Pau Gasol: Ranking the NBA aging super stars - Part 1
Most people will argue that basketball is a young man’s game and they are right to some extent but we have compiled a list of players in their late 30’s who have high levels of physical fitness and are giving it all on the court.
These ‘oldies’ are playing a critical part in their respective teams putting up big numbers and have a very positive influence on the young players who look to them for inspiration and guidance. There are a lot of teams with their roaster stuffed with young
talent along with one or two experienced players to balance the team.
Some of them are doing just fine while some of them are putting in big numbers and playing 40 plus minutes regularly and appear as if they are in the form of their life. With the average age of the league players on 27 and young
teams like Oklahoma City Thunder tearing apart team after team there are also a few surprises in the form of New York Knicks.
The Knicks are unbeaten at Madison Square Garden so far and lead the Eastern Conference 18-5 and they are a perfect example of a team with the mix of raw talent, veteran players, and former champions. Their excellent going this
season highlights the fact that it’s not only speed and energy that results in wins, accurate passing, fine long range shooting and hitting open shots matters as well. And San Antonio Spurs surely look like a contender for the Trophy, despite their big three
averaging 33.3 years they are 19-6 so far and are on second place in the Western Conference.
Of course it’s still a young season and some of these stars might fade away as they season inches towards the 88-game mark, but some of these veterans might up their game as the playoffs come closer.
10. Pau Gasol
It has not been a dream season for the seven foot power forward so far, with him battling physical as well as psychological issues. The change of management in the form of Mike D’ Antoni has not helped him much and he has struggled
to get going with the new offense system being implemented at the Los Angeles Lakers. Though his stats are the lowest in his 11 year old NBA career and with his skill set not perfectly matched to the new offence system, however don’t expect his numbers to
stay this way. Once he gets back his position close to the ring where he belongs and now at the outer edge of the ring he will perform on his level and will play a big part for the Lakers later in the season.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
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