Missed me? I’m back, everyone! I hope you all are enjoying the NBA season and getting ready for baseball season too. College has taken a lot of my time recently, so being able to get this article out brings me joy. Something that doesn’t bring me joy? NBA veterans are taking up roster spots for nothing. It’s time for them to call it quits.
Let’s be honest, I wasn’t much of a star athlete myself. I often found myself on the bench during my two years of high school football (although an argument could be made that I should’ve been third string instead of fourth, I digress). But, I knew that we had better players ahead of me and other guys that deserved to be on the team instead of me.
See, everyone usually makes the team in high school. But, things really start to come to reality when you play at the collegiate and professional levels. Roster cuts are made, and those who were close to making the team are devastated.
The thing is though, there’s a reason why not everyone makes the team. The best 53 or 15 guys EARN their spot.
Let’s just get to the point. It’s time for these two NBA veterans need to call it quits.
Time To Break Up The Dynasty
San Francisco. The home of the Golden State Warriors (those who consider Oakland to be the true home, don’t be mad at me). Things haven’t changed much since the relocation of the team. If anything, the amount of championship banners has increased thanks to last year’s run that ended in a title. Don’t worry, Boston. There’s always this year.
Stephen Curry. Klay Thompson. Draymond Green. Andre Iguodala. Four guys have been the blueprint for success since their arrival. The only thing worth noting is that Iguodala joined the Warriors as a free agent in 2013. The other three stars were homegrown.
Together, they led the way to four of the organization’s seven total championships. They’ve all played a major role during their runs.
Fast forward to 2023, and three of the four players have continued to make a major impact on the floor. Andre Iguodala is not one of them.
I’m not going to sit here and criticize the veteran forward. A four-time champion, a Finals MVP, and an All-Star? What’s there to get on him about? Nothing. Except for his spot on the bench.
See, if “Iggy” decided to retire last offseason and became an assistant coach this year with Golden State, I would have no problem with that. But, what has he done this year? He’s appeared in a total of three games due to injury. Even when he’s on the court, the man has averaged a measly 2.3 PPG.
Donte DiVincenzo's mic'd up reaction to Andre Iguodala's dunk ????️???? pic.twitter.com/aPNIVuf2jk
— NBA (@NBA) January 14, 2023
Why exactly is the front office allowing this man to remain on the roster? He’s 39, and even when healthy, the Warriors aren’t going to use him. Guys like Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, Anthony Lamb, and Patrick Baldwin Jr. deserve more playing time over him.
You could argue they need him for veteran and mentorship purposes. Then, release him and have him be an assistant coach. Fill that empty spot with someone who deserves one. Lamb is currently on a two-way contract, as is guard Ty Jerome. Other candidates to fill it include buyout candidates or even a player they recently signed to a ten-day contract.
The original two way player! The @warriors are high on Lester and very curious to see if Kerr uses him. @kevo408 joins me later today for a new @LockedOnDubs to break this down and much more! https://t.co/LEjGohxkAY
— Cyrus Saatsaz (@DogSurfRoadshow) March 1, 2023
Time to Get Out of South Beach
The Miami Heat currently sit in 7th place in the Eastern Conference. Most fans are disappointed with their team’s performance this year. But, getting into the playoffs should be the only thing that matters. After all, Jimmy Butler turns into a different animal when the postseason comes around.
But, once again, another NBA vet currently on the roster has done nothing but be a waste of a spot. Welcome to the stage, Udonis Haslem.
Haslem doesn't like what he's seen from his squad this year
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 2, 2023
(via @MiamiHerald) pic.twitter.com/TjK6qPzgpb
Excuse me? Losing sleep? With all due respect, what have you done all season long? *checks stats* Oh, my apologies. I didn’t know scoring three points all year was such a difference-maker.
What are we doing here? I don’t care about the veteran leadership he supposedly brings to the table. Heat fans would rather see their team in the top six of the standings instead of the play-in tournament. The front office will soon have to make a decision on their two-way players Orlando Robinson and Jamal Cain.
Here’s an idea: release Haslem and have the flexibility to sign one or the other. The 42-year-old isn’t LeBron James; he’s not going to wake up one morning and drop 30 points for you.
Haslem is a three-time NBA champion. He’s had his moments in the past. But, the past is the past. Our focus is on this season. We can agree that the old man does not belong on an NBA roster anymore.
So, he can stop the whole “losing sleep” situation. Enjoy the fact that you’re getting paid to sit on the bench and contribute nothing to your team’s place in the standings.
The Bottom Line: It’s Time For These NBA Veterans To Call It Quits
Retire. That’s all these guys have to do. Iguodala and Haslem would always be welcome to help as a coach with their respective teams. Giving their teams the flexibility to sign someone who will help them win would actually help. Being a benchwarmer will not do your team any favors. Trust me, I would know.
Thank you for reading! Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter! Thank you for your continuing support, and be on the lookout for more quality content!
