Playoff Series Imponderables

[mavsluvr]

Agree, as an issue there's no denying it.  On that point I've always thought the style of play is a factor that is not often mentioned.   The other factor often not considered is who the BIG played with on the front line which determines a lot about the role he has to play on the floor. 

Dirk for instance had great longevity as a 7 footer not only because he took care of his body but also because his style of play, especially as he aged, did not require as much of the high flying jumping and impact on his joints, feet, knees etc. 

Being a jump shooter and conserving himself as an effective defender but not an all out throw you body around big, all played into is longevity. 

Tim Duncan. Another big man with great longevity and a Big Fundamental style of play that likely reduced the total number of high impacts to his legs, feet, knees. 

Shaq played 19 years, shifting his weight and knocking defenders around on his way to the HoF. 
I see a current guy like Brook Lopez at 13 years and still going strong having now converted a larger percentage of his offense to standing and shooting from the 3. Inside a lot of banging is absorbed by Giannis. 

I could see KP perhaps extending his body also if he can become a real sharpshooter at his height and size, and also by playing the 4 while big 5's like Boban or some other durable but skilled BIG absorbs a good % of the hits inside. 


Valid point again but I also go back to the point I made earlier.  Something people often miss with Dirk is how he was at his best and also protected often by having a strong BIG on the front line with him. 
Erick Dampier might have had scissors for hands but was big strong center, with a 15 year career and 6 in Dallas including going all the way to finals with Dirk. 
Then of course Dirk and Dallas had the 3-headed monster 5 rotation surrounding him the championship year with  Tyson Chandler/Brendan Haywood/Ian Mahinmi providing banging, rebounding, rim protection and just enough offense to free up Nowitzki to use his best talents and stay healthy on the floor.

Very interesting points. The ultra-tall stats regarding lack of durability actually referred to players taller than 7'1," but it seems that comparisons to seven-footers might still be apt. Also makes sense that playing style and playing patterns could affect longevity in big guys.