We are playing an era with incredible talent on the NBA floor every night, the majority of whom are young or in their prime. But that doesn’t mean some old guys do not have a shot to return to the game, because some recognizable names could still play critical roles off an NBA bench.
- 10. Jeremy Lin
- 9. Vince Carter
- 8. O.J. Mayo
- 7. Darren Collison
- 6. Michael Beasley
- 5. Mario Chalmers
- 4. Dwyane Wade
- 3. Joe Johnson
- 2. Ray Allen
- 1. LaMarcus Aldridge
- Next
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Here are the 10 NBA players, some of whom were All-Stars, that can still be relied upon to play important minutes for NBA teams right now. While it is not likely that some of these players will actually return, considering their skill set, it is clear they will have a chance if they wanted to.
10. Jeremy Lin
“Linsanity” swept through the nation when the Asian-American point guard played like a star for the New York Knicks in 2012. Lin averaged 14.9 PPG and 6.2 APG over the 35-game stretch during “Linsanity”, proving his worth as a starting point guard.
But Lin could not keep his career trajectory for long, as he suffered injuries and lack of playing time before he found his way out of the league. Lin knows the game as a professional, so they should give the popular player a call if teams need a backup point guard.
9. Vince Carter
Carter was happy to leave the NBA last year after he completed his 22nd season in the NBA at 43 years. Carter was part of the old breed where chasing superteams and rings wasn’t in his DNA, and he will enter the Hall of Fame for being one of the most exciting players of all time.
The greatest dunker to ever play the game is probably not done yet, because he could go against his own grain to join the Brooklyn Nets or Los Angeles Lakers for a chance to win his first ring. At 44 years old, winning a championship would be the icing on the cake to a wonderful career.
8. O.J. Mayo
One of the biggest what-ifs in recent memory, O.J. Mayo was supposed to be one of the building blocks of the Memphis Grizzlies franchise alongside Rudy Gay. He never could impact the win column although he was a terrific scorer.
The former No. 3 overall pick finished runner-up to future MVP Derrick Rose in the Rookie of the Year race in 2009, and his inability to convince coaches that he deserved starter’s minutes hurt his career. More importantly, Mayo was banned 2 years in 2016 for violating the Anti-Drug Program but if he proves he can still shoot, some teams could use him.
7. Darren Collison
Collison surprisingly called it quits on his NBA career when he decided to leave basketball to focus on his faith. While his decision was accepted by all of his peers, Collison could make a return to the NBA if he truly wanted to.
Blessed with lightning-quick handles and a solid jumper, Collison could be used by title contenders needing ball-handling and playmaking at the point guard spot (hint: Los Angeles Clippers). Collison holds career averages of 12.5 PPG and 5.0 APG on 39.4% shooting from three, so clearly, the man will have suitors if he does return.
6. Michael Beasley
One of the most polarizing players over the past two decades, Michael Beasley was an abundance of talent that came with questionable personality traits. Drafted in 2008 with the No. 2 overall pick, Beasley was supposed to be a star for the Miami Heat.
He never quite got there but he was still valuable as a scoring machine off the bench. Beasley averaged 12.4 PPG over his career with 7 different teams and also played in China a few times in his professional career. As long as Beasley can score, he will always have interest from around the league.
5. Mario Chalmers
Although injuries derailed his career after the “ Big Three “ era, former NBA champion Mario Chalmers was a solid point guard for the Miami Heat. Chalmers holds career averages of 8.9 PPG and 3.7 APG on 35.1% shooting from deep, along with a very solid 1.5 SPG average.
Chalmers was a stout defender in his day and could still be a bench player for teams needing depth. He is currently 35 years of age so his time is running out, but he will always remain ready in case he gets a call for a tryout.
4. Dwyane Wade
Nothing would break NBA news like 3-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade returning to the NBA. Based on what we have seen from his television appearances, Wade is still in great shape and has the talent to usurp the majority of the league.
Wade might be 39 years old and happily retired, but there is no doubt he can still play ball. The future Hall of Famer can always take a seat on the bench for title contenders if he wants another ring or to provide leadership as he did with Donovan Mitchell during this year’s playoffs.
3. Joe Johnson
Iso Joe is one of his generation’s best one-on-one scorers. Considered by many as one of the most clutch players of his time, Johnson was a sensational talent as an All-Star. He made 7 All-Star Teams with the Hawks and Nets and was most recently playing in Ice Cube’s Big Three.
Johnson will always be a terrific scorer until the day he simply cannot walk across the court anymore because he is “only” 40 years of age. While Johnson would have a hard time defending the young athletes in today’s game, he can still get a bucker or two when needed and teams might give him a shot in that regard.
2. Ray Allen
One of the greatest shooters in NBA history, Ray Allen was born to shoot the basketball. Even at 46 years old, he could likely out-shoot the majority of NBA players today. He was that gifted, averaging 18.9 PPG over his career on 40.0% shooting from deep.
Seeing Ray Allen in a Celtics or Heat uniform would bring nostalgia to NBA fans who watched “Jesus Shuttleworth” shoot his way to championship rings. As a spot-up shooter alongside superstars, there is no question Allen could average 1.0 made three per game, and that makes him very valuable.
1. LaMarcus Aldridge
Reports are coming out that 7-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge could be back in the NBA very soon. A sudden retirement before last year’s postseason ended his NBA career, but doctors have approved his return to competitive basketball play again.
The Brooklyn Nets signed him to help them win the title, and they were unable to do that with Aldridge leaving the team. If the big man returns to Brooklyn, we might see an even more dominant offensive roster as Kevin Durant, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Blake Griffin have another All-Star player to likely guide them to the NBA Finals in 2022.
