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KArl mAlONE vs. diKEmBE mutOmBO If you believe what the record books say, Dikembe Mutombo retired just short of his 43rd birthday, while Karl Malone played until he was 40 days shy of 41. But what do the record books know? Until we see Dikembe’s long-form birth certificate, we’re going to assume he was in the NBA until he turned 65 or so. Which means those last three seasons where he averaged a block a game were even more impressive. But while The Mailman got injured during his final season, he still averaged an impressive (for anyone) 13.2 points and 8.7 rebounds in 42 games with the Lakers. The final year didn’t end with a ring, but he moves on here.
jOhN stOcKtON vs. rOBErt pArish Robert Parish looked like he was 40 when he first entered the League, and John Stockton played like he was. But both wound up playing in the NBA for nearly two decades, and both made it to the Hall of Fame. Parish was the third wheel on the great Celtics teams of the ‘80s, but hey, being the third wheel behind Larry Bird and Kevin McHale wasn’t so bad. Plus, he won rings (even going out as a bit player on the 1997 champion Bulls squad). And Stockton served as the pick to Karl Malone’s roll in Utah, laying out plenty of guys bigger than him. He also retired as the League leader in both steals and assists, which gives him the easy win over the Chief.
michAEl jOrdAN vs. KEviN Willis Kevin Willis played in the NBA until he was nearly 45 years old (becoming the second-oldest player in NBA history), and no doubt could have played even longer. He always kept himself in amazing physical shape and although he was only an All-Star once, he retired having scored over 17,000 points. If the Knicks are looking for another vintage big man, we’re betting Kevin would take their call. As for Michael Jordan—who only played 58 days into his 40s—it’s not like he was anywhere near his prime as a Washington Wizard (yes, that actually happened), but Mike past his prime was still Mike. Maybe if you come back and play another year, Kev.
KArEEm ABdul-jABBAr vs. BOB cOusy What we have here is a pair of Hall of Famers who couldn’t be more different: A Laker and a Celtic. A six-foot point guard and a seven-foot center. A floor leader from the ‘50s and a dominant center from the ‘70s. But the differences don’t end there. Kareem’s career was on his downside by the time he hit his 40s — hell, he hadn’t averaged double-digit rebounds since he was 34. But at 40 he started 80 games, and still averaged a respectable 14.6 points per game on 53 percent shooting. As for Cousy, he retired at 35, then activated himself for seven games when he was coach of the Cincinnati Royals in 1971. He played 34 minutes and scored five points. Total. Cap’s got this one.
jump BAll Brack-It
Eight thiNgs. ONE uNdisputEd chAmp.
Best ever 40-and-over player in the NBA
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Stepehn Dunn; Jonathan Daniel/Getty imaGeS Sport; nBa photoS; anDrew D. BernStein (2); rocky wiDner (2); JeSSe D. GarraBrant; /nBae/Getty imaGeS
12/4/12 2:58 PM