Some players are able to find longtime success in the NBA, either because they find themselves in favorable positions, because they’re smart enough to always find and advantage, because of their skill set or just because they’re properly managed.
Nonetheless, over the course of their careers, they all experiment some bumps on the road, especially if they’re heading towards the end of their prime or their team go through coaching changes of they face injuries.
It’s pretty hard to find another chance in the Association, but some guys are definitely worthy of it, and today, we’re going to let you know about 10 veteran players that are definitely not done in the NBA just yet.
10. Jamal Crawford
Yes, Jamal Crawford is 38 years old, but he has shown no signs of slowing down and has proven that he can still successfully lead a team’s second unit and will always be a Sixth Man of the Year candidate.
Crawford is one of the best shooters this game has ever seen, has sick handles and is a top-tier dribbler, and a contending team like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors or even the Boston Celtics could definitely use him as an offensive spark off the bench.
9. Tony Allen
Tony Allen is one of the best defenders in the league, he’s always been and he always will be, but injuries definitely took a toll on his ability to set foot on the court this season, making just 22 appearances over the year.
The grindfather could be a major addition for any team looking for a backcourt stopper, signing for the veteran minimum trying to win another NBA Championship before retiring. C’mon, that grit and grind is always needed in the league.
8. Kenneth Faried
Kenneth Faried isn’t a part of coach Malone’s plans. It’s been pretty clear and he hasn’t hesitated to show his discomfort with this situation, stating that he’s no substitute player and that he deserves to be a starter.
We actually disagree with the ladder, but he’s definitely worthy of minutes, and he can bring a lot of hustle on both ends of the glass, he just needs to be traded to a team that likes to run an up-tempo offense.
7. Tyson Chandler
Tyson Chandler was considered to be one of the most dominant rebounders and defenders in the league, and even a former Defensive Player of the Year winner, although he’s nowhere near that at this stage of his career.
Nevertheless, he’s way too good to be stuck racking DNPs for the sluggish Phoenix Suns, so he should just go on and sign for the veteran minimum for a contender, as he’s still an outstanding rebounder and major presence below the rim.
6. Dwyane Wade
It can’t be over. It just can’t. Wade has struggled to stay healthy for years now, but c’mon, he’s proven that he’s still got what it takes to lead a team in crunch time, and we just want to see him again on a Miami Heat jersey.
The Flash embraced his lesser role as a substitute this season and Spoelstra already knows how to get the best out of him. He’s already the best player in Heat history, so he needs to go down after another long playoff run at South Beach.
5. Rajon Rondo
Rajon Rondo is one of the league’s most talented passers and playmakers, and he proved this season that he can still run a contending sides’ offense and play suffocating defense when he’s determined to get things done.
He looked like prime Rondo once again this season with the New Orleans Pelicans and showed a lot of chemistry next to Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis, so he should have a lot of offers on the table this summer.
4. Zach Randolph
Zach Randolph is already 36 years old, but to be fair, his game doesn’t rely on speed or athleticism whatsoever, him being a bully that pushes his way to the basket and a master of positioning to get offensive boards.
Randolph is nowhere near done and he could be a good force off the bench for a contending side with his sweet touch below the rim, so he should definitely consider signing for a good team on a veteran minimum deal.
3. Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol has been wildly inconsistent over the last couple of years, but he’s still one of the smartest guys you’ll find on an NBA hardwood and he definitely knows how to pick his sweet spots on the offensive end.
His shot is still falling and he’s added a lot of range, as well as still being a very good rebounder, so he could still have at least one more season under coach Popovich’s tutelage if he keeps the minutes at a minimum.
2. David West
David West has had a very solid stint with the Golden State Warriors, he’s still a bully that won’t back down against anybody and he’s the master of the mid-range shot, regardless of how old he’s gotten.
He can be a very good contributor off the bench if he keeps his minutes on a minimum, and if he doesn’t win the Championship this season, he might as well go for another run the upcoming campaign.
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1. Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose finally showed his heart and the determination to prove that he’s not done yet in this year’s playoff series against the Houston Rockets, and even though he’s never going to be as good as he was, he can still be a steady contributor off the bench.
Injuries are always going to be a concern and he’s unlikely to shut down his ego and embrace a lesser role and paycheck, but he should definitely be handed at least a couple of offers during the summer, to try and make a well-deserved Championship run with a contender.
