[purpleFROGParticipant]

Most “experts” agree that the top 4 teams in the NBA are Lakers, Celtics, Cavs, and Spurs. With teams like Denver and Portland on the cusp. Dallas is usally put into a lower tier because “their core is too old”. This seems hypocritical when comparing rosters.

Dallas older players: Dampier 34, Kidd 36, Howard 30, Marion and Dirk 31, Terry 32

Lakers older players Artest 30, Bryant 31, Fisher 35, Gasol 29, Odom 30

Spurs older players: Duncan 33, Finley 36, Ginobli 32, Jefferson 29, McDyess 35, Rattlif 36(not sure how much he will play)

Boston older players: Allen 34, Garnett 33, House 31, Pierce 32, Wallace 35.

Orlando and Cleveland are pretty young with their core players.

How much does age really matter, and if it does not matter that much do you think Dallas should be put in with these teams? Why/ Why not.

I think Dallas deserves to be rated as high as other teams because they reurn their whole core from last year, except they lost Bass and added Marion. They have vastly improved their biggest weakness from last year, bench production outside of Terry. And they have put together a roster that can play small ball, with Gooden at center, and a tradional line up that would be the biggest in the league, Kidd, Howard, Marion, Dirk, and Dampier. I see this team as a Western Conference Finals team.

[llperez]

honestly, well i’ve heard Dallas put behind those other teams, this is the first time I’ve ever heard someone say it is because of age. That’s new to me.

[Champzilla21Participant]

The reason age is such a big factor is because when you get older the injuries dont heal as fast as they use too, you dont have as much energy as u use too, you cant just take a day off like before and you have to be in the gym, if age wasnt a factor shaq qould still be the best center in the league and so on, your body just wears down from the constant pressure thats being put on it. Yes they can put out one of the biggest line ups in the league, but the question is how will they hold up towards the end of the season? the blazers are deep and can run out two solid line ups and keep minutes down, the lakers are also deep. Teams who have the great second lines or the teams whos 2nd lines play great in the play offs usually determines who wins

[purpleFROGParticipant]

True about coming back from injuries. That is why mark cuban wants to legalize steroids to help athletes return from injuries. lol

[PureshooterParticipant]

I agree with all of Champzilla’s points, but Shaq could’ve remained dominant for several more years if he’d dropped some weight. I agree age plays a part, but he has obviously let himself go.

[purpleFROGParticipant]

I watched the NBA season preview on ESPN 2 last night and they were all over Dallas for re-signing a 36 y/o PG and adding a 31 y/o marion.

[llperez]

The marion deal was solid. He’s no longer an all-star, but he isn’t really showing his age much. He still is athletic and can defend. I can see the mavs getting to the conference finals, but there are a few teams i rank ahead of them.

[purpleFROGParticipant]

I think marion could return to all-star form. he had a down year with the half seasons in miami and toronto. Its not unreasonable to say he can average 19 and 10 with kidd running the show. (i am a mavs fan, lol)

[pistonsmanParticipant]

Age matters, you are not going to be as athletic as you were when you were a 21y/o PG and now your 35y/o PG. The injures might hit harder as well. You might have more experience but if your not out their on the court the experience does not matter much.

[OrangeJuiceJonesParticipant]

The more athleticism-based your game is, then the bigger the factor age plays in your career. The vast majority of players that I’ve seen still have a significant impact after their 30th birthday are guys with a consistent jumper and big men.Those two types of players have the longest careers.

[The Big O]

Antwan Jamison to miss 3-5 weeks. Yeah I would say age does matter a bit.
Especially for a championship hopeful. But who knows maybe Javale McGee will step up to that PF spot (defense). Could be a blessing in disguise. Hope he Gets well soon tho .(

[FT33Participant]

Athleticism: you begin to loose your jumping ability

Speed: quickness and how fast you run starts to decrease

Body: your muscles become more and more worn out, you become more injury-prone, and recovering from injuries becomes harder.

[quincey hodges]

it matters for the future of youre team..just for one season it doesnt really matter as long as you stay healthy or arent wayyyyy to old because you dont have to be super athletic or super fast if youre team works well together and you can do other things like out smart another player or can shoot each year as you get older it gets harder and harder though

[Author]

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