Can They Keep It Up?

Five Veterans Who Are Putting Up the Best Numbers of Their Career

Rudy Gay
Gay has always been a good player, but this year is playing like an All-Star. His 20.1 PPG is on par with his career high from 2008 , but his contributions mean more now that the Grizz are winning. The chances of Gay keeping up this production is very high because he's been playing at this level for five years now. Through about a dozen games, the Grizzlies are the NBA's best team, and Gay has been their best player.


O.J. Mayo
A talented scorer, Mayo disappeared in Memphis's offense the last two years, after he started his career with two seasons scoring 18 PPG. He got a much needed change of scenery in Dallas, and his numbers have bounced back and then some. On a Dirk-less Mavs team, Mayo has assumed the go-to-guy role and has thrived. He is scoring 21.5 PPG and shooting the best percentage of his career, especially from three. Mayo needs the ball and never fit in on a crowded Grizzlies team, but he is proving that he can justify his third overall draft selection when given chances to score.

Nicolas Batum
Batum's scoring average is up five points from his career-high, but the numbers are not all that shocking. He is playing 38 minutes, seven more than his career-high. His shooting is on pace with his career numbers, but impressively, both his assists and rebounds are up. Damian Lillard may be the main reason for Batum's breakout. Lillard has added an explosive element to Portland's offense. Also, the struggles of LaMarcus Aldridge has forced other Blazers to step up, and Batum's done a fine job.

Ramon Sessions
Playing for his fifth team since 2009, Sessions had played his best basketball when he started games. So it's surprising that Sessions is succeeding in a sixth man role with the Bobcats. He is averaging 17.1 PPG and 3.8 RPG, both career highs. Sessions has excelled coming off the bench and helping out Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist in Charlotte. Sessions's improved play is a nice surprise for MJ, but the biggest surprise is that his Cats are above .500.

Jamal Crawford
It's nothing new to see Crawford play well off the bench, but after two below average seasons, Crawford is now with the Clippers and out to reclaim his Sixth Man of the Year Award that he won in 2009. He is shooting the highest clip of his career (save for his sophomore season with the Bulls) and is the leading scorer on a title contender. He is automatic at the line shooting .934 on 61 attempts and leads the league in fourth quarter scoring. Clipper fans love Crawford (especially his crazy dribble routine) and he is a very valuable scoring option off the bench.