Let’s put
things in perspective here.
Around the
same time Tim Duncan entered Wake Forest University in 1993, Michael
Kidd-Gilchrist came into this world. Now MKG is a little over 19 years old,
averaging 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game as a rookie for the
Charlotte Bobcats. Meanwhile, Duncan, now in his fifteenth season in the pro
game, is still lording it over the opposition, norming nearly 18 points, more
than 10 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per outing. Statistically speaking, and
despite being a few months away from his 37th birthday, he’s having
his best season since ’07-’08.
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Tim Duncan is still too good to be called old, even
if he IS nearly 37 years old.
(image by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) |
Duncan,
however, doesn’t have a monopoly on the “oldie but goodie” tag. Two Boston
Celtics have also been defying Father Time to continue towing the Big Green –
Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.
Once a
high-flying big man who could get past slower 4s and 5s with impunity, Kevin
Garnett has had to redefine his game since becoming a Celtic in 2007. The big
guy blow-bys have become few and far between, and the 15-20-foot jumpers have
become more ubiquitous.
That is,
after all, the way to survive in this game. One’s athleticism can only take him
so far. Eventually, he will have to adapt, and there’s hardly a better example
than KG. His current numbers: 15.4ppg, 7.0rpg, 2.0apg, while shooting 53.8%
from the field. For any guy, those stats would already be mighty impressive,
but for someone who was drafted straight out of HS in 1995 – he IS the poster
boy for prep-to-pros – those stats are outright amazing.
KG’s own
teammate, Paul Pierce, is also another great example of a player who has had to
adjust in order to keep up with the times. Whereas TD or KG might still do well
draining mid-rangers and simply holding down younger bucks in the post, Pierce
has had to contend with a never-ending influx of speedy and shifty swingmen. He
continues to run after shooters, and to move laterally against the Melos and
LeBrons. And he still does them better than most guys.
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Paul Pierce, at 35 years old, is still one of the most dangerous
swingmen in the world.
(image by Elise Amendola/AP) |
Pierce’s
numbers: 20.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.6apg, and 1.6spg. Like TD and KG, Pierce will
remain a strong contender for an All-Star spot this season, and maybe a couple
more seasons after. Eventually, however, these three will have to call it quits
and hang up their jerseys. When that happens, the younger set can look back at
three guys who have managed to transcend the usual limits of NBA careers.
Duncan,
Garnett, and Pierce. Three sure fire Hall-of-Famers. Three living legends. Three
champions. Three oldies, but goodies.
