirted with them throughout his entire career. However over the past two years his game has taken a dip and he is just a shade of what he used to be. This year he is only averaging 8 points, 5 boards and 3.5 assists a game, clearly no longer the threat he used to be when he had the basketball in his hands. His outside shot also right now is no longer where it used to be, he lacks the athleticism to beat defenders off the dribble like he once had. His career averages are 18 points, 6 boards and assists, 1.7 steals a contest. 18-6-6 is a nice stat line for an entire career. However a player on the decline, minimal athleticism and a non existent outside shot it is quite conceivable that he will hang them up at the end of the year.
Stephen Flint
2023 - All-Star Game Participant
2023 - All-League Second Team
2024 - All-Star Game Participant
2024 - All-Defensive Second Team
2025 - All-Star Game Participant
2025 - All-League First Team
2025 - All-Defensive Second Team
2026 - All-Star Game Participant
2026 - All-League First Team
2027 - All-Star Game Participant
2027 - All-League Third Team
2027 - All-Defensive Second Team
2028 - All-Star Game Participant
Flint is the prime example along with Alf as guys who just don't know when to retire. Over the past four years his numbers are on a decline and it's to the point in which he really doesn't see much action on the court anymore. However over the course there was a time span in which he never averaged less than 19.9 points, 11.8 boards and 2.3 blocks a game. During his time with the Bulls and Nets he was simply dominating the entire Eastern Conference, he was putting in serious work in the paint. During his time with the Lakers he just didn't look like the player that once had defenses cater to him though still a double double player. After the Lakers let him go the Knicks picked him up with their MLE but he can no longer contribute be the player he once was. He has now the veteran on the Knicks squad that's off to a 21-4 start and his best chance to win a ring. Flint's career averages of 21 points, 12.4 boards, 2.7 blocks a game are impressive but it makes you wonder how much better they would look if he went out a few years ago. He will be 38 years old and if he wins it all this year there will be no doubt that he will walk.
Phil Martin
2026 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
Martin has never been a player to post gaudy stats like some of these names on this list, he has never won a championship and is still able to contribute to a team if given the minutes. However playing for a rebuilding team and being a veteran it can certainly wear down any player, especially one whose best days are behind him. Phil Martin enjoyed his best days with the 76ers, his two best seasons were with this club. He has only topped twenty points a game twice in his career, both with this franchise. His best year dishing the ball also came with this franchise, truly he will be remembered as a 76er. His career averages are 16 points a game, 5.7 assists, 4.4 boards a game and a steal and a half a contest. While not eye popping numbers, every team needs a guy like Martin who plays his role to perfection. Going out with a 42% from beyond the arc and his top notch perimeter defense is what will define him moving forward as people reminiscence on his career. He is earning 12.5 million dollars this year and will be 36 next year, unless he goes ring chasing we don't expect him to be back.
Tyrone Keane
2024 - All-Defensive Second Team
2026 - All-Star Game Participant
2028 - All-League First Team
2028 - All-Defensive Second Team
2029 - All-Star Game Participant
2029 - All-League Third Team
2031 - All-Star Game Participant
Tyrone Keane is the epitome of a very late bloomer as he started enjoying the best years of his career starting from his 11th season in the league with the Cavs. For those first ten years he was always a solid double double player, but out of nowhere he developed into a 20/11 player overnight. Keane is usually one of those players you love or you hate, for some reason people find a way to hate him. He brings A+ defense to the table every game, one of the better post defenders in the game averaging 2.7 rejections for his career. His defense and rebounding were always there but when he added to his offensive game his overall game was taken to the next level however it was far to late for him to really rack up the accolades. Keane is still a double double guy, averaging 14/10 this season to go along with an impressive 3.4 blocks a game. Keane is a match up nightmare because of his ability to stretch the floor against opposing big men. Keane is making 25 million dollars this year and will see a drastic decline in pay next year if he hits the market. He has no rings, will be 35 years old and this Mavericks despite having talent are stalling thus far into this season.
David Walker
2017 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2017 - All-Rookie Team
2018 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2021 - All-Star Game Participant
2022 - All-Star Game Participant
Last but certainly not least we get to the offensive force that is David Walker. You look at the awards he has received in his career you would think that he was a good but not great player, but then you look at the numbers and realize how great of an offensive force he was. Topping 20 points a game eleven times in his career and never averaged less than 16 points when he at least got 30 minutes a game. With career averages of 22 points, 10.4 to go along with a 47% field goal percentage he was truly dynamic. His defense was never great and that's probably why he never received more awards but he always provided low post offense. His 12 million dollar contract will be expiring at the end of the year and he is playing for a rebuilding Cavalier team, while he is getting minutes and posting a 13/8 season we have to believe he will hang them up. For two years the Bucks wanted no part of his contract and sadly really just trade filler at this point. He will be 36 years old next year and still has no ring, will that desire to win make him stay longer than he should?
Alf Sjoberg
2017 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2017 - All-Rookie Team
2018 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2019 - All-Star Game Participant
2020 - All-Star Game Participant
2020 - All-League Second Team
2021 - All-Star Game Participant
2021 - All-Star Game MVP
2021 - All-League Third Team
2022 - All-Star Game Participant
2022 - All-League Second Team
2023 - All-Star Game Participant
2023 - Playoff MVP
2024 - All-Star Game Participant
2025 - All-Star Game Participant
2025 - All-League First Team
2027 - All-Star Game Participant
2027 - All-League First Team
2028 - All-Star Game Participant
2028 - All-Star Game MVP
2028 - All-League Third Team
2029 - All-Star Game Participant
With career averages of 19.5 points a game, 12.2 boards a game and 2.4 blocks a game Alf was one of the most dominating players in this league for quite some time. Alf has clearly stayed on for to long, some are quickly to forget how dominating he truly was however his size and age finally caught up to him. His best season in the league came when he was spending time with the Milwaukee Bucks when he averaged a career best 28 points a game. He was then traded to the Warriors for promising rookie Rudy LaRusso. Alf has won two championships already so there was no need for him to go ring chasing at the end of this year. He is averaging 15/10 this season but his FG percentage is shot, his contract is earning him 29 million dollars but he will be 36 years old next year. We plan on saying goodbye to this great player.
Jacquez Knight
2017 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2017 - All-Rookie Second Team
2018 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2020 - All-Star Game Participant
2020 - All-Star Game MVP
2020 - Most Valuable Player
2020 - All-League First Team
2021 - All-Star Game Participant
2021 - All-League First Team
2022 - All-Star Game Participant
2022 - Most Valuable Player
2022 - All-League First Team
2023 - All-Star Game Participant
2023 - All-League Third Team
2024 - All-Star Game Participant
2024 - Most Valuable Player
2024 - All-League First Team
2025 - All-Star Game Participant
2025 - All-League First Team
2026 - All-Star Game Participant
2026 - All-League Third Team
2027 - All-Defensive Second Team
2028 - All-Defensive Second Team
2030 - All-Star Game Participant
2030 - All-League Third Team
2032 - All-Star Game Participant
One of the greatest point guards there has been over the past twenty years, Jacquez Knight is still playing some great basketball. Looking at the resume of Knight he is arguably the best point guard since he has entered the league, he is a three time MVP player, he has two championship rings, he has all defensive teams, all league first teams, all star MVP's he has it all. With career averages of 25.2 points, 8.7 assists, 5.5 boards and 2.3 steals a game his numbers are simply stunning. Testament to how great he is still playing he is still averaging 22, 8 and 4 this season for the Nuggets. Trying to pick his best season is simply foolish as he has continually dominated for a decade strong and begs the question as to how did someone so good bounce around the league so much? Knight's 28 million dollar expiring is up at the end of the year and will be 36 next year, however his best playing days are not gone yet so it's conceivable that he will continue to play however what's left to prove for him? Looking back at Knight's career what more can you say? He was a beast.
Douglas Washington
2019 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2019 - All-Rookie Second Team
2020 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2028 - All-League Second Team
2029 - All-Star Game Participant
Douglas Washington is another veteran who has bounced around the league during his career, but no matter where he want he always posted the numbers to back his game up. Looking at the accolades he has gotten in his career it really doesn't paint the picture of how much of an impact he has made during his stops. Always a threat to score the ball no matter where he had it, he was an excellent three point shooter, could take his man to the rim and has a solid mid range jumper. With career averages of 19.4 points, 6 boards, 4 assists and 1.5 steals a contest he has always shown a wide range of skills in the game. Currently playing for the Bulls his numbers have dipped a bit, but he might be having one of his better seasons in terms of impact making a big difference coming off the bench as a potential sixth man of the year award winner. The Bulls have Willie Jones starting at the shooting guard spot and his contract will be expiring as well, so it's likely the Bulls will let Douglas go to resign Jones. Washington will be 35 next year but he has never won a championship and is proving this year that he can still contribute to any team.
Jason Paulson
2020 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2027 - All-Defensive Second Team
2028 - All-Defensive Team
2029 - All-Defensive Team
2030 - All-Defensive Team
2032 - All-Defensive Team
Jason Paulson was a bit of a late bloomer taking three years to really explode onto the scene. Paulson played some great basketball with the Bulls, he was a terrific offensive weapon for them being an outside shooting threat. While posting some great numbers for him his basketball came when he joined the Dallas Mavericks. His two best seasons came while with this franchise, when he made the All-Defensive team in his only two years with the Mavericks. His scoring was also top notch as well notching, 25 points a game in each of the seasons. He then joined the Blazers and stayed in the mold that the Mavericks were using him. When people talk about Paulson everyone remembers the lock down defense, he would put the clamps on perimeter players and that he was a player that you couldn't give a step to because if you did the shot was going in. 46% from the field, 43% from beyond the arc Paulson was one of the better scorers in the league in terms of efficiency. 19 points, 5.4 boards, 1.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.7 blocks a game are his career averages. As you can see he was never much of a passer, but he did show a refined defensive game that made him great. He will be 36 next year, has already won a ring. Paulson is playing phenomenal this year but the Blazers aren't winning, will he remain in the league?
Paul Arizin
2024 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2024 - All-Rookie Team
2025 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2026 - All-Star Game Participant
2027 - All-Star Game Participant
2027 - All-League First Team
Paul Arizin didn't come into the league as a young spring chicken, while only in his tenth season of his career the age has caught up with him as he is 35 years old. However what does age have to do with anything as he is still playing some great basketball. Arizin's best season when his rookie contract was expiring when he poured in 26 points a game, 8 boards and 5 assists to go along with 1.7 steals a contest. Arizin then left the Spurs to go to the Wolves where his game was the same, but numbers took a dip to due playing on a better team. Arizin has career averages of 21 points a game, 7 boards, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals a game. Arizin will be interesting to watch because his age is up there where guys tend to start retiring, but he is still playing great basketball and is arguably having one of his best seasons. However the Spurs at the moment are a sub 500 team and who knows what Arizin wants to do. He has never won a championship and his defense is not getting any better. He can still provide scoring punch off a bench for a team, but is he willing to come off the bench is the question?
Dexter Rider
2022 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2022 - Rookie of the Year
2022 - All-Rookie Team
2022 - All-Defensive Team
2023 - All-Defensive Second Team
2024 - All-Defensive Team
2029 - All-Star Game Participant
2029 - All-Defensive Team
2031 - All-Defensive Second Team
Dexter rider came right of the gate and was a phenomenal defender making his way to the All-Defensive team in his rookie year, which he also grabbed the rookie of the year award as well. Right away Rider's game was made for the BBS, a triple double threat right off the bat as he flirted with them throughout his entire career. However over the past two years his game has taken a dip and he is just a shade of what he used to be. This year he is only averaging 8 points, 5 boards and 3.5 assists a game, clearly no longer the threat he used to be when he had the basketball in his hands. His outside shot also right now is no longer where it used to be, he lacks the athleticism to beat defenders off the dribble like he once had. His career averages are 18 points, 6 boards and assists, 1.7 steals a contest. 18-6-6 is a nice stat line for an entire career. However a player on the decline, minimal athleticism and a non existent outside shot it is quite conceivable that he will hang them up at the end of the year.
Stephen Flint
2023 - All-Star Game Participant
2023 - All-League Second Team
2024 - All-Star Game Participant
2024 - All-Defensive Second Team
2025 - All-Star Game Participant
2025 - All-League First Team
2025 - All-Defensive Second Team
2026 - All-Star Game Participant
2026 - All-League First Team
2027 - All-Star Game Participant
2027 - All-League Third Team
2027 - All-Defensive Second Team
2028 - All-Star Game Participant
Flint is the prime example along with Alf as guys who just don't know when to retire. Over the past four years his numbers are on a decline and it's to the point in which he really doesn't see much action on the court anymore. However over the course there was a time span in which he never averaged less than 19.9 points, 11.8 boards and 2.3 blocks a game. During his time with the Bulls and Nets he was simply dominating the entire Eastern Conference, he was putting in serious work in the paint. During his time with the Lakers he just didn't look like the player that once had defenses cater to him though still a double double player. After the Lakers let him go the Knicks picked him up with their MLE but he can no longer contribute be the player he once was. He has now the veteran on the Knicks squad that's off to a 21-4 start and his best chance to win a ring. Flint's career averages of 21 points, 12.4 boards, 2.7 blocks a game are impressive but it makes you wonder how much better they would look if he went out a few years ago. He will be 38 years old and if he wins it all this year there will be no doubt that he will walk.
Phil Martin
2026 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
Martin has never been a player to post gaudy stats like some of these names on this list, he has never won a championship and is still able to contribute to a team if given the minutes. However playing for a rebuilding team and being a veteran it can certainly wear down any player, especially one whose best days are behind him. Phil Martin enjoyed his best days with the 76ers, his two best seasons were with this club. He has only topped twenty points a game twice in his career, both with this franchise. His best year dishing the ball also came with this franchise, truly he will be remembered as a 76er. His career averages are 16 points a game, 5.7 assists, 4.4 boards a game and a steal and a half a contest. While not eye popping numbers, every team needs a guy like Martin who plays his role to perfection. Going out with a 42% from beyond the arc and his top notch perimeter defense is what will define him moving forward as people reminiscence on his career. He is earning 12.5 million dollars this year and will be 36 next year, unless he goes ring chasing we don't expect him to be back.
Tyrone Keane
2024 - All-Defensive Second Team
2026 - All-Star Game Participant
2028 - All-League First Team
2028 - All-Defensive Second Team
2029 - All-Star Game Participant
2029 - All-League Third Team
2031 - All-Star Game Participant
Tyrone Keane is the epitome of a very late bloomer as he started enjoying the best years of his career starting from his 11th season in the league with the Cavs. For those first ten years he was always a solid double double player, but out of nowhere he developed into a 20/11 player overnight. Keane is usually one of those players you love or you hate, for some reason people find a way to hate him. He brings A+ defense to the table every game, one of the better post defenders in the game averaging 2.7 rejections for his career. His defense and rebounding were always there but when he added to his offensive game his overall game was taken to the next level however it was far to late for him to really rack up the accolades. Keane is still a double double guy, averaging 14/10 this season to go along with an impressive 3.4 blocks a game. Keane is a match up nightmare because of his ability to stretch the floor against opposing big men. Keane is making 25 million dollars this year and will see a drastic decline in pay next year if he hits the market. He has no rings, will be 35 years old and this Mavericks despite having talent are stalling thus far into this season.
David Walker
2017 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2017 - All-Rookie Team
2018 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
2021 - All-Star Game Participant
2022 - All-Star Game Participant
Last but certainly not least we get to the offensive force that is David Walker. You look at the awards he has received in his career you would think that he was a good but not great player, but then you look at the numbers and realize how great of an offensive force he was. Topping 20 points a game eleven times in his career and never averaged less than 16 points when he at least got 30 minutes a game. With career averages of 22 points, 10.4 to go along with a 47% field goal percentage he was truly dynamic. His defense was never great and that's probably why he never received more awards but he always provided low post offense. His 12 million dollar contract will be expiring at the end of the year and he is playing for a rebuilding Cavalier team, while he is getting minutes and posting a 13/8 season we have to believe he will hang them up. For two years the Bucks wanted no part of his contract and sadly really just trade filler at this point. He will be 36 years old next year and still has no ring, will that desire to win make him stay longer than he should?
