Following up on the tweet, Finley told HoopsHype Friday that’s he’s feeling healthy now and ready to return to pro basketball - in the NBA or elsewhere. The 6-foot-7 last saw action during the Celtics’ Finals run one year and a half ago. Limited by ankle problems, he was little more than a bit player for the eventual NBA runner-up.
“When I went to Boston, my ankle wasn’t 100 percent,” Finley said. “So afer that season, I got my ankle worked on. I’ve been working hard to get that at 100 percent. I feel a lot better than during my time in Boston.
“With the lockout and the shortened season, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s more injuries than usual since there’s been not much of a training camp. I’m just working hard to be in shape and prepared in case an NBA team calls me.”
via HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Jorge Sierra » Finley not done.
Finely is 38, will be turning 39 next spring. That’s a whole lot of miles on the former dunk champion and three-point shooter. That said, he’s always kept himself in good condition, and if Grant Hill can still be effective in this league, Finley can. It’s hard to see a team taking a shot on Finley, but considering the state of some of the contenders who have older players, it’s a slippery slope that could lead to Finley.
Setting aside his future prospects, can we talk about how good his 2004 season was? 17.4 points per game, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 44 percent from the field, 40 percent from three, 17.8 PER, all at the age of 30. Finley’s one of those players who gets forgotten but who was a tremendous player in Dallas during the Nash-Nowitzki-Finley era and a crucial player in San Antonio for their championship runs. Guy’s a legend without the hype.