Career 1-team Players

[Rip32]

With all the chatter about 2010's free agency and Kobe's recent 25,000 point achievement, it got me wonder, who are some guys you can see being those career "insert team here" guys? I know in today's NBA it's increasingly difficult to have a guy play his entire career in one place, but who do you think may do it?

Tim Duncan- This may be the most obvious of the bunch. When you think San Antonio Spurs who comes to mind? George Gervin? David Robinson? While both are great players, it has to be Duncan. Arguably the best power forward of all-time and one of the great people the NBA has ever seen. It's fitting that he's in San Antonio, a smaller market, which goes perfect with his small market attitude and persona. Chances of being a lifetime Spur? 100%

Paul Pierce- The most well-known Celtic of the past 10 years, The Truth probably can lock up his all-time Celtic status with another championship. His career in Boston has been up-and-down, but once he was surrounded with a supporting cast we really saw what he brought to the table. I don't know that you can win a title with him as your best player, but the thing about Paul Pierce is that he represents Boston like Duncan does San Antonio: a hard-nosed guy that goes out and plays the same way each and every game. Chances of being a lifetime Celtic? 90%

Kobe Bryant- Ah, the modern day Mr. Laker. There's plenty of reasons why he should keep the purple and gold-thing going, but remember, just six years ago he captivated the basketball world and divided a city when deciding whether to sign with the Lakers or Clippers. Fast-forward to 2010 and he's added a MVP and a fourth championship to his resume. Kobe is one of the most competitive players in the NBA, so who's to say he doesn't get frustrated again if the Lakers go back into mediocrity? Chances of being a lifetime Laker? 85%

Carmelo Anthony- Although Carmelo is only 25, sticking in Denver seems like a distinct possibility. He seems to have taken a liking to Denver as a whole, shown by his charity work and on-court exploits. Denver's greatest players have all been great scorers (David Thompson, Alex English) and Carmelo fits the bill there. He already is locked up until 2012 and I don't really see a reason for him to leave. He's the biggest athlete in Colorado and his team's have improved each year he's been in the NBA. Contending for a championship is the only roadblock here. Chances of being a lifetime Nugget? 75%

There are plenty more guys who could be considered, so who do you guys think could be in this category?

[dare]

Kevin Durant - I know it's little to early to say this but I think Durant will stay to the Thunders, they a nice young roster and they are now fighting for a playoff spot. I think they will be a contender in upcoming years and that will make Durant stay.

[Andrew]

Kobe Bryant- Ah, the modern day Mr. Laker. There's plenty of reasons why he should keep the purple and gold-thing going, but remember, just six years ago he captivated the basketball world and divided a city when deciding whether to sign with the Lakers or Clippers.

Not to mention his trade demands prior to the 2007/2008 season. Of course, the steal that was the Gasol trade and a Finals appearance are the kind of things that would restore almost anyone's faith in management. At this point, I doubt Kobe is going anywhere unless a really nasty situation develops and he opts out or demands a trade.

I'd agree that Tim Duncan seems destined to play his entire career for the Spurs. I agree that Pierce seems less of a lock, I think the possibility remains that the Celtics would trade him as part of a "rebuilding while we still have valuable assets to trade" scenario, but on the whole I'd still rate his chances of retiring a Celtic as pretty good to say the least.

[hova-]

Before mentioning a guy like Melo, how about Dirk? Okay, originally drafted by the Bucks, but Kobe has also been drafted by the Hornets, so that does not count. Dirk does not want to leave and for Cuban he is like untradable. I don't see him winning a championship unfortunately. Still, he is the Mavs all-time leader in points, rebounds etc. and when I think about the Mavs, Dirk's the first thing coming to my mind.

[NovU]

And then there is Dwyane Wade, who will resign at this end of this season. Great example of franchise player indeed. Brought the worst team in the NBA to a decent playoffs team.

[Oznogrd]

And then there is Dwyane Wade, who will resign at this end of this season. Great example of franchise player indeed. Brought the worst team in the NBA to a decent playoffs team.

Is there proof? after this season i think he's going to want out.

[koberulz]

That'd be a good reason to resign then.

[Modifly]

If Yao return strong next season and be at least 80% of his old self then he may be eligible for this list.

[cavs4872]

Zydrunas Ilguaskas. He is nearing the end of his career, but has been mentioned in many trade rumors lately. Chances of being a lifetime Cavalier? 90%

[Rip32]

Before mentioning a guy like Melo, how about Dirk? Okay, originally drafted by the Bucks, but Kobe has also been drafted by the Hornets, so that does not count. Dirk does not want to leave and for Cuban he is like untradable. I don't see him winning a championship unfortunately. Still, he is the Mavs all-time leader in points, rebounds etc. and when I think about the Mavs, Dirk's the first thing coming to my mind.

Yeah, I agree that he'll probably be a lifetime Mav, but I wanted to throw a guy a little more questionable in there to change it up. I do think you hear Dirk's name mentioned in trade rumor more than any other superstar.

[hova-]

Hm, don't know. Actually I did not hear his name in trade rumors for years. Back when Kobe wanted to leave LA, almost every high calibre player was part of rumors, but other than that ... don't know. I do not doubt that Melo might stay in Denver for life. Actually that is pretty realistic. I just think he's too young and still has about two big extensions for his career which is always a big contributor to a player's direction.

[NovU]

And then there is Dwyane Wade, who will resign at this end of this season. Great example of franchise player indeed. Brought the worst team in the NBA to a decent playoffs team.

Is there proof? after this season i think he's going to want out.

I have to say it's a general perception in public that he's more likely to stay unless he pulls Boozer, which I also doubt to happen. I think Miami is a big enough of market for Wade, and the team isn't in too bad of a situation either with room to sign Wade at max plus more rooms to sign another star player. The question will be how much of luxury tax, the owner will be willing to pay in order to make the team better. As for now, I don't see there'll be too many reasons for Wade to be wanting to move. He's also 28 years old already, and have spent all his career as a Heat.

[Lamrock]

Brandon Roy's another one. He loves Portland and Portland loves him. Greg Oden is a possibility. Especially if his injury proves career-ending.

[shadowgrin]

Love him enough to delay that contract offer, which was eventually offered and signed by Roy.

[Oznogrd]

I have to say it's a general perception in public that he's more likely to stay unless he pulls Boozer, which I also doubt to happen. I think Miami is a big enough of market for Wade, and the team isn't in too bad of a situation either with room to sign Wade at max plus more rooms to sign another star player. The question will be how much of luxury tax, the owner will be willing to pay in order to make the team better. As for now, I don't see there'll be too many reasons for Wade to be wanting to move. He's also 28 years old already, and have spent all his career as a Heat.

How do you know its a big enough market? watching this year he seems dejected where he used to be excited and the assumption is he's not liking it there as much as he used to. Since the championship what has that team done really to help him? brought in matrix for shaq and brought in J'Oneal? Just doesnt seem like enough to hold on to him if you ask me. Nobody wants to do it alone forever

[Andrew]

If Yao return strong next season and be at least 80% of his old self then he may be eligible for this list.

I hate to bring it up just in case it comes to pass, but with the way his body seems to be breaking down on him an early retirement would also see him remain a Rocket for his entire career.

[Fresh8]

I think franchise players who play for the one club for their whole career are a dying breed. Older guys I see sitcking with one club till retirement: Duncan, Dirk, Kobe, Yao Ming, Pierce. The younger guys - I am not too sure about. I'd rate Melo as the only definite sticking with the Nuggets. James, Wade, Bosh could all be gone. I'd like to say Dwight Howard sticks with Orlando for his whole playing career but anything can happen I guess.

Anyone care to make a case for Tony Parker? I think he could be a Spur for his entire career.

[Andrew]

I'd give Parker a pretty good chance of remaining with the Spurs. I doubt they'd be in any hurry to trade him, perhaps he bolts when Duncan is gone though.

[Modifly]

If Yao return strong next season and be at least 80% of his old self then he may be eligible for this list.

I hate to bring it up just in case it comes to pass, but with the way his body seems to be breaking down on him an early retirement would also see him remain a Rocket for his entire career.

There's a high chance of that happening too. Life is more than basketball, Yao should seriously consider that option if his body continues to break down.

[NovU]

I have to say it's a general perception in public that he's more likely to stay unless he pulls Boozer, which I also doubt to happen. I think Miami is a big enough of market for Wade, and the team isn't in too bad of a situation either with room to sign Wade at max plus more rooms to sign another star player. The question will be how much of luxury tax, the owner will be willing to pay in order to make the team better. As for now, I don't see there'll be too many reasons for Wade to be wanting to move. He's also 28 years old already, and have spent all his career as a Heat.

How do you know its a big enough market? watching this year he seems dejected where he used to be excited and the assumption is he's not liking it there as much as he used to. Since the championship what has that team done really to help him? brought in matrix for shaq and brought in J'Oneal? Just doesnt seem like enough to hold on to him if you ask me. Nobody wants to do it alone forever

Possibility is always there as there can be any assumptions for pretty much anyone in the NBA, not only for Wade. But again, I do not recall Wade mentioning or expressing about wanting out, or even major complaints about his situations. What the team has done for Wade? Pretty much failed, as young players didn't go in the direction they wished. But again, he hasn't expressed any displeasure.

You also should think of teams that can offer much more outdoor endorsement plus much increased chance at winning the title, all in while not much decreased role as a franchise level player in order to achieve those. There will be risk factors that follows as well, and it's totally up to Wade to take it or not. As for now, most people don't think the chance of him going anywhere is that great.

[shadowgrin]

Yao doesn't know how to say fuck you to the Chinese National Team. They expect Yao to be Superman and capable of playing all-year round.

[Fresh8]

Yao doesn't know how to say fuck you to the Chinese National Team. They expect Yao to be Superman and capable of playing all-year round.

Look at what happened to Wang Zhizhi. I'm pretty certain Yao doesn't want that. It's a bit unfortunate. He plays way too much and really needs/deserves a break from national team duties. Too late now!

[shadowgrin]

When Yao recovers, the Chinese will make him work like a horse again.

[Modifly]

But I thought Yao already say no to the national team for the upcoming events?

[Andrew]

Possibility is always there as there can be any assumptions for pretty much anyone in the NBA, not only for Wade. But again, I do not recall Wade mentioning or expressing about wanting out, or even major complaints about his situations. What the team has done for Wade? Pretty much failed, as young players didn't go in the direction they wished. But again, he hasn't expressed any displeasure.

He did make some remarks about wanting to be able to legitimately compete for championships and making a decision based on that desire, but he chose his words carefully and didn't outright say that he had no confidence in Miami or any words to that effect. Ultimately he didn't demonstrate a desire to leave, but he didn't pledge lifelong loyalty to the organisation either. Having said that, right now I'm guessing the chances of the Heat keeping them are pretty good albeit with a slim chance that the right situation elsewhere could change his mind about remaining in Miami.