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As is the case with all things, NBA life is cyclical. For players featured on this list, a storied NBA journey followed an intrigued general manager’s shrewd gamble based on a simple hunch of said player’s potential. Afterwards, league veterans showed these then rookies “the ropes.” Afforded the opportunity and equipped with newfound invaluable knowledge, the determined young competitors eventually grew savvy, forging their own lasting path along the arduous NBA road.
Some of these roads led to greatness, some respectability; however all led to longevity. This grouping of NBA players who are ready for retirement comprise the league’s elder statesmen. Respect is due to all, even if their time has passed.
10. Paul Pierce
Credit: Harry How/Getty Images10. Paul Pierce
Drafted in 1998, "The Truth" has no-doubt cemented his legacy alongside the game's immortals. In a career replete with All-Star appearances (10), the former Kansas Jayhawks apotheosis came while winning the 2008 NBA Finals and Finals MVP award. In 1,318 contests, Pierce has amassed 26,316 points (No. 16 all-time) while averaging 20 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.3 steals. At 38 and shopworn, Pierce has little left to give, or prove.
9. Kevin Garnett
Credit: Harry How/Getty Images9. Kevin Garnett
Drafted before some current players were born (1995), Garnett has left an indelible print upon the game as champion, MVP, All-Star and future Hall-of-Famer. The 21-year veteran has scored over 26,000 career points while showcasing unrivaled passion and defensive intensity. However, the former Farragut Academy standout's on-court productivity has starkly declined since a final 2013 All-Star season. At 39, it's time for "The Kid" to hang them up.
8. Andre Miller
Credit: Ronald Martinez/ Getty Images8. Andre Miller
Currently the league's oldest player (40) and suiting up for his ninth team, Andre Miller has enjoyed a standout 17-year NBA career. The once perennially underrated former Utah Ute ranks ninth all-time in total career assists (8,524) while netting 16,278 points. However, only 144 of those points have come this season. It's clear that Miller's time has come to pass.
7. Mike Miller
Credit: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images7. Mike Miller
Miller, a former 2001 NBA Rookie of The Year and 2006 Sixth Man of The Year, has enjoyed 16 sharp-shooting seasons in the league. Unfortunately, injuries consumed the second half of the No. 20 all-time three-point percentage leader's career. As such, many were surprised Denver signed Miller ahead of this season. Per the natural order of NBA life, it's time for Miller to step aside so his roster spot can be optimally utilized on young talent.
6. Matt Bonner
Credit: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images6. Matt Bonner
The "Red Rocket" has garnered two NBA championships and a reputation as a sweet-shooting big throughout his 12 seasons in the league. Additionally, Bonner has rebuked critics who doubted whether he was NBA caliber by becoming a mainstay for the powerhouse San Antonio Spurs. Alas, all good things must come to an end, including 'Red Mamba's' NBA career.
5. Jason Terry
Credit: Scott Halleran/Getty Images5. Jason Terry
Another member of this list drafted in the 90s, "Jet" boasts 18,408 points and a coveted championship ring during his underrated 17-year NBA career. Jason Eugene Terry will long be remembered as one of Dallas' finest performers and a key second cog during the Mavericks' 2011 championship run. Though the 2009 Sixth Man of the Year averaged a shade under six points for Houston this season, Terry is ready to move on.
4. Metta World Peace
Credit: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images4. Metta World Peace
The former Ron Artest, a 2004 All-Star and Defensive Player of The Year, has fashioned successful seasons in both an individual and team sense. Peace won an NBA championship with the 2010 Los Angeles Lakers while averaging 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals during his 16-year career. Once a dreaded lock-down defender, the 36-year-old "Tru Warier" has at-last succumbed to Father Time's unremitting rigors.
3. Chris Andersen
Credit: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images3. Chris Andersen
Chris "Birdman" Andersen has carved a successful 14-year niche as a high-energy, shot blocking defensive specialist. With colorful hair and unparalleled style, the now 37-year-old contributed superbly to Miami's 2013 championship run. However, following a 2016 regular season in which Andersen was limited to just 27 games, it's time for him to retire.
2. Elton Brand
Credit: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images2. Elton Brand
Brand, the 1999 AP Player of The Year, transitioned exceptionally well to the professional ranks. The 2000 Rookie of The Year averaged 20-plus points in six of his first eight seasons. Two of those campaigns were highlighted by hard-earned All-Star selections. Once a premier post presence in the NBA, regrettably, the former Duke Blue Devil's second half of NBA life was beset by nagging injuries. At 37, Brand should bow out gracefully.
1. Nazr Mohammed
Credit: Pool/Getty Images1. Nazr Mohammed
After 18 seasons and a 2005 NBA championship, it seems the former Kentucky Wildcat has been prolonging the inevitable for a handful of years. In his prime, the now 38-year-old was a serviceable big, however, now Mohammed is simply gobbling up roster space. It's time to make way for a new generation.
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