As sports medicine and technology advance, the longevity of players' careers in sports has increased.
Players have been able to return from major injuries and still have successful careers that weren't entirely hindered by the injury.
Even for players who haven't had any issues, they have the advantage of being able to play longer with all the resources available to them.
One player who has been in the NBA for 17 seasons already is looking to play at least three more.
What NBA player wants to play 20 career seasons?
NBA veteran Eric Gordon was asked what his legacy will be as a player, answering, "What’s my legacy? I’ve had a long career—played longer than I ever thought. Just to see how far I could play. I would love to play 20 years in the NBA. So that would be, as of right now, my goal" (via HoopsHype).
Gordon has never been an all-star, but has always been an impact player for any roster he's been on.
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Most know him most recently for his time with the Rockets when they were one of the best teams/three-point shooting teams in the NBA, but he's had success elsewhere, even in a smaller role as he approaches the end of his career.
Up until the 2024-25 season, Gordon averaged at least 10 points in every season of his career. That's 16 seasons straight.
He had the smallest role of his career last season, with the 76ers, averaging just 19.7 minutes.
He's still finding a way to make an impact, though, and wants to keep competing for at least three more seasons.
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