Corey Maggette never had issues putting the ball in the basket.
His slashing style, ability to get to the free throw line and rim made him a prolific scorer throughout his NBA career. However, those days might be behind him.
After 14 seasons in the NBA, Corey saw his numbers drop considerably with Detroit last season, averaging 5.3 points off 35 percent shooting. His worst ever in his career considering his career averages are 16 points and 45 percent shooting.
Enter the San Antonio Spurs – a team that might be the last stop on Maggette's career according to Project Spurs' Jesse Blanchard.
Maggette: "I'll either make the team or retire."
— Jesse Blanchard (@blanchardJRB) October 13, 2013
Corey simply knows he is facing the end of the road. He isn't getting younger and can't shoulder the offensive load as he used to when he was with the Clippers, Warriors, Bucks and other stops along his pro-career.
Versus the Suns in preseason action with San Antonio, he pumped in 10 points. He will need to do that consistently if he wants to stave off retirement. The Spurs are looking to fill the backup forward slot to Kawhi Leonard and the position could be Corey's to lose.
The Spurs recently waived Sam Young (Maggette's only training camp competition) and with San Antonio, he doesn't have to be the scorer he is used to. With players such as Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Leonard, Manu Ginobili, and Marco Belinelli, Maggette just needs to be a steady hand off the bench, provide veteran leadership and if need be, return to the scoring machine he can be.
Regardless how it all plays out for Corey, should he retire if he doesn't make the Spurs roster, he isn't going down without a fight and ultimately knows he can only do what he can and after that, it's out of his hands (tweet via Project Spurs' Paul Garcia).
Maggette on whether or not he thinks he’ll make the team: “Ultimately, it’s Pop’s and R.C.’s decision.” #Spurs
— Paul Garcia PS (@PaulGarciaPS) October 13, 2013
