NBA Playoffs 2012: Kevin Garnett and Aging Vets Who Will Break Down in Playoffs
Boston Celtics superstar Kevin Garnett is among a group of grizzled NBA veterans who have put together solid seasons. Despite their age and the possibility of their bodies breaking down at any occasion, these guys have proven that the experienced warrior is still a solid alternative to youthful potential.
But the playoffs are set to begin, and the shortened season has been a long and tough grind, meaning the body could start to wear down as the postseason progresses.
Here’s a look at a handful of NBA veterans who will potentially break down come playoff time.
Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
The 35-year-old Garnett has been playing like he’s five years younger as of late, posting six 20-point, 10-rebound games after the All-Star break. He’s also averaged an impressive 17.0 PPG and 9.7 RPG throughout the month of April.
Yet he’s played an average 31.3 minutes per game in a season in which Doc Rivers wanted to cut back Garnett’s minutes. All the work could eventually wear down the 17-year vet.
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Bryant is getting his rest now, missing five straight games with a shin injury. But it’s been a season with a torn wrist ligament, a broken nose and now the shin.
Bryant has fought through it all and is leading the NBA in scoring with 28.1 PPG. Still, the human body can only take so much.
Richard Hamilton, Chicago Bulls
Hamilton has missed 38 games on the season with a couple of different injuries, and it’s fair to say that his body has begun betraying him.
Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau played Hamilton 34 minutes on Monday—the most since January 29. Hamilton should be fresh, but playing him major minutes could wear him down throughout the postseason.
Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
It’s been a rough year for Wade, who has missed 13 games already on the season with a variety of ailments. He takes a lot of contact when he plays, and the pounding through a long playoff series could affect Wade if he’s not at 100 percent going in.
Tyson Chandler, New York Knicks
Chandler’s not a guy that’s up there in age—he's only 29—but this is his 11th season. Similar to Wade, Chandler has taken a beating this season.
He had a banged-up wrist early, and now he's having knee problems. Chandler means the world to the Knicks, and if his body keeps taking a pounding, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him break down.
Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has used the 35-year-old Duncan brilliantly, limiting him to only 28 minutes per game. But how will the vet hold up if he has to play major minutes in the postseason?
Duncan’s had a productive season, but he has played only 30 minutes in a game 10 times since the All-Star break. If he’s called upon to log major minutes in the postseason, his legs may not hold up to the challenge.
