5 NBA players who should make a comeback
By Matt Couden
2. Stephon Marbury, age 38
Much like Baron Davis, this man has actually still been suiting up and taking to the hardwood for live game action. Stephon Marbury currently plays for the Chinese Basketball Association’s Beijing Ducks. He’s even won three championships with the team, including back-to-back titles the past two years.
Marbury is just 38 years old which puts him right up there with the other guys who are contemplating a comeback in the league. However, the fact he’s gained experience playing in a full-time league, regardless of how one views the competition, is a plus for most NBA teams.
Marbury played for five different teams during his NBA career which included the Timberwolves, Nets, Suns, and Knicks. His last appearance in the league came with the Boston Celtics in 2009 before he left to play in China.
While playing for the Cs, “Starbury” averaged a paltry 3.7 points and 1.7 assists per game. However, during his time with the Knicks back in 2004, he was putting up good stats, averaging over 21 points, six assists and four rebounds per contest.
Right now, Marbury is still averaging double digits over in China and during the 2014-15 season has played an average of 31.6 minutes per game. Those are attractive numbers for many struggling teams in need of an elder leader for their squads.
A good number of NBA teams should consider adding this veteran star from Brooklyn to their roster. Perhaps a return run with one of his former teams such as the Wolves or Nets?
Next: The GOAT
1. Michael Jordan, age 53
He’s known as “the G.O.A.T.” in quite a few basketball circles. He’s the stuff that legends were made of on the hardwood. Let’s face it, Michael Jordan belongs on the comeback list at any given time. Most fans would want to see what he’s got these days in a real game.
Jordan last appeared in an NBA game back in 2003 when his Wizards suffered a 107-87 loss to the 76ers in Philadelphia. However, Jordan scored 15 points in 28 minutes of playing time. That was over a decade ago, but he still loves the game.
He’s now the ripe age of 53, and still capable of making a big comeback in the league. Just recently he crushed the dreams of kids at the Michael Jordan’s Flight School basketball camp when he made all six of his required shots. Current NBA star Chris Paul was on hand to witness the greatness of “His Airness,” and even had set the rules beforehand. Basically, if Jordan missed half his shots, the campers got free shoes. Sorry, kids.
A Jordan comeback will always be lingering in the mind of fans and MJ himself. Some might wonder which team he would go to, but his competitive nature makes it obvious. The man currently helps to run the Charlotte Hornets and watches them from the sidelines quite a bit. He sees every triumph and every defeat and takes plenty of mental notes.
It would not be surprising for the legendary basketball star who was born in North Carolina to lace up those Air Jordans one more time and lead his Charlotte Hornets into battle against LeBron James, the Cavs, and the rest of the league. LeBron would probably welcome the competition, maybe.
Just having a presence like Jordan on the court would help newer players emerge and the league surge in popularity with his return. So MJ, if you’re listening, grab those fresh Js and a Hornets No. 23 jersey for old time’s sake!