Top 5 Best Seasons in NBA History for Perimeter Players Age 35 Plus
By Fern Rea
3. Alex English –Denver Nuggets – 1988-89 Season – Age 35
26.5 points per game, 4.7 assists per game, 49.1 FG%
Age didn’t stop potent scorer Alex Engligh when he reached 35 during the 1988-89 season. English averaged 26.5 points per game which put him tied for 5th, he finished 5th in total points scored and played all 82 games of the regular season.
Similar to Lenny Wilkins, there was an immediate drop in his production after age 35 and retired from the NBA 2 seasons later.
Jan 21, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Elgin Baylor is honored with the national civil rights sports legacy award during halftime of the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Indiana Pacers at the FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
2.Elgin Baylor –Los Angeles Lakers – 1969-70 Season – Age: 35
24.0 points per game, 10.4 rebounds per game, 48.6 FG%
The beginning of the end for Elgin Baylor’s career was in the 1969-70 season when he turned 35 years of age. He struggled with injuries throughout the year but was able to play in 54 games and every playoff game until they were taken out in a heart crushing 7 game series in the NBA finals by the New York Knicks.
Baylor was named to his 11th and final All Star game this season and achieved his highest field goal percentage of his career, 48.6 percent.
Following the season injuries overtook him and 2 years later it led to his retirement 9 games into the Lakers’ historic 71-72 season.