Manu IS NOT OLD!

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Okay, so we have a relatively old team and that comes up in discussions a lot.

However, many people make the mistake of saying Manu is old and including him in the list with Bowen, Horry, Finley, Barry, etc.

Manu is NOT OLD. He is was 29 in July, which puts him in the prime of his career which, for ball players, is generally 27-32. He has at least 3 more years in him at a high standard barring catastrophic injury. Yes, he has a lot of miles on him because of the style he plays, but that does not mean he will be over the hill by 32.

Also, at 30, Tim has 3-5 very productive seasons in him. Big men age more slowly than guards in general, and as a guy who has never relied on his athleticism, Tim should still be a big contributor at 35, once agian depending on injury. David at 35 was still good for 18/10/2.3 next to Timmy, and he was a player who relied on his athleticism more than Tim ever has.

So, the big 3 should have at least 3 more very productive seasons together in them, and all this talk about our window closing is a bit ridiculous. Over the next season or two, we have to get younger on the bench and find Bruce's replacement is all. Bonner and Butler are the start of that, and Beno if he can get fit and prove himself.

Carry on.

[smeagol]

He'll be on the block because of injury at the end of the season [/ducks]

[ducks]

if he adds the jumper which he already should have like he said he would
he migh tlast 2 more year then will not be on the block

[Zunni]

Ruff - Manu is an old 29, but I agree that he has probably 3 productive seasons left. Tim, on the other hand, could have a lot more than 5. David, who had major back issues, played until he was 37, and was still a top 5 pivot when he retired. Big men just last longer, especially ones who's games aren't built on exceptional athleticism. Kareem played until he was 42. Robert Parrish and Kevin Willis also played effectively into their 40s. Not saying Tim will do that, but I think to deadline him at 34-35 is not spot on. It would depend on the quality of players that they put around him, but I think that Tony, at 24, has a solid 8-9 years of high level play left, and Tim may stick that long. Late 30s is not at all uncommon for big men.

[JamStone]

"Manu IS NOT OLD!"

I heard that if you say it three times in the dark in the bathroom mirror, Manu jumps out of the mirror and kills you.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Ruff - Manu is an old 29, but I agree that he has probably 3 productive seasons left. Tim, on the other hand, could have a lot more than 5. David, who had major back issues, played until he was 37, and was still a top 5 pivot when he retired. Big men just last longer, especially ones who's games aren't built on exceptional athleticism. Kareem played until he was 42. Robert Parrish and Kevin Willis also played effectively into their 40s. Not saying Tim will do that, but I think to deadline him at 34-35 is not spot on. It would depend on the quality of players that they put around him, but I think that Tony, at 24, has a solid 8-9 years of high level play left, and Tim may stick that long. Late 30s is not at all uncommon for big men.

Agreed.

There's a lot of talk about our age and the window closing, and it's just not right. We should have at least 3 more years with this core, and they are obviously dumping salary for the 2008 FA market, while we are continually renewing with young players at one or two positions a season.

I think it is a good plan, and Manu IS NOT OLD (is that 3 times for me?), he's 29 not 32. ;)

[xamila rey]

"Manu IS NOT OLD!"

I heard that if you say it three times in the dark in the bathroom mirror, Manu jumps out of the mirror and kills you.


:lmao

[phyzik]

"Manu IS NOT OLD!"

I heard that if you say it three times in the dark in the bathroom mirror, Manu jumps out of the mirror and kills you.

You know those gif images that after you watch it or a bit someone pops up on the screen and there is a loud scream?

someone should modify it to have Manu jump up :lol

[ShoogarBear]

I'd be surprised if Manu is still playing by the time he's 34.

[Zunni]

I'd be surprised if Manu is still playing by the time he's 34.
I'd be surprised if he were in SA after this contract. He'll be 33 when it expires, and someone is bound to offer him stupid money just in time to catch his downward slide.

[Nikos]

I'd be surprised if he were in SA after this contract. He'll be 33 when it expires, and someone is bound to offer him stupid money just in time to catch his downward slide.

Im sure his downward slide will already come before he hits 33. I just pray he stays healthy at least the next two seasons. If healthy he can still be extremely efficient and productive. But well see how he holds up.

Perhaps he could become a defensive specialist if he loses some of his offensive mojo?

[WalterBenitez]

I think Manu after 33 will back to Europe and kick somebody's ass in old continent; and or retire.

[SuperManu!!!]

I dont care if he is 21, 30 or what, if he can score, thats fine by me. Also, i don't think we would return to europe, once you have been playing in the nba league, there's no turning back

[TMTTRIO]

I see Manu retiring after his contract is up. He's already accomplished a lot throughout his basketball career so why not?

[spurtime]

Some people argue that Manu's "reckless style" will lead to him having a shorter career than he otherwise could if he played more conservatively. I think this needs to be balanced out against the fact that he played in Europe for many years where the seasons are shorter and there's more time in between games. Professional seasons in Europe don't take as much of a physical toll on a player as NBA seasons.

Manu is also the type of player that can still be effective after he loses some of his athleticism. He has great basketball instincts and eyes in the back of his head...those tools don't just go away, unlike speed and jumping ability...

[SilverPlayer]

Optimistically you might look at John Stockton's career as an example of how long Manu might survive in the league. Stockton took a hell of a lot of falls throughout his career, and still had to chase the quickest players in the NBA. He also went up against the Payton's and the Magics of the league with some success. I'm hoping Manu's game evolves to the point where he can extend his career without the sheer athleticism he requires now.

[spurtime]

Optimistically you might look at John Stockton's career as an example of how long Manu might survive in the league. Stockton took a hell of a lot of falls throughout his career, and still had to chase the quickest players in the NBA. He also went up against the Payton's and the Magics of the league with some success. I'm hoping Manu's game evolves to the point where he can extend his career without the sheer athleticism he requires now.

let us pray...
:)

[Zunni]

Manu is also the type of player that can still be effective after he loses some of his athleticism. He has great basketball instincts and eyes in the back of his head...those tools don't just go away, unlike speed and jumping ability...
He is a very smart player, but I have to disagree with that. Any time he's had injuries that have marginalized his lift (bruised quads, anyone?), his game has really suffered until he has healed. Aging is the ultimate "injury" to a player. Even if he morphs himself into some jumpshooter, he won't be "Manu" anymore. Unless he agrees to come back for a portion of the MCE, I think he's gone after this deal. Someone will throw a LOT more money at him than that, so I doubt that happens.

[spurtime]

He is a very smart player, but I have to disagree with that. Any time he's had injuries that have marginalized his lift (bruised quads, anyone?), his game has really suffered until he has healed. Aging is the ultimate "injury" to a player. Even if he morphs himself into some jumpshooter, he won't be "Manu" anymore. Unless he agrees to come back for a portion of the MCE, I think he's gone after this deal. Someone will throw a LOT more money at him than that, so I doubt that happens.

Well, I think there's a difference between suffering from an injury and the natural loss of athleticism that comes with aging, but your point is well taken.

An injury causes an abrupt loss of ability and the associated discomfort, while aging causes a slower, and more subtle loss of ability that a player can adjust his game to.