This summer, Antawn Jamison said he believed he had some time left as an NBA player.
"I still have a lot left in the tank," he told the Charlotte Observer in July. "I'm trying to play at least another year."
Whether he changed his mind or simply couldn't find a landing spot, it appears Jamison will not be returning to active play, instead taking a job as an analyst on Los Angeles Lakers broadcasts.
Help us in giving a warm welcome to Antawn Jamison who will be joining us on @TWCSportsNet to cover the #Lakers! pic.twitter.com/ki65R073eQ
— TWC SportsNet (@TWCSportsNet) October 7, 2014
It wouldn't be surprising if Jamison couldn't secure a contract, even though he provides veteran leadership and floor spacing. He's now 38 years old, and he was a non-factor in 22 games for the Los Angeles Clippers before being traded, subsequently released, and left out in the cold for the season's stretch run.
An affable player off the floor, Jamison should provide a thoughtful and enjoyable presence to the TWC proceedings. The 2012-13 season he spent with the Lakers should lend him some credibility with the audience, as Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Jordan Hill and Robert Sacre remain holdovers from that squad.
Should this be the end of Jamison's on-court career, he hangs 'em up with an impressive resume. Traded for Vince Carter on draft night in 1998, he spent time with the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers and both Staples Center inhabitants. Over 16 seasons, Jamison totalled 1,083 games, averaging 18.5 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 34.6 percent from long range.
He also made the playoffs seven times, appearing in 46 games but never going further than the second round.
Jamison ranks 70th all-time in games played, 44th in minutes, 49th in 3-point field goals, 42nd in offensive rebounds, 59th in total rebounds and 39th in points scored.