Has there ever been a player in history playing as a top 3 player in his 17 season

One of a kind baby

There's been several but it's not that common with someone who's played this much basketball while as a perimeter player.

Who knows maybe the less physical nature/rules of the game now will enable a lot of players to do this till well into their 30s. KG and Duncan are still playing well but not to the degree that Kobe has shown.

Knee "spinning" and other medical advances will help great players continue to be great, while getting older, in the future.

Oh and obvious Kobe Stan thread.

[QUOTE=BlueandGold]There's been several but it's not that common with someone who's played this much basketball while as a perimeter player.

Who knows maybe the less physical nature/rules of the game now will enable a lot of players to do this till well into their 30s. KG and Duncan are still playing well but not to the degree that Kobe has shown.[/QUOTE]
If that's the case, then there would be a bunch of other 34 year old guards still going this strong.

Care to point me toward them to compare?

Not really. The guy is just a hard worker. Not saying other players don't work hard, but Kobe's unique work ethic is the reason he's still playing at such a high level.

Fundamentals + unique talent + work ethic = longevity

Players just don't do what he is doing in his 17th year. Not even Kareem.

Lackluster record compared to the stacked team he is playing with. Not that impressed. Not to mention he always starts off hot and than cools off. Its going to happen again.

When Nash comes back he won't look as good.

37 Y.O Kareem in his 20th season (4 in college)

He's fortunate to have the body he has

Kobe was not top 3 his first couple of seasons.....so throw out that 17 year top 3 nonsense.

[QUOTE=glidedrxlr22]Kobe was not top 3 his first couple of seasons.....so throw out that 17 year top 3 nonsense.[/QUOTE]

.... reading comprehension is a vital skill.

[QUOTE=glidedrxlr22]Kobe was not top 3 his first couple of seasons.....so throw out that 17 year top 3 nonsense.[/QUOTE]


:facepalm


FAIL

Comprehende?...

No

No, but Kobe is the best to ever play the game, so it makes sense.