Dinosaurs are still alive!

The NBA season is over and might not start before a while due to the Lockout.
As a result some dinosaurs, who survived for so long, have retired or have threatened to retire, should the season be cancelled or even shortened.

Let's have a look and pay tribute to some of the oldest players who were still shooting some hoops the previous season.



The biggest (and oldest) of all ... the Big Cactus!

(Shaquille O’Neil playing for the Phoenix Suns between 2007 and 2009)

Yes, he missed more than half of the season however he did his best season in FG%. Considering he has always been a very accurate player it shows that despite his age (39), and the fierce competition under the NBA baskets, he could still teach the younger players a lesson. We won't remember him for this past (and last) season but nobody can argue that his name will be sitting next to the very best of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
He will surely be missed on the court but will be serving off the court as it is said that he has agreed to join TNT.


The Lumberjack

(Steve Nash showing his skills under the Suns' Jersey)

Steve Nash, in a team, brings few guarantees. As a start he has proven he is a tremendous competitor, remember the playoffs against the Spurs in 2007 and again in 2010. He delivers assists like no others and shoots the hoops with great accuracy. On the flip side, one can be sure, in defence, he will show his presence as a ghost would.
His impact during last season has been limited due to injuries and without Nash at his best the Phoenix Suns haven't been able to reach the playoffs. Nevertheless he still managed 11.4 assists and 14.7 points, not bad for a 37 years old grandfather.


He drunk Sprite

(Grant Hill to the dunk)

Here is a player that was once considered the next MJ#23. Following few serious ankle injuries, he came back to bring his talents to Phoenix. This gentleman on the court is still a great asset for the Suns and is the archetype of the player that every team should have: great defender, smart player, reliable in offense and not selfish.
He has understood, for some time now, how he can best help a team. Turning 39 in few months, he gives the impression to be 31 and could give any team many more years, time will tell us.
In 2011, with Nash Out of form, Stoudemire gone to Big Apple and despite his great skills he couldn't be, anymore, the man leading his team to the playoffs.
Can he try to join a last team to finally get a ring!?



Finally Champions!

(Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd celebrating their first NBA title with the Dallas Mavericks)

Not all famous dinosaurs can claim to be champions. To name a few: Dominique Wilkins, Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley, Allen Iverson, John Stockton and Karl Malone, as good as they were, haven't been able to win a ring. At the age of 38, "the Kidd" just did it, thanks to the "young" (33) Dirk Nowitzki

Most of Kidd's stats were, this year, at a all time low and nevertheless he was still one of the main players on both sides of the court for the new "Champions of the World" (just listen to Dirk singing his new favourite song).
Dirk's performance, all year long, has been outstanding. What else, to reward his greatness, than an NBA title topped with an MVP of the Finals title. Simply Superbe!

They deserve to be mentioned too

Last but not least of this list, players such as Tim Duncan, Ray Allen, Derek Fisher, Kurt Thomas, Marcus Camby, Ben Wallace, Anthony Parker, Žydrūnas Ilgauskas ... have all played a more or less important part in their respective team. Some will keep playing; some will have a well earned retirement. One thing is for sure, in a league which emphasizes more and more on athleticism, they are living examples that dinosaurs are more than ever alive!

Respect!