NBA Predictions: Kobe Bryant and NBA Veterans Who'll Enjoy a Career Renaissance

Kobe Bryant is washed up and no longer the elite player that he once was. Oh, we beg to differ. 

In fact, I would dare say that Kobe Bryant may just surprise us with one of his best seasons to date, even with a wrist injury that he will no doubt flourish with. 

It is amazing how many people want to doubt the man that lives in the gym and kills himself in practice. The knees were a worry, but the extended offseason combined with a short run this year makes this a perfect opportunity for a player like the Black Mamba to shine. 

That notion isn't relegated to just Kobe Bryant. I have a feeling there are a few crafty veterans that are chomping at the bit to get back on the court and give some of the best games of their career. 

I will give you that the NBA is one league that age plays a tremendous factor in with regards to form. Every season is like an axe chopping off the explosion from once vibrant legs. 

But you simply can't discount a player like Kobe Bryant that is committed to refining his game and adding something new each and every season. 

Do you really think that age is going to catch up to him? Please. Mamba is at least a few steps ahead of Father Time. 

The Lakers star will have another great year that will no doubt include a surprise or two. He won't be the only one, as the next few stars are about to prove they are not done by a long shot. 

The is going to be a wild season in the Association, and the following players will help make it a special one. 

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5. Kevin Garnett

There is no telling what Kevin Garnett is thinking he will do after this season. The man is a warrior that loves the competition. So I will assume that KG is playing this year for one last contract in Boston or with another contender. 

The fact that this really could be his last year has me giddy to see what numbers he puts up and the effort he will show on defense. This is going to be a year where Garnett, a man that already gives it his all, puts in a little something extra. 

4. Steve Nash

The old man took just a slight dip in his offensive production last year, as his points per game went from 16.5 to 14.7. 

What has me confident for Nash is his conditioning. Bad back aside, Nash is in tremendous shape and can no doubt play another couple years. He will have to prove he is worth another contract and that the back is a non-issue. 

I will be on the lookout for a spike in production to that end. There is also the high probability that he gets dealt to a contender before he leaves in the summer. Nash on a solid team would give him a phenomenal boost. 

3. Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan has looked solid in the preseason. Before you begin with the, "the preseason is a joke of just a couple games," consider that the season will also be cut back a great deal. 

The Spurs are one team that will flourish immensely from a shortened season. In that time, Duncan will once again post numbers closer to the 20 and 10 we are used to. 

It will be a bounce back year for Duncan, and a last chance to show his goods before age really gets a hold of him. With health back on his side, Duncan will have a great year on much stronger legs. 

2. Richard Hamilton

I love the move the Bulls made to bring in Rip Hamilton. The former Pistons star was getting stale in Detroit and needed a fresh look with another team. 

The fact is, Hamilton is made for this team. Derrick Rose will drive and kick all day to the masked-man that can drain them from just about anywhere. 

Opponents will have their worries against the Bulls, and Hamilton will not be on the top of the list. That should let Hamilton, who works very well without the ball, to free himself up for choice shots. This will be a bounce back year for the star guard. 

1. Kobe Bryant

And now we come to the man himself. What we have to do is weigh the pros with the cons and decipher just what we can expect from the man who has been the best player in the Association for the better part of the last few years. 

The pros are obvious in that he is a rock-solid defender when he is so inclined and is the best guard on the low block. The intangibles are what sets him apart and what will have him in the upper-echelon of players once again. 

Bryant is tenacious and crafty. He flourishes when placed in a corner and welcomes all challenges. He is facing one of the more tumultuous seasons as he faces divorce, a wrist injury and perplexing moves from the front office. 

All of that will be pushed aside, as Bryant is going to will himself and this team forward. It will be a sight to see.