Stayed Around Too Long
Retirement is a difficult subject to bring up, especially for professional athletes who want to leave on their own terms. Particularly in the NBA, this decision can feel incredibly difficult, and a few legendary players proved that. Here are five great players whose final seasons may have been a little less necessary than their earlier brilliance deserved.
1. Michael Jordan
Despite being remembered as the greatest of all time, Michael Jordan’s return with the Washington Wizards was impressive in effort, but never matched the standard he had set in Chicago. He still produced respectable numbers, but it didn't quite match expectations.
2. Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon was one of the most graceful centers in NBA history, but his final year with the Toronto Raptors was a bit difficult to watch. Injuries limited his movement, which reduced his impact, and many believed retiring after his Houston Rockets years would have preserved a more fitting final image.
University of Houston Digital Library on Wikimedia
3. Patrick Ewing
Although Patrick Ewing was still a very respected player late into his career, his stops with Seattle and Orlando didn't feel necessary. He was no longer the dominant force who had defined the New York Knicks for years, which meant retirement after that run felt better suited.
4. Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson’s decline had nothing to do with a lack of confidence, but his final NBA seasons were marked by reduced roles, brief returns, and awkward team fits. Leaving earlier would have better protected the memory of his impressive and dominant prime.
thanasim25 (Arthur Mouratidis) from United States on Wikimedia
5. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O'Neal carried so much personality and experience in his later years, but his body was clearly asking for fewer minutes near the end. Unfortunately, he was nowhere near the same unstoppable force fans remembered of him.
