NBA: 4 veterans who should retire or keep playing

Dirk Nowitzki: Retire

Current team: Dallas Mavericks 

Any Dallas Mavericks fan would never want to see the day that Dirk Nowitzki hangs it up for the last time, but that day might just be around the corner and it very well should. Dirk Nowitzki has done more for the Mavs than anyone in the history of the franchise.

In his record-setting 21 seasons with Dallas, he’s had 13 all-star appearances, 12 all-NBA awards, was named the 2006-07 season MVP, and most importantly led the team to its only championship in 2011 where he won Finals MVP.

Dirk’s legacy is one that will never leave the Mavericks and in his old age of 40 there isn’t really much else he can do for the franchise or the league as a whole. As of late, Dirk’s just been acquiring 1-2 year contracts with very small amounts of money. He hasn’t averaged more than 20 points per game since the 2013-14 season and is currently out with a lingering foot injury. Even without the foot injury, he isn’t a starter as he was bumped down to the second unit in exchange for rookie star prospect Luka Doncic.

While Dirk may be able to help mentor Doncic as they both hail from international backgrounds that’s really just about it for the veteran. If he were to retire after this season the Mavericks may ask him to take on a coaching position in the future which could better suit his skillset in his declining years, but only time will tell.

Sorry Mavs fans, the unfortunate truth is that Dirk just simply isn’t the superstar he once was.