NBA Playoffs 2012: 5 Remaining Veterans Who Come to Life in the Postseason

With the Ides of May just around the corner, the league's veterans become as important as ever to their team's title hope in the NBA Playoffs.

In this lockout-shortened season, the NBA's old guard has been saving their bodies for playoff time more than ever. The Spurs 'Big Three' sat entire games. Even Kobe Bryant bowed out of a scoring-title race to rest up for the postseason.

These 'rest jobs' will not work out for everybody. Only a few veterans will seize their big moments and shine come closing time.

Read on to see which NBA veterans will come through this postseason, just as they have for years.

Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce is 34 years old — an age that usually rids NBA wing players of their explosiveness and athleticism.

However, ‘The Truth’ has tailored his game to be playoff friendly and last throughout his 30s.

Rather than trying to beat his defenders with a quick move to the basket, Pierce uses his an assortment of fakes and a cool head to outwork his opponent. His ability to create separation from defenders and sink jumpers from the elbow is unmatched. 

Look no further than Pierce’s maestro performances down the stretch in the first round against Atlanta. In Game 2, the Celtics needed a victory without Rajon Rondo; Pierce filled in as a point-forward and turned back the clock: 36 points 14 rebounds and 4 assists in a Celtic victory.

Pierce still has high-level performances in the tank. It might be 2012, but Pierce will play like it’s 2002.

Tim Duncan

He may be averaging some of the worst playoff numbers in his career, but Tim Duncan is still the heart and soul of this Spurs team.

He still is the Spurs defensive anchor, even at the young age of 36. He’s no longer the focal point of the offense, but his teammates can always count on the best basketball play from the 15-year veteran. 

The statistics further Duncan’s rightful place at the top of the Spurs rotation. His defensive efficiency rating ranks among the NBA’s best and he rebounds at an alarming rate per 36 minutes.

Searching for his 4^th NBA championship, Duncan will not go away quietly. He’ll be fighting in crunch time, right down to the final second

Derek Fisher

Fisher is no longer a Laker, but Los Angeles will miss the late-game heroics of the veteran point guard. Of course, that’s why he found a home on the Oklahoma City roster. 

Fisher’s pedigree has been built on smarts and his three-point ability, especially in the fourth quarter. If the Thunder need a basket in less than a second, forget Kevin Durant. Find Derek Fisher.

If the first round was any indicator, Fisher could play an important role this postseason. Averaging over 20 minutes per game against Dallas, Fisher took advantage of his few opportunities, averaging eight points per game and going 5-for-8 from three-point range.

Now facing his former team, Fisher will be out for revenge. He’ll want to make sure that the Laker organization regrets they thought they were better off.

Shane Battier

One of the most celebrated defenders of the current era, Battier continues to give the Miami Heat quality minutes at age 33.

He’s had a knack for the big shot throughout his career, making a living off of the corner three. Miami will look for similar contributions with Chris Bosh out indefinitely due to an abdominal strain.

While he’s suffering career-lows shooting the basketball, Battier provides the Heat premium defense for their crunch time lineup and allows them flexibility to play an assortment of 5-man units.

The wily veteran will continue to be an important piece of this championship contender.

Now more than ever.

Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett thrives under scrutiny. Too old. Too weak. No lift. All of those criticisms have been motivation for KG this post-season.

‘The Big Ticket’ certainly played like one in the Celtics' Game 1 victory over Philadelphia. Garnett notched 29 points and 12 rebounds with a few blocks to boot, putting to rest notions that Garnett had been defeated by Father Time.

In sixteen seasons, Garnett has merely been the defensive leader for every NBA team he has been a part of. Add eleven playoff appearances, two Finals appearances and an NBA Championship to the conversation, and there’s no question Garnett will play a pivotal role in Boston’s playoff fate.

Whether he has many postseason pushes left or this is the last hurrah, Garnett’s mere presence on the floor gives his team a boost.