On Sunday, reports surfaced for Los Angeles Lakers All-Star Andrew Bynum is looking to make an NBA comeback, as the 30-year-old hired an agent in hopes of returning to the league.
Former Lakers two-time champion and All-Star Andrew Bynum has hired representation in attempts of NBA comeback at age of 30 and scheduling team workouts before training camps.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 9, 2018
Bynum’s potential return came as a surprise, as he hasn’t played in the league since he was with the Indiana Pacers in 2014.
Inspired by Bynum’s comeback attempt, here are three players I’d like to see make a return to the association.
Chris Bosh
Bosh’s NBA career didn’t end because of a lack of talent, but ongoing blood clotting issues are forcing him out of the game. While the league ruled the injury career-ending, Bosh hasn’t given up hope of returning.
"It has always been my dream to play basketball [again]. The further I've been removed from the game I understand how special it is … I miss it."@chrisbosh on a possible NBA comeback pic.twitter.com/MNInjndvhO
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 7, 2018
Still just 34-years-old, Bosh’s game would translate perfectly into today’s NBA. He was a versatile big who can do work close to the basket and spot up from beyond the arc. The former Miami Heat All-Star could hypothetically fit into any NBA starting lineup. He was still effective before being forced out, averaging 19.1 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 36 percent in his last season with the Heat. How great would he look alongside LeBron in L.A.?
If Bosh is in shape and medically cleared to play, there’s little reason why he still can’t be effective. That’s a big if though.
Nate Robinson
Nate Robinson didn’t look great in his last season in the NBA during a two-game stint with the New Orleans Pelicans back in 2015-16, and I don’t believe he’d be all that effective if he made an NBA return. However, the NBA is better with the former Dunk Champion in it.
Robinson, 34, is currently enjoying life in the BIG3, where he can showcase the more eccentric aspects of his game.
In a league filled with past-their-prime NBAers, Robinson’s looked awesome. Does his performance there mean all that much? Probably not. But, getting the 5’9″ back into the NBA, even at the end of a bench would be a nice chapter to end his pro career.
Monta Ellis
The best way to describe Monta Ellis’ game was fearless. The longtime Warriors guard wasn’t afraid to shoot even when it wasn’t optimal. Ellis loved buckets and didn’t care how he got them. It’s why he left the NBA (currently an unsigned free agent) averaging 17.8 points per game.
Sure, Ellis can’t really play defense, but surely a team could use a flamethrower off the bench of his caliber. If he’s willing to accept a bench role, there’s little reason the 33-year-old couldn’t make an NBA return. Although he’d have to shoot better from long-range (.313 in his career) and learn how to play more without the ball – it’d be a tall ask.
Regardless, the fact Ellis enjoyed 12 years in the league as a 2nd-round pick is impressive as hell.
