The NBA season is rapidly approaching, and all eyes are on some of the league's most seasoned players as they gear up for what promises to be an exciting year. Among the veterans, LeBron James continues to defy age-related expectations. At 39, James not only remains a formidable presence on the court but has also cemented his legacy by recently becoming the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players. His monumental impact was felt further as he was named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics and claimed the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament.
"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," notes Sam Quinn, encapsulating the respect the veteran commands.
Across the league, other stars are also showing their enduring prowess. Kevin Durant, now 35, is proving that age is just a number. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant delivered impressive stats last season, averaging 27-6-5 while shooting 41% from beyond the arc. His performance underscored his place as the best isolation scorer in basketball.
"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," comments Brad Botkin, highlighting Durant's sustained excellence.
Equally noteworthy is Stephen Curry, clocking in at 36 and ranked 6th in the Top 100. Curry's impact on the game remains unparalleled, with his inimitable movement and exceptional shooting talent continuing to make him an offensive powerhouse.
"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," adds Botkin in his assessment of Curry's undiminished skills.
Jimmy Butler, at 35, is a player who thrives under the pressure of the postseason. Ranked 22 in the Top 100, Butler's ability to shift gears during the playoffs remains crucial for the Miami Heat, who outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor last season.
As Botkin succinctly puts it, "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?"
Meanwhile, James Harden, aged 35, continues his basketball journey with the Los Angeles Clippers. Ranked 44 in the Top 100, Harden's move to his fourth team in as many years underscores his adaptability and quest for the right fit.
"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," observes Jack Maloney, signifying the challenges ahead for Harden and the Clippers.
Other notable veterans include DeMar DeRozan, who at 35 is ranked 53 in the Top 100, and Mike Conley, 36, ranked 85. Conley, playing for the Timberwolves, is particularly valued for his veteran presence in a young team.
Jasmyn Wimbish reflects on Conley's role, stating, "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, aged 36 and ranked 88, continues to be a desirable asset in the league. Quinn aptly summarizes Lopez's appeal: "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."
Additionally, Chris Paul, 39, now serves as a mentor for the Spurs and rising star Victor Wembanyama. His vast experience remains invaluable in guiding younger talent.
In Boston, Al Horford, aged 38, played a critical role in the Celtics' championship run. While Horford surprisingly did not make the Top 100 list, his impact on the floor was undeniable.
As Wimbish notes, "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 season dawns, the league's veterans are a testament to enduring skill, adaptability, and the timeless nature of basketball excellence. Their performances will not only inspire but also shape the narratives of the upcoming season, underscoring that age is, indeed, just a number.