2012 NBA Free Agents: Aging Stars Who Are Still Hot Commodities
The Boston Celtics were considered too old to make a run at the title this season, but then again, they forced a Game 7 against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals.
The Celtics showed us this season that just because you're old, doesn't mean you can't ball. There are several aging stars set to become free agents this offseason.
Here's a look at three any team would love to have.
Tim Duncan
Despite being 36 years old, Tim Duncan was still a vital part of the San Antonio Spurs' run this season, averaging 15.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. He was even better in the postseason, averaging 17.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks.
Duncan may have creaky joints, but he still has one of the best post games in basketball, and he simply knows where to be on defense.
It's a long shot that Duncan will leave San Antonio, but teams can dream, can't they?
The Boston Celtics were supposed to be too old to legitimately contend for a championship this season, but getting to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals was commendable.
Kevin Garnett, who was supposed to be one of those too old to contend for a title, simply averaged 19.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 20 postseason games. The concerns about Garnett's age (36) have grown quiet since his showing in the playoffs.
Steve Nash
Steve Nash may never be a particularly great defender, but when you average 10.7 assists on a mediocre team while shooting 53 percent from the floor and 39 percent from downtown, that tends to get swept under the rug.
Nash is a whopping 38 years old, but he's still playing at a very high level, earning a trip to the All-Star Game this season. He's appeared content in Phoenix the past few years, but you have to wonder if he wants to go after that elusive championship on a contender.
And plenty of contenders would love to have Nash leading the offense.
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