After 14 NBA seasons and 20,000 points, Tom Chambers was ready to live the quiet life on his Utah ranch.
But after a couple of months of leisure and solitude, the 37-year-old realized he wasn't ready for the rocking chair just yet.The four-time NBA All-Star ended his brief retirement by signing with the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday for the rest of the season and an option year for next season.
"I wasn't looking early. I talked to a couple of teams early, but thought it would be kind of fun hanging out at the ranch and doing what I had worked hard for - to retire," Chambers said.
"But after a couple of months of that, I got bored. I saw I was as good, or better, than some of the people in the NBA, so I thought, `Why not?' "
So Chambers left his Ogden home for Phoenix about three weeks ago and began working out with Suns players.
Tuesday morning, Chambers got a call from Bob Bass, the Hornets' vice president of basketball operations.
The Hornets were needing some help off the bench, especially after forward Anthony Mason was forced to miss the last two games with a strained toe. Mason's status was listed as probable for Friday night's game against Milwaukee, which surprised coach Dave Cowens.
Chambers went through a workout and physical Wednesday - "They tried to kill me," Chambers said - and walked through some plays Thursday.
Cowens wasn't sure how many minutes Chambers would play, or if he would play Friday night. But Chambers said he's ready to get back on an NBA court.
"I'm not saying I'm ready to go 48 minutes. That would probably never happen," Chambers said. "But as far as playing a few minutes and filling in the cracks, I feel I can do that right now."
Even though the Hornets need immediate help during Mason's absence, Cowens said the addition of Chambers should help the team during the playoff run.
"We're looking long-term at Tom to help us this season," Cowens said. "I don't think he can help us right now because he's still got to get his NBA legs under him. Long-term, he makes us a stronger team."
Mason leads the NBA in minutes played, while small forward Glen Rice is second. Center Vlade Divac is on pace to play a career high in minutes.
"All three of those front-court positions, I think they need a little break, and I think I can spell all three for a few minutes a game," said the 6-foot-10 Chambers.
"I'm not an All-Star anymore, nor am I looking to get 20 or 30 points a game. But I'm still as competitive, if not more competitive, than I've ever been."
Neither Cowens nor Bass had reservations about signing a 37-year-old player.
"There's quite a few guys about his age in the league," Cowens said. "He's not a guy who's gotten overweight. He's probably in better shape than a lot of guys who are younger."
As word spread around the league that Chambers was working out and looking to return to the NBA, several teams expressed interest, Chambers said. But some wanted to wait and sign him before the playoffs, while others wanted him to come in on a 10-day contract.
Chambers last played in the NBA for Utah during the 1994-95 season, averaging a career-low 6.2 points. He played in Israel last season, leading Maccabi Elite Tel Aviv to the European Championship.
To make room for Chambers, the Hornets released center Eric Leckner, signed Tuesday to a 10-day contract.