Anthony Parker is an eight-year veteran who will turn 37 years old in June -- ancient by NBA standards.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are undergoing a youth movement and likely will try to find a suitable replacement for him in the draft. A wing scorer is probably their biggest need. Also, Parker's $2.25 million contract expires after this season.
All those things will contribute to the possibility of Parker retiring after this season.
"It's something I would consider after the season," he said. "It's not something I've decided on. Obviously, it will be decided after the season."
Several factors will enter into his decision about whether he wants to continue playing -- his young family, how his body feels and whether a team offers him a contract.
"Some of those things you can't see how it's going to go right now," he said. "You focus on every game and play like it's your last. That's how everyone should play. You're not promised tomorrow."
He's come to grips with the fact that he can't do all the things physically he used to do on the court.
"Father Time is undefeated," he said. "You learn to adapt and do other things."
Coaches love him because he's fundamentally strong and doesn't make mistakes, but his production has dropped off considerably this season.
He's averaging 6.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 35 games. That's his lowest scoring average since he's returned to the league after a standout career in Europe. He averaged just 3.6 points in 16 games for Orlando during the 1999-2000 season.
"I feel OK," Parker said. "This season is a grind, and not just for the older guys. There are some younger guys around the league that are feeling some issues from the compressed season.
"It's a grind. We certainly have a tough way to go schedule-wise."
