CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 13: Kurt Thomas #40 of the Chicago Bulls wipes sweat off of his face during a game against the New Jersey Nets at the United Center on April 13, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Nets 97-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agress that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Shaquille O'Neal Retires, Kurt Thomas Becomes NBA's Oldest Player
Shaq retires, Bulls' Kurt Thomas becomes NBA's oldest player.
Shaquille O'Neal Retires, Kurt Thomas Becomes NBA's Oldest Player
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Shaquille O'Neal Retires, Kurt Thomas Becomes NBA's Oldest Player
Shaquille O'Neal is retiring, and that means the title of oldest player in the NBA is now owned by Kurt Thomas of the Bulls.
Shaq, a 19-year veteran, was the only active 39-year-old in the NBA at the end of this season. Thomas, a 16-year veteran, is now the oldest at 38 years, 240 days.
At least, Thomas will be the oldest in the NBA if he plays in 2011-12, as he's expected to. Thomas is one day older than Grant Hill.
In a fascinating NBA career, Thomas has played for the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Seattle SuperSonics, San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks and now the Chicago Bulls.
Thomas would have to play six more years to be the oldest regular player in NBA history, a record currently held by Kevin Willis, who last played for the Mavericks in 2007 at age 44. Thomas would need to play eight years more to become the oldest player ever to play in an NBA game, a mark currently held by Nat Hickey, the Providence Steam Rollers coach who decided to put himself in one game in 1948, two days before his 46th birthday.
