KG is one of those dudes that doesn’t know when to walk away.
That’s not to say he isn’t still talented, on the contrary, his ability led him to shoot 58% while averaging just over 7 pts and 5 rebs a game. Putting up numbers like that after 20 years in the League is unbelievable, and has fueled his competitive spirit so much so that KG wants to return for a 21st season, says team president and head coach Flip Saunders.
“He’s given an indication he’d like to play another year. If he does, we hope it’d be here,” Saunders told FOX Sports North’s Phil Ervin.
“If he didn’t want to play, I thought he would’ve played some games down the stretch. Where his leg was at and just the soreness, I believe he didn’t want to take any chance, and the reason he didn’t is because he indicated wants to get his body right. If he gets his body right, he wants to play. I think that’s the avenue that he’s trying to go towards.”
This would give the vet an opportunity to have a farewell tour much like Derek Jeter’s in the MLB. However, with Kobe likely heading for retirement after next season as well, it could get annoying saying goodbye to these guys REAL quick.
You’ve had a heck of career, KG. Ride off into the sunset and enjoy the little cartilage in your knees that you may have left. The game will miss you.
(We’ll be sure to keep you posted on any official statement of return or retirement. Knowing KG, though, we’ll be seeing him next year.)