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Add Darrell Armstrong (39) to the list. This senior citizen can still play with the dynamism of a rookie for 10-15 minutes every game. I'd say he's good for at least another five years.
For his own good, Shaq should call it quits
by Charley Rosen
It's a sad-but-well-known truth that too many NBA players have a difficult time after they hang up their sneakers.
They miss being on the razor's edge of action night after night the sharpening and exercising of their compe ive drives; the rhythms of the game and of their lives when a season is in full swing. And, of course, they miss the spotlight and the celebrity.
Considering the gargantuan contracts that abound these days, it's hard to imagine any of these freshly minted civilians worrying about their financial security. But it's the day-to-day practicalities of the real world that buffalo them.
Part of the problem is that virtually every active player has an agent and/or financial advisor who deals with mundane things like paying taxes and mortgages, as well as bills for credit cards, electricity, gas and the like. Many players also rely on hangers-on to keep their refrigerator well-stocked. That's why there have been many retired players who have no idea how to write a check, much less grasp the necessity of buying things like toothpaste and toilet paper. In fact, the NBA Players Association provides counselors to help recently retired players make these very adjustments.
Indeed, the retired player who has no designs to re-enter the NBA as a coach or scout is often subject to long fits of depression as he contemplates his new lifestyle.
Given these factors, it's almost understandable that barring a devastating injury so many guys want to keep on playing even when their skills have clearly deteriorated.
All of this is a preamble to the following suggestions for some of the game's senior citizens.
Players who should retire
The leading candidate here is Shaq. At 35, perpetual injuries and rapidly diminished skills have turned the Big Diesel into a Choo-Choo Train. No, he can't! No, he can't!
Shaq's performances thus far this season bring back painful memories of Willie Mays dropping fly balls and batting a mere .211 as he tried to extend his once-glorious career with the sad-sack Mets back in 1973.
Please, Shaq! You have nothing more to prove. Dragging yourself through a going-nowhere season with the Heat will only increase your personal frustration and embarrassment. Give it up now and keep your legacy intact.
Eddie Jones is another oldster (36) whose game has become a shabby imitation of his former brilliance. Time to hang 'em up, EJ.
Although he's still shy of his 25th birthday, T.J. Ford would also be well-advised to retire as an active player. It's clear that because of the dangerously fragile condition of his spine, Ford would have two unsatisfactory options if he decided to resume his career:
Change his modus operandi so as to avoid contact as much as possible, which is virtually impossible.
Continue his -bent-for-leather style of play and hope for the best.
Unfortunately, both of these choices invoke the strong possibility of another serious injury that would threaten Ford with some kind of partial paralysis.
Hey, it just isn't worth the risk.
Players who should stay retired
Gary Payton (39) couldn't move quickly enough last season to guard his own shadow. Why would he want to expose himself to even more humiliation?
Chris Webber (almost 35) has been playing on dead legs for several years. Plus, his last employer (Detroit) was loathe to use him whenever a game was on the line.
Old-timers who should not retire
Chief among these is Dikembe Mutombo, who despite his officially listed age of 41 is really 45 or even 46. (He claims his birth certificate was lost somewhere in Africa.)
His post-block finger-waggling has gotten old. Remember when he did his thing during a playoff game years ago, even as Scottie Pippen had recovered the ball and was scoring a layup? Even so, Dike's intelligence remains fresh and his genuine humanitarianism is still inspirational.
Nor should 36-year-old Bo Outlaw even think of leaving the game. His energy, benign locker-room presence and total focus on defense are still valuable. Besides, how much fun is it to see him shooting free throws?
Add Darrell Armstrong (39) to the list. This senior citizen can still play with the dynamism of a rookie for 10-15 minutes every game. I'd say he's good for at least another five years.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7661238?MSNHPHMA
Add Darrell Armstrong (39) to the list. This senior citizen can still play with the dynamism of a rookie for 10-15 minutes every game. I'd say he's good for at least another five years.
damn.. if only rosen didnt include that darrel armstrong bit.
Senior citizen? lol
Its a sad day for the NBA when O'Neal retires.
and they say sugar is bad for your health.
take lots and lots of sugar, kids, and screw diabetes. you'll have a longer and more fruitful NBA career.
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