As the NBA season approaches, the anticipation is palpable. Veterans like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant remain in the spotlight, continuing to defy age and expectations. LeBron James, now 39 years old, demonstrates an ageless dominance that few can emulate. Recently, James became the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players and was named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics. His performance in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament also earned him another MVP accolade.
Sam Quinn aptly captures the essence of LeBron’s enduring impact: "Sure, it's unreasonable to expect the impending quadragenarian to be the NBA's best player over the course of an 82-game season anymore, but make no mistake, in a smaller sample, there still might not be a single player in all of basketball that inspires more fear in his opponents than LeBron James."
Durant's Undeniable Skill
Equally influential, Kevin Durant, at 35 years old, remains a force on the court. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant's statistics from last season—27 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists per game, and 41% shooting from beyond the arc—speak volumes about his ability. Durant played 75 games last season, showcasing a level of consistency and fitness that belies his years. Brad Botkin comments, "Durant remains pretty close to the height of his powers. Last season he averaged 27-6-5 on 41% 3-point shooting... Durant was the best isolation scorer in basketball last season."
The Ageless Curry
Stephen Curry, at 36, continues to be a potent offensive threat. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry’s performance remains stellar. Brad Botkin notes, "Curry is still an offense unto himself with his inimitable movement and pure shot-making talent. At 36 years old, it's hard to see where he's declined at all offensively."
Butler and Harden: Making Their Mark
Jimmy Butler, also 35, is known for his strategic pacing during the regular season to unleash his superstar potential during the playoffs. Ranked 22 in the Top 100, Butler's influence on the Miami Heat is undeniable. Last season, the Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when Butler was on the floor. Brad Botkin reflects, "Butler is what he is: A great player who paces himself in the regular season in order to produce superstar postseason stretches... The question is: Are the Heat still good enough to give Butler the opportunity to shift into his playoff gear?"
James Harden, also 35 and now with the Los Angeles Clippers, ranks 44th in the Top 100. Harden’s uninterrupted transition through multiple teams makes his journey noteworthy, as he joins his fourth team in as many years. Jack Maloney remarks, "Harden's basketball odyssey took him to Los Angeles last season... Harden will need to take on a bigger scoring burden than he has in recent years in order for the Clippers to stay relevant in the Western Conference."
Veterans in the League
Paul George's move to Philadelphia adds another layer to the evolving landscape of the NBA. Meanwhile, 35-year-old DeMar DeRozan, ranked 53rd, remains a solid contributor. Mike Conley, at 36, is ranked 85th and is a crucial piece for the Timberwolves. Jasmyn Wimbish states, "Conley will enter the upcoming season as one of the oldest players in the league, but he's also still one of the most valuable veterans a young team -- like the Timberwolves -- could have."
Brook Lopez, age 36 and ranked 88th, continues to be a pivotal player. Sam Quinn underscores Lopez's value: "Everyone wants a Brook Lopez... there simply aren't other centers who take nothing off of the floor on either end while adding quite a bit on both."
Mentorship and Contribution
At 39, Chris Paul serves as a veteran mentor for the Spurs and Victor Wembanyama, exemplifying his continued relevance in the league. Al Horford, aged 38, played a crucial role in Boston's championship run. Jasmyn Wimbish expresses surprise at Horford’s absence from the Top 100 but acknowledges the league’s talent depth: "I'm actually quite surprised Horford didn't make our Top 100, but it just shows how much talent is in the NBA... he was one of the most important players on the floor for the Celtics."
As the NBA prepares for another thrilling season, these seasoned athletes remain integral to their teams' fortunes, proving that age is just a number when skill and determination are paramount.