The Top Dogs: The NBA's Best Veteran Teams 08-09

Of course, these are the predictions for the best veteran teams, assuming all the vets stay healthy this 08-09 season.

Not all veterans are necessarily All-Stars. Some experienced players contribute in other ways than just scoring and playing great defense. They provide the team with knowledge and vision to play the game. These veterans are the foundation of their teams and are looked upon in every way, shape, or form.

Here Are Your NBA's 11 Best Teams of Veterans 08-09

11. Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings come into this season with a few experienced veterans. Brad Miller will be entering his 11th season with potential to still put up around 13-14 ppg and close to nine boards a game. Veterans Mikki Moore and Kenny Thomas are two others that will help contribute to this teams morale. Bobby Jackson, an 11 year veteran, will also contribute.

10. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers are lucky to enter this season with five veterans on their squad. Ben Wallace will be a great mentor for his teammates as he demonstrates how to perform on the defensive end. Eric Snow, a 13 year veteran, will provide the team with his experience on how to play the one position. Zydrunas Illgauskas will produce around 14 ppg with close to nine boards this season next to nine year veteran Wally Szczerbiak and 12 year player Lorenzen Wright.

9. Orlando Magic

Rashard Lewis will already be entering his 11th season since being drafted from Alief Elsik High School in Texas. Alongside of him, eight year veteran Hedo Turkoglu will expect another solid season after being awarded the 07-08 Most Improved Player. Tony Battie will bring his experience and skills to the table as a backup at PF. These three veterans will provide offense and spark for the team this season.

8. Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets veterans will contribute great loads of help on and off the court this season. With great experience at the PG position, 12 year veteran Allen Iverson, nine year vet Chucky Atkins, and nine year vet Anthony Carter will dominate the front court, while 14 year vet Juwan Howard and eight year vet Kenyon Martin will battle down low. In addition to that, these veterans have a lot of experience and will not be shy to share it with their younger teammates.

7. Philadelphia 76ers

With a few additions to the team this offseason, the 76ers expect to produce a better record than last season; especially with the great experience their veterans present. You can expect 14 year vet Donyell Marshall and 13 year player Theo Ratliff to know a thing or two about the game and to share all their wisdom with the teammates. Veterans Elton Brand and Andre Miller will set the tone for the players this season as they seek to make the playoffs.

6. Detroit Pistons

These veterans have absolutely shined throughout their entire careers and will continue to produce until they retire. This Pistons' unit consists of 11 year vet Chauncey Billups, 13 year vet Rasheed Wallace, 12 year vet Antonio McDyess, and nine year vet Richard Hamilton. This squad has the best chemistry in the NBA and will certainly help their teammates improve and form into great players. You can expect another 55 plus win season for Deeeetroittt Basketballllllll.

5. Houston Rockets

With five great experienced veterans, you can expect a playoff run for this year's Houston Rocket team. Acquiring Brent Barry this offseason was a huge plus for the team’s morale especially with his great insight for the game. Along with him, you can guarantee nine year vet Steve Francis and nine year vet Rafer Alston have some tricks up their sleeves at the PG position. Aside from them, Tracy McGrady will be looked up to as the team’s Captain and nine year vet Ron Artest will share his defensive weapons with his new squad.

4. Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns have three of the most experienced players in the entire league. These guys know the ins and outs of the game and know exactly what to do to get a ring on their finger. Soon to be Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal will come into this season with two thing’s on his mind: to win and to teach. He will share his techniques to win championships with his teammates and show them how to become a successful basketball player in the NBA. Twelve year player Steve Nash will contribute his amazing PG talent and vision for the game this season alongside of 13 year vet Grant Hill.

3. L.A Clippers

With 12 years of experience, Marcus Camby will produce great numbers along with raising his team’s morale. In addition, nine year vet Baron Davis will likely become the team’s official captain and will demonstrate his playing of the game. Ten year vet Cuttino Mobley’s NBA career is slowly coming to an end; so you can expect him to share all of his abilities with his teammates. Two other great veterans, 10 year Ricky Davis and 11 year Tim Thomas will contribute their input to the aspects of the game as well.

2. Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks come into this season with six well experienced veterans. Jason Kidd, a 14 year veteran, will continue to play his game while showing his team how to run the offense. Jerry Stackhouse, a 13 year vet, will provide his team with great aspects to the game alongside of nine year Jason Terry and 12 year Erick Dampier. Nine year Devean George has won three championships alongside legendary Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. You can expect him to share his history with his teammates only to help them improve. Dirk Nowitzki is another well-established veteran that will make a run for the Hall of Fame.

1. San Antonio Spurs

When it comes to the fundamentals of the game, the San Antonio Spurs absolutely thrive. Bruce Bowen, a 12 year vet, knows exactly how to get under opponents skin as he has been on the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team for years. Tim Duncan, an 11 year vet, will be marked down in history as one of the best ower forward’s ever. His natural talent and experience for the game makes him one of the best teammates in the league. Alongside of these two amazing veterans lies 13 year Michael Finley and Kurt Thomas. These two players are close to the end of their careers and you can expect them to share their understanding for the game with their teammates. The San Antonio Spurs are this year’s best veteran team.