NBA: 5 players that we didn’t get enough of

In the wake of Andrew Luck’s stunning announcement of retirement, fans of America’s most lucrative sport remain in a state of utter shock. What NBA players left us feeling the same way?

Unfortunately, playing at such a high level of sport takes a toll on the body and mind. No matter how entertaining it is for fans to watch, no matter how much money an athlete can make, the years start to add up. As the old saying goes, Father Time remains undefeated.

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This isn’t the first time this has happened in the NFL, let alone a major sport in the United States, including the NBA.

It’s well-documented that football, a collision sport, is a much more difficult sport to play for long-term health than that of basketball, more of a contact sport. Despite fewer games, the amount of impact an NFL player receives on a regular basis does plenty of damage in a small time-frame.

Therefore, the collective fan base of the NBA sees early retirement much less than the NFL.

Regardless, it does happen. Injuries can pile up and playing an 82-game season plus playoffs doesn’t keep athletes chomping at the bit for 20-plus years.

The NBA has run into players like Greg Oden (not on the list, but very well could have been) who just can’t seem to stay healthy, and then there’s those that just lose their passion for the game.

Oh, the careers that could have been.