NBA: The All Over-35 Team

Apr 26, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) during the first quarter in game three of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

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Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) stands on the court against the Charlotte Hornets at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Forward – Paul Pierce, Washington Wizards

Pierce is averaging a career-low in scoring this season, and that shouldn’t be a surprise in his 17th season. Still, the former Celtics and current Wizards swingman has been highly effective on the way to 12.9 points per game, and his presence is incredibly valuable to a budding playoff team.

For all of the questions surrounding his age, Paul Pierce was built for this type of late-career transition. Pierce has always been a proponent of the “old man game”, based on varied moves using guile and know-how over athleticism, and the 37-year-old is also shooting 40.4 percent from the three-point line as he spaces the floor for John Wall and company.

The Wizards aren’t seen as a legitimate threat to the Cavaliers or Hawks in the Eastern Conference, but come playoff time, Paul Pierce will begin to provide the value for which he is paid. He is an NBA champion and a multiple-time All-Star, and his game is shaped to continue his excellence as a supporting piece.

Next: Forward #2

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