2012: 10 NBA Veterans Part 1 (1-5)

Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash are definitely in my top picks (click here for more on Kobe and here for Nash), but I’ve talked about them a lot in the last several weeks so let’s give recognition to three more great NBA vets:

Kurt Thomas: Going into his 18^th season, Kurt Thomas is the oldest basketball player in the NBA. After joining the NBA in 1995, Thomas played on many teams including the Miami Heat (1995-1997), Dallas Mavericks (1997-1998), New York Knicks (1998-2005), Phoenix Suns (2005-2007), Seattle Supersonics aka Oklahoma City Thunder now (2007-2008), San Antonio Spurs (2008-2009), Milwaukee Bucks (2009-2010), Chicago Bulls (2010-2011), Portland Trail Blazers (2011-2012) and back to the Knicks again this upcoming season. Although Thomas doesn’t have any highlights or awards, he is known for his tough defensive skills and strong playing style.

Grant Hill: Going into his 19^th season as a Los Angeles Clipper for the first time, Grant Hill was drafted into the NBA and was selected by the Detroit Pistons, where he played until 2000. Hill then went on to play for the Orlando Magic from 2000-2007, the Phoenix Suns from 2007-2012 and was picked up by the Clippers in July of this year. Hill was the co-Rookie of the Year along with Jason Kidd in 1995, was a 7× All-Star (1995-1998, 2000-2001, 2005) and won the Sportsmanship Award three times (2005, 2008, 2010). Prior to his NBA career, Hill was an NCAA Champion twice through Duke University in 1991 and 1992. Despite injuries from his past, Hill continues to be a steady player in the NBA.

Jason Kidd: Going into his 19^th season, but this time as a New York Knick, Jason Kidd also has had a remarkable NBA career since being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks back in 1994. He played with Dallas until 1996, then went on to play for the Suns from 1996-2001, New Jersey nets from 2001-2008, back to Dallas from 2008-2012 and was signed on by the Knicks in July of this year. Kidd was co-Rookie of the Year along with Grant Hill in 1995, Skills Challenge Champion in 2003, 10× All-Star (1996, 1998, 2000-2004, 2007-2008, 2010) and an NBA Champion in 2011. He currently holds the record for most games played among active players in the NBA. Kidd is also now the only player in NBA history with 15,000 points, 10,000 assists and 7,000 rebounds, and he is the second best in all-time steals (passing Michael Jordan) behind John Stockton. 

Stay tune next post for part two of the great NBA vets!