15 Players Who Probably Won’t Play Again In The NBA

The NBA is a league of constant evolution, with new stars emerging and veterans hanging up their sneakers every season. While some players make graceful exits, others fade away due to injuries, declining performance, or off-court issues. This list dives into 15 players who, for one reason or another, probably won’t suit up in an NBA jersey again. Whether it's due to age, health, or circumstances beyond their control, these players have left their mark on the game, even if their time on the court is likely over. Let's take a look at who they are and what led to their premature departures.

1. Patrick Beverley

Patrick Beverley , the relentless defensive specialist and NBA veteran, has taken his talents to Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel. At 36 years old, Beverley’s move likely signals the end of his storied NBA career. Known for his fiery competitiveness and defensive tenacity, Beverley played 12 seasons in the NBA, making stops with the Houston Rockets, LA Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, LA Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks . Over his career, he averaged 8.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, leaving a mark as one of the league’s premier defenders.

Beverley's journey 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 pesky presence on the court. Throughout his NBA tenure, Beverley was often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best perimeter player, and his fearless approach endeared him to fans and teammates alike.

Despite his successes, Beverley’s 2023/24 NBA season ended on a sour 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.

Beverley’s move to Hapoel Tel Aviv isn’t his first international stint. Before his NBA career, he played in Europe, where he honed the skills that eventually brought him stateside. Now, he returns to international play, bringing with him 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.

2. Serge Ibaka

Serge Ibaka , the formidable shot-blocker and NBA champion, has recently signed a one-year contract with Real Madrid in Spain, continuing his basketball journey overseas. At 34 years old, Ibaka's decision to move to Europe likely marks the end of his illustrious NBA career.

Ibaka's NBA tenure was marked by defensive excellence and a knack for timely scoring. He began his professional career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he quickly established himself as one of the league’s best defenders. Over his NBA career, he also played for the Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, LA Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Indiana Pacers. He averaged 12.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game across 919 regular season appearances.

One of Ibaka's career highlights was his pivotal role in the Toronto Raptors' 2019 championship run. His defensive presence and scoring ability off the bench were crucial in securing the franchise's first-ever NBA title. However, recurring back issues in the later years of his career limited his effectiveness and availability on the court.

In the 2022/23 NBA season, Ibaka appeared in 16 games for the Milwaukee Bucks before being waived. He then spent the 2023/24 season with Bayern Munich, where he experienced a resurgence, averaging 12.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, and helping the team win the German League championship.

Now with Real Madrid, Ibaka will bring his veteran experience and defensive skills to one of Europe's top basketball clubs. His move signifies a new chapter and possibly the final stretch of a career that has spanned continents and leagues, showcasing his global impact on the sport.

3. John Wall

John Wall finds himself at a crossroads in his basketball career. After a tumultuous few years marked by injuries and team changes, Wall’s NBA future appears uncertain. At 33 years old, he was last seen playing for the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2022-23 season before being traded back to the Houston Rockets, who subsequently waived him.

Wall’s NBA career has been a rollercoaster. He began with the Washington Wizards as the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft and quickly became one of the league's most dynamic guards. Over his career, he averaged 19.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, earning five All-Star selections and making an impact with his court vision and speed.

However, injuries have plagued Wall’s career, especially in recent years. An Achilles tear and other significant injuries limited his playing time, and he struggled to regain his form. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, he couldn’t stay consistently healthy, leading to his eventual buyout from the Rockets.

As of now, Wall is still open to an NBA comeback, expressing his desire to continue playing. He remains a free agent, and while his talent is undeniable, his injury history makes his return to the league uncertain. For now, it seems like Wall's NBA journey might be nearing its end.

4. Montrezl Harrell

Montrezl Harrell, known for his relentless energy and scoring prowess off the bench, has faced a tough road recently. In October 2023, the Philadelphia 76ers waived him after he underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL and medial meniscus in his right knee. This injury came after a season where he averaged 5.6 points and 2.8 rebounds in limited minutes over 57 games with the Sixers.

Harrell’s NBA journey has been marked by highs and lows. He was the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2020, a testament to his scoring ability and impact off the bench. During his peak, Harrell averaged 14.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game over five seasons, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly in a reserve role.

However, despite his offensive talent, Harrell's style of play has not always fit seamlessly into modern NBA lineups. Standing at 6'7", he is undersized for a traditional center and lacks the defensive versatility to guard multiple positions effectively. His limited defensive impact and inability to stretch the floor have made it challenging for him to find a consistent role, especially in a league increasingly valuing three-point shooting and defensive flexibility.

Harrell re-signed with the 76ers in the summer of 2023, hoping to carve out a role under a new coaching regime. Unfortunately, his knee injury derailed those plans. While he remains focused on rehabilitation and aims to return after the All-Star break in February, his future in the NBA is uncertain. The 76ers have pledged their support during his recovery, but it remains to be seen if Harrell can overcome his injury and adapt his game to secure a spot in the league once more.

5. Kendrick Nunn

Kendrick Nunn, the former NBA guard, has found a new lease on his basketball career with Panathinaikos in Greece. After a few tumultuous years in the NBA with teams like the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Washington Wizards, Nunn has transitioned successfully to European basketball. He signed a two-year contract extension with Panathinaikos in May 2024, which includes an NBA out clause, but he decided to stay with the Greek giants for at least one more season after the clause expired in July.

In his first season with Panathinaikos, Nunn played a crucial role in their success. He averaged 16.0 points, shooting an impressive 46.6% on two-pointers, 41% on three-pointers, and 95.9% from the free-throw line in the EuroLeague. His performance helped lead the team to their seventh EuroLeague title and a domestic league championship. Nunn was also named to the All-EuroLeague team and was one of the Greek league’s best-five players.

Despite his successful stint in Europe, Nunn's NBA prospects appear slim. His performance overseas shows he still has the talent, but he seems to have found a better fit in the European style of play, where his scoring ability and experience have flourished. This might indicate that his days in the NBA are behind him as he continues to build a strong career in Europe.

6. Nerlens Noel

Nerlens Noel, a former top prospect known for his shot-blocking and defensive versatility, has faced significant challenges recently. Despite his athletic prowess, Noel has struggled to find a stable spot in the NBA. As of early 2024, he remains a free agent after being waived by the Sacramento Kings in September 2023.

Noel's recent NBA stints have been less than stellar. During the 2022-23 season, he played in just 17 games for the Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets, averaging 2.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 11.5 minutes per game. His inability to secure a regular rotation spot led to his waiver by the Kings, who had initially signed him to a one-year, $3.2 million contract in July 2023. This move came as the Kings opted to clear space and give other players opportunities during training camp.

Noel's career, which began with high expectations after being drafted sixth overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, has been marred by injuries and inconsistent performance. Standing at 6'11", Noel's shot-blocking ability was supposed to be his ticket to becoming a defensive anchor in the league. However, his offensive limitations and frequent injuries have made it difficult for him to maintain a significant role on any team.

Several teams, including the New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, and Charlotte Hornets, have shown exploratory interest in Noel. His defensive skills and experience could be valuable assets for teams looking for depth in their frontcourt. However, his future in the NBA remains uncertain as he navigates the free-agent market, hoping to find a team willing to give him another chance to prove his worth on the court.

7. DeMarcus Cousins

DeMarcus Cousins was a dominant force in the NBA, earning four All-Star selections and being one of the most skilled big men of his generation. However, the last few years in the league have been rocky for Cousins.

After his prime years with the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans, Cousins had brief stints with the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, LA Clippers, and Denver Nuggets. His time in the NBA was marred by significant injuries, including a torn Achilles, a torn ACL, and various other setbacks that limited his playing time and effectiveness. His last NBA appearance was with the Denver Nuggets during the 2021-22 season, where he showed glimpses of his old form but couldn't secure a permanent spot.

In 2024, Cousins took his talents overseas, playing for the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. He led the team to a championship and was named the Finals MVP, proving that he still has plenty of game left. Recently, Cousins joined the Zamboanga Valientes for The Asian Tournament, adding another chapter to his international career.

While his NBA future is uncertain, Cousins continues to make an impact on the court internationally. He's using his experience to inspire and lead teams, showcasing the skills that made him a star in the NBA.

Related: The Greatest Seasons By Players Over 35 Years Old In NBA History

8. Victor Oladipo

Once a two-time All-Star and one of the NBA's most promising talents, Victor Oladipo has faced a series of significant setbacks in recent years. Most recently, he suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee during the Miami Heat's first-round playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks in April 2023. This injury required surgery and ended his season prematurely.

Oladipo’s career has been plagued by injuries, significantly impacting his time on the court. Despite these challenges, he signed a two-year, $18.2 million contract with the Miami Heat in 2022. He played in 42 games during the 2022-23 season, averaging 10.7 points and 3.5 assists per game. However, his frequent injuries have made it difficult for him to maintain a consistent presence and performance

After dealing with a series of injuries that have plagued his career, he found himself on the move again in 2024. Initially with the Miami Heat, Oladipo was traded to the Houston Rockets. However, the Rockets soon flipped him to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Steven Adams and three second-round picks. This trade was part of a larger strategy by the Rockets to acquire a defensive-minded big man, despite Adams being injured for the remainder of the season.

Unfortunately, Oladipo's stint with the Grizzlies was short-lived. He was waived shortly after the trade, as the Grizzlies decided not to keep him on their roster due to his ongoing injury issues and the fact that he hadn't played yet in the 2023-24 season. Oladipo had suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee during the playoffs with the Heat and was still recovering from surgery.

This move likely signals another period of uncertainty for Oladipo as he navigates his recovery and contemplates his next steps in professional basketball. Despite these challenges, he remains a resilient figure in the sport, hoping to make a comeback once he's fully healed.

9. Will Barton

Will Barton, known for his scoring ability and versatility, has had quite a journey recently. After starting the 2022-23 NBA season with the Washington Wizards, he struggled to find a consistent role, averaging 7.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over 40 games. The Wizards eventually reached a buyout agreement with Barton in February 2023, making him a free agent.

Barton then signed a brief contract with the Toronto Raptors but couldn't make a significant impact there either. Looking for a fresh start, he moved to Europe and signed with Coviran Granada in the Spanish ACB League. However, his stint in Spain was short-lived, and he soon found himself playing in Puerto Rico for the Cangrejeros de Santurce. There, Barton showed flashes of his old self, averaging an impressive 17.1 points per game.

Despite his solid performance in Puerto Rico, Barton's chances of returning to the NBA seem slim. His decline in the NBA over the past few seasons, coupled with the league's increasing emphasis on younger talent and three-point shooting, makes it difficult for veterans like Barton to secure a spot. Additionally, his journey through multiple teams and leagues suggests that NBA teams might be hesitant to invest in him long-term. As a result, while Barton continues to excel internationally, his NBA career is likely behind him.

10. Frank Ntilikina

Frank Ntilikina, the French guard known for his defensive skills, has had a turbulent time in the NBA recently. After a stint with the Dallas Mavericks, where he averaged 2.9 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in the 2022-23 season, he signed a one-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets. However, his time with the Hornets was short-lived, as he was waived in February 2024.

Ntilikina has faced several challenges, including limited playing time and injuries, which have hampered his ability to secure a stable role in the NBA. After being waived by the Hornets, he returned to Europe and signed with Partizan Belgrade. He was also training with the French club Nanterre 92, aiming to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games.

Given his recent struggles in the NBA and his move back to Europe, it seems unlikely that Ntilikina will return to the NBA. His defensive capabilities are well-regarded, but his offensive limitations and the league's evolving emphasis on scoring and versatility make it challenging for him to find a consistent spot in an NBA rotation.

11. Stanley Johnson

Stanley Johnson, a defensive-minded forward, has had quite a journey in professional basketball. After starting his NBA career with the Detroit Pistons, Johnson had stints with the New Orleans Pelicans, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs. Known for his versatility and defensive prowess, Johnson never quite found a stable role in the league.

In the 2022-23 season, Johnson signed with the San Antonio Spurs but was waived in February 2023. Following his release, he played briefly for the South Bay Lakers in the G League, where he averaged 15.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. This stint led to another opportunity with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he signed multiple 10-day contracts before earning a two-year deal. Despite solid defensive contributions, Johnson’s role remained limited.

In 2024, Johnson decided to continue his career overseas, signing with Anadolu Efes in the EuroLeague. This move marks a new chapter for Johnson, who aims to make a significant impact in Europe after struggling to secure a consistent spot in the NBA. Given his recent transition and the evolving nature of NBA rosters focusing more on younger talents and three-point shooting, it's unlikely that Johnson will return to the NBA.

12. Josh Jackson

Josh Jackson, the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, has had a challenging career in the NBA. After being drafted by the Phoenix Suns, he had stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons, and Sacramento Kings. In August 2022, Jackson signed a non-guaranteed deal with the Toronto Raptors but was waived in October before the season started.

Following his release, Jackson played briefly in the G League with the Stockton Kings, where he continued to struggle with consistency and playing time. His NBA career has been marked by frequent moves and limited impact on the court, with his last NBA stint being with the Sacramento Kings in the 2021-22 season.

As of now, Jackson remains a free agent, and his future in the NBA looks uncertain. Despite his early promise and athleticism, his inability to secure a stable role and produce consistently at the NBA level makes a return to the league unlikely. Jackson's career highlights his potential, but also the challenges many high draft picks face in living up to expectations in the professional ranks.

13. Isaiah Thomas

Isaiah Thomas finds himself at a crossroads in his career. After his peak years with the Boston Celtics, where he was an MVP candidate and two-time All-Star, Thomas has struggled to find a stable role in the league. As of now, Thomas is a free agent, having not secured a long-term contract despite brief stints with several teams in recent years.

Thomas's journey has been challenging. At 5'9", his height has always been a hurdle in a league dominated by taller players. Moreover, significant injuries, particularly a lingering hip issue, have greatly impacted his performance and availability. Although he remains a potent scorer and playmaker, his defensive limitations and lack of elite shooting consistency have made it difficult for teams to commit to him long-term.

In the 2021-22 season, Thomas played on a series of 10-day contracts with the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Charlotte Hornets, averaging 8.4 points per game across these stints. His most recent NBA action came with the Phoenix Suns in 2024, where he signed a 10-day contract but played limited minutes, primarily serving as a veteran presence in the locker room.

Despite his undeniable talent and scoring ability, Thomas's physical limitations and defensive shortcomings, coupled with the league's increasing emphasis on size and versatility, make it unlikely for him to secure another significant role in the NBA. His journey, marked by resilience and determination, continues to inspire many, but the challenges he faces in returning to his former glory are substantial.

14. JaVale McGee

JaVale McGee, the three-time NBA champion and veteran center, has faced a lot of changes in his career recently. After being waived by the Dallas Mavericks in August 2023, McGee signed with the Sacramento Kings. However, his role has been limited, serving mostly as a backup center and playing only 7.4 minutes per game.

McGee's career has been defined by his defensive abilities, shot-blocking, and occasional highlight-reel dunks. Despite his contributions, his playing time has dwindled in recent years due to the league's increasing preference for more versatile, multi-skilled big men. At 36 years old, McGee's physicality and experience are valuable, but his limited offensive skills and mobility have made it challenging for him to secure a more significant role on a roster.

As McGee hovers in free agency in 2024, there have been rumors about his potential retirement. While he has expressed a desire to continue playing, the combination of his age, injury history, and the evolving demands of the center position in the NBA make it uncertain whether he will find a team willing to offer him a substantial role.

15. Justise Winslow

Justise Winslow, once a highly touted prospect, has had a rocky road in the NBA due to persistent injuries and inconsistent play. Drafted 10th overall by the Miami Heat in 2015, Winslow showed promise early in his career but has struggled to stay healthy. Over the years, he has played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Clippers, and Portland Trail Blazers, with injuries frequently sidelining him.

Most recently, Winslow signed a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors in February 2024 after playing with their G League affiliate, Raptors 905. Despite averaging 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in the G League, he did not see any game action with the Raptors and returned to the G League team after his contract expired.

Winslow's career has been hampered by injuries, including a season-ending ankle surgery in 2023 while with the Portland Trail Blazers. His offensive struggles, especially his shooting percentages, and frequent injuries have made it difficult for him to secure a long-term role in the NBA. His defensive abilities and versatility are well-regarded, but the league's demand for consistent three-point shooting and reliable health have limited his opportunities.

As it stands, Winslow remains a free agent, and given his injury history and the league's evolving needs, it seems unlikely that he will return to the NBA in a significant capacity. His resilience and professionalism are commendable, but the physical and skill demands of the league make his return challenging.

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