Just like we have all been hearing since we were young; RESPECT YOUR ELDERS! When preparing for your drafts, remember that, just because a player has grey in their hair or beard, it does not mean to avoid that player. Seasoned veterans provide a great balance for a younger team. These players not only serve as mentors, but with their experience, can also be called on for tough assignments as well, especially in critical moments of the game.
If these players were spent, both physically and mentally, they themselves would retire. Teams are still paying these players for a reason and if they are getting the playing time, you’ve seen what they can do. Players tend to re-develop their game as they get older to preserve their health.
Pau Gasol-San Antonio Spurs-36 Years Old: This is a no-brainer. A perfect marriage. With LaMarcus Aldridge playing all over the high post, it allows Gasol to have a similar role in San Antonio has he did in Chicago. Gasol is still one of the most effective low-post players. He has great finesse and can still work the pick-and-roll as good as any Center. He will still bang around on the boards and with the departure of Tim Duncan, you can expect Gasol to get a ton of playing time.
Dirk Nowitzki-Dallas Mavericks-38 Years Old: As much as Mark Cuban will forever send Dirk Christmas cards after winning the 2011 NBA Championship, he is also a business man and would not be paying Dirk as much as he is if he thought it was a bad investment. One of the most unique and fascinating parts of Dirk’s game is his shot release. It is hard to contest. He releases his shot when he is on his way down from the jump. Timing is everything on defense when it comes to shot blocking and because Dirk essentially delays the release just long enough that the defender loses all momentum on his jump and is unable to outlast Dirk’s shot release. He can still hit from long range and his footwork is still good enough to make moves driving to the basket.
Zach Randolph-Memphis Grizzlies-35 Years Old: A huge pre-season story in the NBA is Memphis’ Coach David Fizdale’s decision to start JaMychal Green over Randolph this season. While I understand that it may seem like Randolph will be getting less playing time, it could also mean that once their opponent’s second unit hits the floor, Randolph will come in and crush that unit on the boards. Randolph still makes getting double-doubles look easy and has a very efficient long-range jumper. Do not let the fact that he will not be starting with the first team offense deter you from drafting him. Green has a lot to learn and in close games, Fizdale will rely on Randolph to keep their opponents out of the paint.
Vince Carter-Memphis Grizzlies-39 Years Old: He may not be the “Vinsanity” of Canada, but Carter is a perfect example of a player who redefined his game as he aged. Early in his career, Carter was an explosive player who constantly attacked the rim. Now, in the twilight of his career, Carter has become a strict jump. I can only remember a limited amount of times he dunked the ball last season. Carter will still get a good amount of playing time and has become a good enough defender to deserve that playing time. Look for Carter as a Mr. Relevant type of pick at the end of your drafts.
Jamal Crawford-Los Angeles Clippers-36 years Old: Once a chucker, always a chucker! Chucker’s can win you fantasy titles especially in points leagues. Crawford averaged over 14 points per game last season and when called on, can run the point and contribute in the assist category. Crawford’s shot selection has improved over the years but he still forces up shots. It shows the confidence that Coach Doc Rivers has in Crawford to let him create his own isolation and have more time with the ball. Crawford being able to rotate to three positions makes him very beneficial from a depth stand point and while I preach that you should not target scoring specifically during your drafts, if you think you lack scoring depth in the 2nd half of your draft, draft this man. He will still get 25-27 minutes of playing time per game and if Chris Paul goes down with an injury, expect those minutes to rise to the 30’s. Last season he made at least one three-point FG per game.
Joe Johnson-Utah Jazz-35 Years old: I have a bit more respect for Joe Johnson now that he is not the highest paid player in the NBA. After his tenure with the Heat, a lot of people will be writing off Johnson. With Gordon Hayward out for a bit with a finger injury, it opens the door for Johnson to show what he has left in the tank and earn even more playing time for the duration of the season. While the Jazz have a good amount of guard depth, because of health issues at the position the last few years, Johnson has a chance to earn serious minutes especially with the Jazz second unit. Johnson is an established SG/SF and the fact that he is proven unlike some of his banged up teammates favors the situation he is in even more. Johnson will command the ball in the high-post and either pass off and spot-up outside, or he will draw contact. He is very good at drawing contact in the high post as a lot of perimeter defenders tend to be a bit more disciplined defensively. Johnson will get his fair share of shots as Trey Burke is no longer on the team and with Hayward out, his experience will be heavily relied on in the early going. Look to draft Johnson at the end of your drafts as he serves as a good sleeper option.
Luis Scola-Brooklyn Nets-36 Years Old: Scola is another seasoned veteran on a team that lacks an identity. Scola will be playing a HUGE role as the Nets do not have great frontcourt depth. We have all seen Brook Lopez injury history and beyond that, Trevor Booker will not pose a huge threat. Scola is very scrappy on defense and can still hit the open mid range jumper. Scola’s situation is very unique as Lopez despite being over seven feet tall, he is more effective shooting jumpers from the wing (which is part of the reason why he averages less than 8 rebounds per game) and this could benefit Scola. To counter Lopez, I see Scola playing more in the paint this season than any other and he will be the beneficiary of rebounds and put-backs under the basket. Scola played a little over 21 minutes per game and I see that easily increasing to the late 20’s. Scola is a solid late draft pick if you are in need of big-man depth off of your bench as he will rebound and I anticipate him taking 10 shots per game.