Lockout = Massive celtics retirement party?

[JT11]

I can't find a link where KG directly states, "I will retire if there is a lockout," but there is this link from a while back:

http://www.celticsblog.com/2010/12/5/1856764/if-lockout-hits-garnett-hints-at-retirement

[CelticG1]

would be shocked if KG retires after this year. How many players have ever retired while still being a dominant defender/top player at his position in the league?

It just doesn't make any sense.

I would love to hear some reasoning behind it besides a random interview where KG says "yeah it could be my last season".

Seriously who was the last guy to retire in KG's situation? KG one of the most competitive guys on earth like an MJ type, going to retire? Just don't see it. We aren't talking about Rasheed Wallace here or Jermaine O'Neal.

[anthony83]

They can still play at a high level, for me would be a surprise if they retire.

[greenpride32]

Players primarily use the team's provided facilities and trainers for their workouts and of course their practices.  All of this is inaccessible during the lockout, which means guys need to stay in shape on their own.  Some guys will probably enjoy the time off and not stay in shape.  Younger bodies will be better able to resume the wear and tear after a layoff compared to an older one.

KG has already strongly hinted a lockout means the end of his career.

Also keep in mind that if the entire season is lost it's almost certain the NBA contracts for that year will be as well.  There's no way owners are going agree to roll contracts forward.  So that means KG, Ray, JO woud not even be under contract for 12-13.

[pearljammer10]

It really wouldnt surprise me to see KG retire if the league sits out a full year. He has made his money, he has put his mileage on his body, i think he is going to go out while he was still a respectable force in the league. I think Ray's got a few more years left in him though, whether or not its with the Celtics, well we will see.

[LooseCannon]

I just don't see the NBA missing an entire season.  That can really kill a brand.

If your argument is that there is no way that the owners do something stupid, that's a pretty shaky foundation.

[vinnie]

The owners are trying to force a worse deal on the players than the NHL players have. Unless they relent, I don't think there will be any basketball this season. Wonder how long it will take for the Celtics to start refunding season ticket money?

[Marcus13]

I just don't see the NBA missing an entire season.  That can really kill a brand.

If your argument is that there is no way that the owners do something stupid, that's a pretty shaky foundation.

True.

Until both sides start hurting they will not even begin to talk about this seriously, so you're talking about things pretty much staying exactly where they are until next November. Right now it would probably be optimistic to hope for a fifty game season next year.

[celticsclay]

would be shocked if KG retires after this year. How many players have ever retired while still being a dominant defender/top player at his position in the league?

It just doesn't make any sense.

I would love to hear some reasoning behind it besides a random interview where KG says "yeah it could be my last season".

Seriously who was the last guy to retire in KG's situation? KG one of the most competitive guys on earth like an MJ type, going to retire? Just don't see it. We aren't talking about Rasheed Wallace here or Jermaine O'Neal.

David Robinson was still a really solid player when he retired, and definitely still a top level center his averages of 8 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks in his final season might not be quite as good as Garnett's this past season, but his play definitely helped the Spurs win a championship and he was very solid defensively. Karl Malone was obviously older his last season than KG is now but he still averaged 13 points, 9 rebounds and shot 48% from the field in his final season. These are just some guys that come to mind from recent seasons.... add that to the fact that it would be unprecented for an NBA season to be canceled and it certainly seems possible that KG and other older productive players could decide to hang them up

[indeedproceed]

id be really surprised if kg and ray walked away from tens of millions of dollars as well. there is no way pp walks away.

[ManUp]

If theres a year long lockout Pierce is the only guy I see definitely coming back. There is simply too much money on the table for Pierce to just walk away. Ray and KG returning probably depends on the state of the team. I'm thinking they probably don't return if they are still expected to do all the heavy lifting for the squad to contend. I could also see KG getting comfortable living the quiet life and just saying screw the NBA.

Another thing to consider is what will the long lay-off do to their bodies and game. They might be able to stay in relatively good shape,but they might not be able to get back into game shape. IMHO, the big three an Celtics fans should want no parts of this lockout.

[OsirusCeltics]

Just hope the lockout ends soon
This is too sad to think about

[celticsclay]

I am not sure how the money on the table would work out exactly.... i believe if the lockout lasted the whole season that would use up the last year on their deals and they would not be walking away from anything. Can someone clarify if this is true?

[erisred]

I am not sure how the money on the table would work out exactly.... i believe if the lockout lasted the whole season that would use up the last year on their deals and they would not be walking away from anything. Can someone clarify if this is true?

That would be negotiated in the new CBA, but in all likelihood, it would work out that a completely lost season would leave KG and Ray as UFA with nothing owed them.

[cman88]

It really wouldnt surprise me to see KG retire if the league sits out a full year. He has made his money, he has put his mileage on his body, i think he is going to go out while he was still a respectable force in the league. I think Ray's got a few more years left in him though, whether or not its with the Celtics, well we will see.

ya, I definitely feel that the 2011-12 season whether played or not will be kg's last season. of the big 3, hes the one player you can tell the most he isnt the same offensively.

Ray allen though I see staying on for less money...possibly coming off the bench...He seems to love the celtics, the system in place has his family here and his daughter at Uconn. those were big reasons he picked up his option he said in a recent interview...