David West — Golden State Warriors
Age: 37 (16 seasons)
Our final Murtaugh list candidate is David West, formerly Indiana Pacers. West followed his name and went to the Golden State Warriors in search of a ring, and found what he was looking for.
But it wasn’t time to hang things up, West wants more.
This season he is averaging 6.2 points a game, slightly ahead of last year’s 4.6. Those aren’t much but he only takes 3.6 shots a game, so thanks to his 72.2% shooting percentage, he is making the most of his 10 minutes a game.
And that’s what the Warriors need from him. West comes in, hits his shots, grabs rebounds, and gives the starters a rest while maintaining or expanding Golden State’s lead. He is still the 17-foot assassin as he makes over half his baskets from beyond 16-feet. West’s style of play is aging well. He still manages to make those contested mid-range shots by creating just enough room to get his shot off.
With a rotation spot on a team all but destined for another title, West certainly isn’t on this edition of the NBA Murtaugh List.
Next: The Good, the Bad, and 2017 Lance Stephenson
Age isn’t always the reason why a career comes to an end, but for these players we looked at here, their ability is getting them further than most can with their bodies in the NBA. One day, however, their day will come. Some may age gracefully like Manu Ginobili, while other’s just won’t know until it is too late: They got too old for this.