10 NBA Players Who Should Retire After This Season (But Won't)

There's nothing more sad to watch than aging players try and continue to play when they're well past their prime. They may have been fun to watch some time ago, but now, they just don't have the same All-Star luster.

Yet, at the same time, we have aging players who are already Hall of Famers and don't have to prove anything else to themselves or the fans. Take San Antonio Spurs forward/center Tim Duncan, for example.  He has won four championship rings, won two MVP trophies and has 13 All-Star selections under his belt, so why continue on at age 36 with his body winding down and stats gradually decreasing?

Still, despite his lengthy resume and impending free agency, Duncan will probably continue to play on even though he could retire now at the top of his game.

Here are 10 players who should retire once the season is over but probably won't.

No. 10: Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

Duncan is 36 years old and has already accomplished more than most players can even dream of. That said, chances are he could retire tomorrow and be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

More importantly, it's becoming pretty clear that he's no longer the Tim Duncan of old. He hasn't averaged 20 points or more since 2007, and his low-post game is starting to take a hit too.

Still, the former No. 1 pick is a competitor at heart and should his Spurs fall to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals, chances are he'll come back and continue to play for that fifth ring until he absolutely can't play any longer.

No. 9: Vince Carter, Dallas Mavericks

Carter used to be one of the greatest scorers and dunkers in the game, but age has robbed him of those skills. The 35-year-old is entering the second year of a three-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks, and while he's still reliable from behind the three-point line, he isn't worth the money he's being paid.

Last year, he averaged a career-worst 10.1 points per game, further proving that his best years are behind him. He should retire, but if my instincts are right, his ego won't let him.

No. 8: Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics

Garnett is 36 years old, and in each of his five seasons with the Boston Celtics, he has missed significant time due to injury. On top of that, he hasn't averaged more than 10 rebounds per game since being traded to Boston.

That said, while his scoring touch may still be there, Garnett is no longer in the prime of his career and has already accumulated a Hall of Fame-caliber resume. On top of his 2008 championship ring, he has won an MVP Trophy (2004), been named Defensive Player of the Year (2008) and has made 14 All-Star teams.

He's a free agent in July and given the trends of his last few seasons, it's probably best that he retire. Still, given the size of his ego, he'll continue to play on in spite of the fact that he'll probably spend a good chunk of the season sitting out with an injury.

No. 7: Elton Brand, Philadelphia 76ers

Though he's only 33, Brand plays like someone much older thanks to the multiple injuries that have dogged him since coming to Philadelphia. 

Last year, he averaged career lows in scoring and minutes. With the Sixers in the market for a power forward come draft time, chances are his best days are behind him.

Still, given how far the No. 8 Sixers went in the playoffs this year, Brand will be hungry for more postseason magic. If you ask me, he'll play at least one more year and see how far he can help lead his team in the postseason.

No. 6: Marcus Camby, Houston Rockets

At 38 years old, Camby's best years are more than behind him. He hasn't been an offensive factor since 2007, and though his rebounding is still slightly above average, his shot-blocking game is starting to look older and creakier than the door to grandma's attic.

Taking all of that into consideration, it's hard to believe that there will be any suitors out there for the injury-prone former UMass Minuteman when he hits free agency in July. Still, given how his rebounding game may still have some gas left in the tank, don't be surprised if he heads to China or Europe to continue playing.

No. 5: Rashard Lewis, Washington Wizards

At 32 years old, Lewis has been a non-factor for the past year and a half. Going into next year, he has two options.

He can either retire or get paid $21 million to sit on the bench for the Wizards. Given how $21 million to do next to nothing sounds better than sitting on the couch, I think it's clear what choice Lewis will make.

No. 4: Mike Bibby, New York Knicks

At one point, Bibby was one of the top scoring point guards in the NBA. Today, he's 34 years old and a benchwarmer/three-point threat. Last year, playing for the New York Knicks on the veteran's minimum salary, he averaged just 14.3 minutes per game and only saw extended time once Jeremy Lin went down with a knee injury.

Given how Lin is set to return, chances are that Bibby's days in New York are numbered.  Though his skills are declining, his ego is still big enough that he'll try and continue to play even though he may still be able to retire with dignity.

Unfortunately, chances are we'll see him sign with an international team instead.

No. 3: Brian Cardinal, Dallas Mavericks

The 35-year-old Cardinal is the 12th man in Dallas and averaged just over six minutes per contest last year. The only time he even gets any playing time is during blowouts, and in those instances, he may sink the occasional three-pointer.

He also hits free agency this year, and if he gets a job anywhere, it will be because of his positive attitude and love of the game. Still, he already has his championship ring. 

Why continue on?

No. 2: Earl Boykins, Houston Rockets

The 5'5" Boykins made an NBA career out of being a three-point threat, but today, he's anything but that. He's 36 years old, and his consistency from downtown is no more. 

Last year, he appeared in just eight games for the Houston Rockets and shot just 22 percent from long range in 13.9 minutes per game.

Though all signs say he should retire, I wouldn't at all be surprised if Boykins kept toiling in Europe, Asia or even the D-League before landing yet another contract. He loves the game to the point where he'll play for next to nothing, and next season will be no exception.

No. 1: Juwan Howard, Miami Heat

Howard is 39 years old and has only averaged 20-plus minutes per game once in the past five years. The remaining four seasons, he has averaged under 15 minutes.

Still, the former Michigan Wolverine continues to play and has most recently warmed the bench of the Miami Heat. Given his lack of playing time, it's clear that he's just trying to win a ring before retiring.

Call me old-fashioned, but if I were looking to win a ring in the twilight of my career, I'd want to do it as a valuable contributor, not as someone riding the pine. Still, Howard appears determined to retire a champion and won't stop until he is just that.