Prior to dropping 21 points in Cleveland’s come-from-behind road win over the New York Knicks on Monday night, Cavs sharpshooter Kyle Korver sat down with CBS Sports to discuss his secrets of longevity.
Without question, Korver, now 36 years of age and in his 15th season of NBA service, is one of the greatest shooters the game of basketball has ever known. Through Cleveland’s first 14 games of this season, the former Creighton Blue Jays standout has posted some of the best statistical figures of his career, averaging 10.9 points on 51 percent shooting from the field (45.6 percent from downtown) and 2.4 rebounds in 20.4 minutes per game — all while knocking down 83.3 percent of his free-throws.
Time and time again, Korver has been there to bail the Cavs out when things get a bit tricky. Opposing sides simply know they can’t leave him open, lest they pay the price in rapid-release buckets. When he steps onto the floor and starts running around screens, defenders know they have to stick to him like glue.
When asked how he is able to perform at such a high level in the latter stages of his career, Korver credited his conditioning and experience.
Via James Herbert of cbssports.com:
CBS: What are the other secrets to not only making it this far, but thriving? Other guys’ bodies break down or maybe just get tired of it.
KK: I think it all kind of boils down to your body, really. If your body still feels good, you should just be a better player, right? You have more experiences, you’ve worked longer on your craft. It’s really all about your body. I think you can ask any old guy, older guy. You ask LeBron (James) what the key is for him — he is just a maniac as far as taking care of himself. I think any of the older guys you can poll throughout the NBA, they’re super-regimented. Because as long as that body lasts, your mind should be better, your shot should be better. But the reality is at some point your body does break down, you do get older, so it’s just, how do you prolong that as long as possible?
The NBA season can be a grind, as Korver astutely pointed out in his response. However, with proper dedication, a little luck, and a healthy diet, most players can achieve this same level of longevity.
Korver and the Cavs will be back in action on Wednesday night when they’ll travel to Charlotte for a match-up against the Hornets inside the Spectrum Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EST with ESPN and Fox Sports Ohio having live broadcast coverage.
