Feel bad for PP, Legacy somewhat tarnished

[Greyman]

The Clippers wouldn't be paying PP a salary if he wasn't contributing something. He will go out on his own terms, more than many players get. Then he will have a job back in Boston. All good.

[Surferdad]

Its something we see too often more in the NBA than any other sport...

Players that just try to hold on to their careers by playing them out to the max and in the end they are a fraction (or less) of what they once were ...

It was sad to see Pierce get a pity start (and finish) when if he retired say 2 years ago he could of went out with a bang.. Now I thought it was amazing to see him knock down the final shot of the game but to see a scorer of his magnitude finish at 6ppg last and 3ppg this year is just sad...

We have seen it with Iverson (who needed the $), Shaq, Ewing, even KG to name a few...
Its just better to see players go out on much higher notes rather than a coach granting them a pity minute...

This is truly a fan's perspective only.  We hate to see our heroes decline and become mere mortals.  I understand that.

Now think about the player perspective.  Basketball is PP's professional skill.  He's done it with absolute dedication for literally decades.  While going out "with a bang" is a nice sentiment, why would he give up the money and the game he loves by retiring 2 years early?  He's got the rest of his life to be retired, or do something else in basketball (which will pay much les than being an NBA player). 

This hits close to home for me as I've been thinking about retirement lately.  I could retire this year (because I turn 59.5).  However, if I wait just a couple more years, I will earn a really good salary (and also end up with a much better payout from Social Security) that will make retirement more comfortable.  Besides that, I like my job and my wife is already nervous about me hanging around the house.