Playing basketball at a very high level requires discipline, proper nutrition, intense training, and a whole lot of luck to avoid injuries. You can add talent to that, too. However, as much as a certain player would like to keep his body in shape year in and year out, father time is undefeated when it comes to the rigors of the NBA.

When we talk about retirement in basketball, many factors come into play whenever a player decides to retire. Let’s be real: nobody would ever want to walk away from millions if you still feel you can do it, right? That’s arguably true not just for NBA players but also for all the athletes across the world.

However, latching on to a team just to sit at the end of the bench may cause more harm than good for an NBA franchise. That spot should be given to youngins who may have a chance to produce when their name is called. To keep it simple, it’s time to move on and give the next generation a chance to shine.

For this list, we’ll tackle the 10 NBA players that look ready for retirement.

Which 10 NBA players should call it a career after this season?

Chris Paul (San Antonio Spurs)

It’s safe to say that Chris Paul isn’t title-hunting anymore these days, which is shocking since he’s turning 40 soon. Not a single player will blame him if he tries to do so, though, as he’s at the tail end of his NBA career. Nowadays, he’s plying his trade to hasten the rebuilding process of Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs.

• TRENDING NEWS

---

Houston Texans Star WR Tank Dell Is Reportedly Done

Odell Beckham Jr. & Druski Reportedly Named As Defendants In Diddy Case, Accused Of Raping Female In Disturbing Lawsuit

---

Sure, he could still play one more year as a backup point guard for a title contender, but this might be it for CP3’s career. His numbers have been on a steady decline within the last couple of years, and his time with the Spurs is no different. Paul should take a long, hard look at retirement after the 2024-2025 season. Even if he goes out ringless, Paul is still a first-ballot Hall of Famer. A farewell tour won’t be necessary. Just ride out into the sunset CP3.

P.J. Tucker (Utah Jazz)

Tucker’s name was passed around like a hot potato at the trade deadline after his tumultuous stint with the Clippers. We can’t say that what happened wasn’t his fault, though. When we talk about his career as an NBA player, Tucker is a good role player who made his name on the defensive end of the court.

However, when we talk about his other on-court contributions, it’s nearly non-existent. Since 2022, he has never averaged more than 3.5 PPG. He wanted more playing time with the Clippers, but understandably, they balked at the idea. Tucker ended up with the Jazz, and don’t expect he’ll be playing for them anytime soon. Might just retire and save himself from further embarrassment.

Taj Gibson (Charlotte Hornets)

If you are an avid fan of the NBA, you’d know that Gibson is now a player for the Charlotte Hornets. If you just watch it occasionally, you’d be shocked that he’s still in the league. And yes, we’re talking about the ex-Bull and Derrick Rose-era Taj Gibson here. While it’s true that every young team needs a veteran in their locker room, that said veteran doesn’t need to be playing nearly 12 minutes a night at age 39.

For the last six seasons, Gibson has never averaged more than 6.1 PPG. In recent years, he has bounced around from New York to Washington to Detroit before landing in Charlotte. There’s no way he’ll continue playing after this season. Europe, maybe.

Kyle Lowry (Philadelphia 76ers)

Lowry’s career path as a player had its ups and downs, but nobody can take away the NBA championship he earned in 2019 as a member of the Toronto Raptors. Nowadays, he’s barely even playing for the Sixers, a team that has been ravaged by injuries this season.

He’s had an incredible career and performed well above expectations throughout all these years. Lowry will undoubtedly get his jersey retired in Toronto should he decide to hang up his sneakers. Just a year away from reaching 40, it’s time to pack his bags and head for retirement.

Joe Ingles (Minnesota Timberwolves)

Ingles has had a remarkable career, granted that he started in the NBA at age 27, almost eleven years ago. He’s a very good role player and will be forever known for his stint with the Utah Jazz from 2014 to 2022.

But when it comes to his contributions for the last three years? It’s almost forgettable. Ingles wasn’t bad, per se. The decline in his production was just too evident to ignore, and as a veteran NBA player, the measly numbers should give you an inkling that it’s time to call it quits.

Jeff Green (Houston Rockets)

For a player who missed an entire NBA season due to a heart issue, you’d have to give your props to Green’s career longevity. Green was never an all-star, but he’s been a pretty darn good role player throughout his career.

If you didn’t know, he’s been with the Rockets for the last couple of years, playing limited minutes for them. Green’s numbers this season are what you’d expect from a player nearing the age of 40. He could still get up, but not what he was accustomed to. Retirement should be an option for him after this year’s campaign.

Tristan Thompson (Cleveland Cavaliers)

Your eyes don’t deceive you. Tristan Thompson (aka Khloe Kardashian’s ex) is still an active player in the NBA. He’s young at 33, but his production is basically non-existent on the court. Thompson’s heyday has passed, and it’s baffling why the Cavaliers decided to bring him back a couple of seasons ago.

They may have valued his contributions during their title run in 2016 for a bit too much. That’s the only acceptable explanation at this point because his numbers are no longer league-worthy in recent years. It would not surprise us if he’s no longer with an NBA team next season.

Cody Zeller (Houston Rockets)

You’d be forgiven if you didn’t know that Cody Zeller is still an active player in the NBA. As a former lottery pick, he’s had a so-so career in the league, never averaging more than 11 points per game for more than one season.

His name unexpectedly popped out at the trade deadline when the Hawks dealt him to the Rockets in exchange for a player who may not ever play in an NBA game. Zeller has not played much this season, as he’s been out due to personal reasons since January. To add woes to his mysterious absence, it’s important to note that he hasn’t played more than 48 games since 2021. With all the absences and injury woes, Zeller should just hang it up and call it a career.

Al Horford (Boston Celtics)

There’s no doubt that Al Horford can still contribute to the Celtics on a limited basis until he’s 40. But should the team continue to pay him millions of dollars while getting ample returns from the well-known NBA veteran? His percentages are all down this season, which is the worst in his entire career. Horford’s age is finally showing, and Boston knows it.

We fully understand that he’s seeking another title before calling it a career. And by the looks of it, the Celtics have a solid chance to repeat this season. Should Horford retire, the Celtics do have a number of young players on their roster who could fill the vacated center spot in the 2025-2026 NBA season.

Mike Conley Jr. (Minnesota Timberwolves)

Conley has been steady as a rock throughout his NBA career and is perceived as a good veteran presence inside the locker room. However, his on-court production this season has declined immensely for the Timberwolves.

If Anthony Edwards openly jokes in the media that you are an old guy, it basically means something. Conley, in fact, is an aging point guard. The NBA is full of young players who play the point guard position with perfection, and Conley’s time as a starter is running out. He may be open to coming off the bench after this season, but in all seriousness, he should also consider hanging it up as well.