NBA: Top Five Players Over 35 - Joe Chacon's Blog

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NBA: Top Five Players Over 35 Stuck

Posted on July 10, 2012 at 07:56 PM.

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With the recent Steve Nash signing and free agent buzz of Ray Allen, it merits a discussion on the longevity of NBA players as well as how effective they are in their twilight years.

In compiling a short list of the top players in their late 30's, one needs to consider how effective the player has been recently. Just because the player has had a great NBA career doesn't mean he's still a good player at the age of 37.

Let's take a look at the top five players over the age of 35 in the NBA today:

5. Grant Hill (39 Years Old)
Last Season: 49 Games, 10.2 PPG, 2.2 APG, 3.5 RPG

Grant Hill not only hasn't aged in his appearance, but he has had a resurgence of sorts over the last couple of years.

Hill is the Ken Griffey Jr of the NBA. Fans want to know how great he would have been if it weren't for all the injuries.

One thing is for certain; when healthy he is still very effective.

4. Ray Allen (37 - This Month)
Last Season: 46 Games, 14.2 PPG, 2.4 APG, 3.1 RPG

There are few things sweeter in the NBA than Ray Allen's jump shot. Although there are also even fewer things that bug the opposing fans more than the smug look he maintains on his face.

Love him or hate him, Allen is still a phenomenal outside shooting threat and he comes in at number four on this list.

3. Kevin Garnett (36)
Last Season: 60 Games, 15.8 PPG, 2.9 APG, 8.2 RPG

One of the early big signings of the offseason was the big contract Kevin Garnett raked in for staying with the Boston Celtics.

It's hard to believe Garnett is already on the other side of 35 years old, but the fire in his game still burns as bright as it did when he was in Minnesota.

2. Tim Duncan (36)
Last Season: 58 Games, 15.4 PPG, 2.3 APG, 9.0 RPG

The Big Fundamental is still averaging nearly a double-double per game and is very much an integral part of the Spurs success.

By the time Duncan's new contract runs out he will be just about 40-years-old and hopefully still contributing at a high level to his loyal team.

Expect Duncan and head coach Gregg Popovich to retire at the same time.

1. Steve Nash (38)
Last Season: 62 Games, 12.5 PPG, 10.7 APG, 3.0 RPG

Even the most devoted Steve Nash fans can see that he is showing signs of slowing down; especially on the defensive side of things. However, his court vision and ability to distribute the ball remains at an elite level.

It will be very interesting to see how Nash feeds all the mouths in Los Angeles, especially when one of those mouths complains when he's not fed enough.

Nash brings leadership and a great attitude to a Lakers team that really needs an attitude adjustment.

As far as players in the NBA over the age of 35 go, there is no one better than Nash.

Is there anybody on this list you would replace with another 35+ in the NBA today? Let's hear it!

Joe Chacon is a staff writer for Operation Sports and a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @JoeChacon.

Comments

# 1 Altohombre @ Jul 10

Jason Kidd?

# 2 H to the Oza @ Jul 10

Good list, although is defense is considered Nash might fall a few spots

# 3 Jakeness23 @ Jul 10

Good list. Big Time Timmy Jim and Nash are a toss up for me though... you could go either way with those two.

# 4 fsufan4423 @ Jul 10

I would say Garnett...at-least for a six minute span

# 5 tril @ Jul 10

These players stay in shape, maintain weight, and put in the work during the off season. That is why they are still efective.
Historically thats how its always been. Karl Malone, Kareem Abdul Jabar, John Stockton, all played way past their primes.
Which is what frustarted me about SHAQ. He would most likely still be palying had he maintained his weight and was dedicated to staying in shape.
All teh Players you mentioned hacve all been hurt recently and agains its staying in shape, proper health. that has allowed them to bounce back. Alot of players in tehir 30s would have fallen off substantially.

# 6 BlackJack @ Jul 11

@ tril - shaq played pretty long, he started before all these guys and just stopped playing last year

# 7 BlackJack @ Jul 11

and i just realized he played on the same team as all these guys except timmy

# 8 tw33d988 @ Jul 11

Jason Kidd, he did get a championship last last year, I think lol

# 9 tw33d988 @ Jul 11

How old is Kobe?

# 10 Joe Chacon @ Jul 11

@tw33d988 Kobe is "only" 33 if you can believe that.

# 11 tril @ Jul 13

BlackJack, yup he played a log time but his last 5 years IMO wre less than impressive. he had one good year in that span, when he was with Phoenix and I believe it was a contract year.
Im not taking any thing awya from his greatness, but he would have been more effective in his later years if he were in better shape. thats all. IMO, Thats what differntiates the players on this list compared to others in that same age bracket.