Who will be the next Gary Payton?

Bob Ryan has the sort of column in the Globe this morning that often gets us all talking. There's a lot in there, but I think this captures his gist:

Of the 14 players on the roster, eight will start next season at age 24 or younger. They are Ryan Gomes, Tony Allen, and Orien Greene, 24; Dwayne Jones and Delonte West, 23; Al Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins, 21; and Gerald Green, 20. Of course, they may not all be here, but most of them will be, and they will pretty much determine the course of the season.

His conclusion:

It's this simple: Either these kids grow up or they don't. We cannot be having the same discussion a year from now.

Here's the problem. Barring personnel changes, here's the paragraph you'll be able to write at the end of next season:

Of the 14 players on the roster, eight will start next season at age 25 or younger. They are Ryan Gomes, Tony Allen, and Orien Greene, 25; Dwayne Jones and Delonte West, 24; Al Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins, 22; and Gerald Green, 21.

At some point, you figure Danny is going to want to bring the sort of veteran who will teach the young pups how to win. Put away your calculators and spreadsheets, and pull out your stethoscope -- who is out there to play this role?