The NBA is a league in constant evolution, with new stars emerging and veterans retiring each season. Some players exit gracefully, while others fade away due to injuries, declining performance, or off-court issues. This list explores 15 players who, for various reasons, are unlikely to play in the NBA again. Despite age, health, or uncontrollable circumstances, these players have left their mark on the game, even if their on-court time is likely over. Let’s examine who they are and what led to their early departures.
Patrick Beverley, the relentless defensive specialist and NBA veteran, has joined Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel. At 36, Beverley’s move likely marks the end of his notable NBA career. Known for his fierce competitiveness and defensive prowess, Beverley played 12 seasons in the NBA with the Houston Rockets, LA Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, LA Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks. He averaged 8.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, establishing himself as one of the league’s top defenders.
Beverley’s path to the NBA was unconventional. He initially played professionally in Ukraine, Greece, and Russia before making his NBA debut with the Houston Rockets in 2013. His impact was immediate, earning a reputation as a lockdown defender and a relentless presence on the court. Throughout his NBA career, Beverley was often assigned to guard the opposing team’s best perimeter player, and his fearless approach endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
However, Beverley’s 2023/24 NBA season ended on a disappointing note. An incident involving Pacers fans led to a four-game suspension, which he would have served if he had signed with an NBA team for the upcoming season. Instead, Beverley chose to continue his career overseas, joining Hapoel Tel Aviv, a top team in the Israeli Basketball Premier League.
This move isn’t Beverley’s first international stint. Before his NBA career, he played in Europe, honing the skills that eventually brought him to the NBA. Now, he returns to international play, bringing years of NBA experience and the same unyielding spirit that defined his career. At Hapoel Tel Aviv, Beverley will join fellow NBA veteran Ish Wainright, adding a wealth of experience to the squad. As Beverley transitions to this new chapter, his legacy in the NBA as a fierce competitor and defensive stalwart remains firmly intact.