We all remember Kobe Bryant's 60-point outburst during his last game as an NBA player in 2016. Dwyane Wade will also go down in the record books as having a triple-double in his last game with the Miami Heat after posting a stat line of 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.
But not all retiring NBA superstars are fortunate enough to have farewell tours and memorable last games. Here's a rundown of the forgettable last games of some of the NBA's best players.
1. Michael Jordan
Had he retired when he initially did, His Airness would not be on this list. But as it stands, the GOAT's final stat line reads a mediocre 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Yes, Michael Jordan was 39 years old then but he had also managed two back-to-back 30 point games that season and was still averaging 20 points per game.
2. Shaquille O'Neal
Shaq is arguably the best big man to ever play the game of basketball. A dominant force in the paint, O'Neal averaged 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks for his entire career. And that's including his final years where he averaged nothing near his peak numbers of almost 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks a game. His final game was an uneventful postseason game as a Celtic where his stat line read 0 points and 2 fouls in 3 and a half minutes of playing.
3. Karl Malone
In Karl Malone's last year with the Utah Jazz, he was playing like he had so much more in the tank by posting a 40 point game and a handful of triple doubles. Even in his last playing year, The Mailman was still averaging 13 points and almost 9 rebounds while playing alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant as a Laker. Unfortunately, age got the better of him and game 4 of the 2004 Finals saw his long career end with 5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and still no championship rings on his fingers.
4. Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett was known for being one of the most intense competitors anyone has seen in the NBA. He is probably the most complete NBA player as he can score inside and outside on offense, and still be the anchor of his team's defense on the other end. After chasing championships as part of the original big three of the modern era, KG made his way back to the Timberwolves to play out his last season in the league. Garnett played in less than half of the games that year and was listed as inactive for the last 37 games of the season. His final game was against the Grizzlies where he tallied two points and one foul.
5. Charles Barkley
Anyone saying how athletic Zion Williamson is now should take a look at old clips of Charles Barkley dominating in his younger days. And undersized as he was, Sir Charles managed to average 22 points and almost 12 rebounds for his career. During his last few playing years, Barkley was visibly out of shape but was still averaging a double-double in points and rebounds. The Round Mound of Rebound's career could have ended in a worse way after suffering a ruptured quad in a game against the 76ers. Not wanting that game to be the last image of his career, Barkley returned after four months for his final game where he was able to score his last two points (his only two of the game) off an offensive rebound.