NBA Lockout: Kevin Garnett and 5 Players Who Could Retire If Lockout Lasts

The Boston Celtics and Kevin Garnett do not want to see a lockout in the NBA in 2011-2012.

They aren't alone.

Many teams, players and fans don't want to see the lockout either. This is especially true for players that are already on the brink of retirement.

How long will the lockout last? Nobody knows. It is believed to be in worse shape than the NFL, with the majority of the franchises losing money.

This potential lockout may force some aging players to ponder more about retirement.

These are five players who could retire because of the lockout. 

No. 5: Joel Przybilla

Joel Przybilla has hinted that he could retire soon. He will only be 32 years old in October, but has already played 11 seasons in the NBA.

He has stated that he feels comfortable with retirement, possibly even without a lockout. He has said that he and his wife have talked about it a lot, and he has been saving his money.

Przybilla has also stated, however, that he would love to play more if a team reaches out to him.

He averaged two points and four rebounds in 2011.

Career Statistics: four points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.

No. 4: Antonio McDyess

This article says that Antonio McDyess won't be retiring after all. He has said numerous times that 2010-2011 was going to be his final season in the NBA.

What if there was a lockout in 2011-2012? Would that be the end of the road for McDyess? Maybe.

McDyess will be 36 years old in September. If there is a lockout, he would be 37 before the start of the 2012-2013 season. He has been in the league for 15 years, providing great minutes as a starter and bench player.

He does have one more year remaining on his contract.

Career Statistics: 12 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.

No. 3: Kurt Thomas

Kurt Thomas doesn't have another year on his contract in Chicago. If a lockout lasts the entire 2011-2012 season, Thomas may just walk away.

He would be 40 years old before the start of the 2012 season. Thomas could benefit from a lockout if it didn't take up the entire 2011-2012 campaign. If the lockout takes half the season, Thomas would be well rested and eager to be on a contending team.

Thomas has spent 16 years in the NBA, contributing greatly off the bench in most situations. He has been a great role player in his career.

Career Statistics: 8.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game.

No. 2: Juwan Howard

Juwan Howard's playing time has decreased heavily as he enters his late-30s. This season, with the Miami Heat, he averaged 2.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.

He doesn't have another year on his contract. If a lockout takes the 2011-2012 season away, Howard would be 40 years old in 2013.

His NBA career is getting closer to the end. I could see him coming back to play if the season was shortened or the lockout never happens.

Career Statistics: 13.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

No. 1: Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett may have retired last year if the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. Instead, they lost in seven games, ending Boston's quest for their second championship in the Garnett era.

He has discussed retirement before, on multiple occasions. This article was in 2010, stating that he may have retired if the Celtics won the championship. Here is an article in December 2010, showing that Garnett may be done if there is a lockout.

He has played in 1,195 games in his 16-year NBA career. I think the 35-year-old is serious about stepping away from the game.

Career Statistics: 19.5 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.