This is not your average All-NBA Team. This list isn’t meant for the explosive dunkers, like Russell Westbrook, or the three-point maestros, like Stephen Curry. This list is meant for the old guys in the league, the guys who may have once been relevant to you but our now just another aging vet you can care less about. This list is the All “35 and Older” Team.
G – Jamal Crawford
Jamal Crawford has crazy handles even at the ripe age of 35. Although his scoring numbers have dipped below his career average (from 15.5 to 13.7), he has still found a way to get to the line consistently and actually has the best free throw percentage in the NBA this season (.914).
He scores the most points per game and has the second highest total win shares among guards 35 and older. JCrossover is known for his proficiency in creating and-1 four-point play opportunities. With 48 career four-point plays, Jamal Crawford is the leagues career leader for these plays. Although his deadly crossover is his trademark move, he has adopted the four-point play into his basket of tricks too.
G – Manu Ginobili
Among guards over 35 years old, Manu Ginobili has the most win shares (3.6). He also leads all players age 35 and older in steals (1.1) and is third in assists (3.1). His 9.7 points per night are the second most among guards behind only Jamal Crawford and his three-point percentage is second to Richard Jefferson who only averages 5.5 points per game.
Manu’s high IQ many not be a tangible measurement, but it is definitely one of the best among all players in the league. There may be no stat for the “hockey assist” either, but if recorded, Ginobili would be a league leader among players who make the pass before the actual assist is dished. At 38 years old, Manu Ginobili continues to be the facilitator and glue for the Spurs bench. His consistent play is something we rarely see at his age in the NBA.
F- Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol may be the best player who is 35 or older. He just makes the cut for this team at age 35; however, his age is not a detriment towards his game. His career stats are right on target with his averages this year.
He is averaging a double-double this season with 16.6 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. He also leads all of players who are 35 and older in assists (4.2), blocks (2.0), and win shares (6.7). On a team riddled with injuries, Gasol has been one of the most consistent players throughout the season for the Chicago Bulls.
F – Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki is averaging the most points by all players 35 and older. He is 37 years young and is averaging 18.5 points a game while shooting .454 percent from the field and .377 percent from beyond the arc.
Both of those percentages are right on track with his career averages (.474/.382). Even at his old age, Dirk is still at the helm of the Mavericks offense shown by how his usage has barely dipped this season from his career averages. His offensive skill set and unconventional fade away is a force that many still fail to be able to stop in the league. As long as Dirk has arms to shoot and lungs to breathe, you can count on him to consistently score in double figures.
C – Tim Duncan
The Big Fundamental has consistently been the leader of the dynasty that is the San Antonio Spurs.
Although he may no longer be the greatest or most proficient scorer, he is at the heart of the blueprint Gregg Popovich has written over the years. This season, Timmy is averaging 8.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. He is also second in blocks per game (1.3) among players who are 35 and older. Not too shabby for a 39 year old. Although Tim Duncan has had to take a step down to LaMarcus Aldridge, the Spurs are still his team. His leadership is a reason that the Spurs are doing so well this season, and despite his age, he is still contributing a high amount of Win Shares (5.1) and ranks third among all players 35 and older in that category.
All Stats from www.basketball-reference.com
