[JoeWolf1]

 There has been a serious boost in play for many of the established veterans of the league.  Look at how the lockout shortened season has influenced the production of Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan and Paul Pierce

Kobe Bryant – 10/11 – 25.3 ppg 5.1 rpg 4.7 apg 1.2 spg

                        11/12 – 27.9 ppg 5.4 rpg 4.6 apg 1.2 spg

Tim Duncan – 10/11 – 13.4 ppg 8.9 rpg 2.7 apg 1.9 bpg

                       11/12 – 15.4 ppg 9 rpg 2.3 apg 1.5 bpg

Kevin Garnett – 10/11 – 14.9 ppg 8.9 rpg 2.4 apg .8 bpg

                       11/12 – 15.8 ppg   8.2 rpg 2.9 apg 1 bpg

Paul Pierce   – 10/11 – 18.9 ppg 5.4 rpg 3.3 apg 1 spg

                       11/12 – 19.4 ppg 5.2 rpg 4.5 apg 1.1 spg

There are many factors as to why a player’s production increases; however, all of these guys increased their scoring and some other aspect of their production.  It’s not the only reason, but all of these players reversed downward trendings in their offensive production this season.  When a player reaches his mid 30’s this is generally not the case.

[Wavy BagelsParticipant]

KG and Duncan has benefitted most from the condensed season. Their postseason play has been incredible.

[Wavy BagelsParticipant]

Let’s also take in consideration that besides Kobe, who had to play under a new coach, somewhat new system, Duncan, KD and Pierce are playing in the same systems that was implemented from last season, hence, coming into this season, not much rearranging had to be made.

[PulseGlazerParticipant]

Older guys know how to prepare better, likely kept in better shape, and reaped the results.  When everyone is tired, the game becomes more mental, thus they are more prepared.

[rwd5035Participant]

Good coaching should take some credit here too. Pop handled Duncan so well, likewise Rivers for KG and Pierce.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

The game slowed down a lot this season.  Only a few teams wanted to / were able to play fast.  Slowing the game down made it easier for Kobe, Garnett, Duncan, and Pierce to dominate.

[The Scare Crow RisesParticipant]

And it has effected guys This Year

Ray Allen suffered from the lock out, so Did Amare and other former All Stars like Joe Johnson and Al Horford

Chauncy Billups missed the entire season and guys like Chris Paul had naggin injury until the very end of their seasons …

We even lost a Young superstar in Derrick Rose in the 1st round of the playoffs…

 

[BA30Participant]

Kobe Bryant aside, I truly believe that the 3 other guys you have listed are making potentially their final push for a championship. Yes the shortened season in a way has helped the vets, but much of the credit has to go to Doc Rivers and Pop for giving their players enough rest throughout the season like rwd mentioned. KG has 1 or 2 years left if he wants and so does Tim. Pierce could still play for another 2-3 years if he chose to. 

[Seamo15Participant]

 While I wouldn’t consider him a star any more, Vince Carter had an almost injury free year , which is unheard in his last couple

[Scott42444Participant]

 …which is also a small miracle.  Of course, he is the one guy in the Bulls starting lineup who I wish would have missed and gave Taj more time.

[JoeWolf1]

 @Legendary Poster, Derrick Rose’s injury hurt me more than any pro athletes injury has in recent memory.  Not only am I a Bulls fan, but he’s humble and one of my favorite players as a human.

I think Ray’s production is more influenced by his new role off the bench, but you make a good point.  I’m not saying it was a good thing, just that it may have bought some vets another year of increased production.

[Author]

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