As the new NBA season approaches, fans are once again on the edge of their seats, anticipating the thrilling mix of young talent and seasoned veterans that define the league. Among the most watched players is LeBron James, who at 39 years old, continues to redefine what's possible in the sport.
LeBron James Defies Age
Despite the miles on his legs, LeBron James recently etched his name into the record books by becoming the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players. His age hasn’t stopped him from earning accolades, as he was named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics and clinched the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament. As Sam Quinn notes, "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 and Curry at the Height of Their Powers
Not to be outdone, Kevin Durant, ranked 9th in the Top 100, remains a formidable force on the court. At 35 years old, Durant is still near the pinnacle of his game. Last season, he averaged 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists while shooting 41% from beyond the arc. Brad Botkin underscores Durant’s prowess: "Durant remains pretty close to the height of his powers... Durant was the best isolation scorer in basketball last season."
Similarly, Stephen Curry, who is 36 years old and ranked 6th in the Top 100, has shown no signs of a significant decline. Botkin praises Curry’s enduring influence: "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."
Other Key Veterans
Jimmy Butler, at 35 years old and ranked 22nd, continues to play a pivotal role for the Miami Heat. Last season, the Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when Butler was on the floor. Botkin highlights Butler's strategic play: "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, who is also 35, is now with the Los Angeles Clippers and ranks 44th. Harden’s well-traveled career has taken him to his fourth team in as many years, and he is expected to take on a larger scoring burden. As Jack Maloney points out, "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."
Veteran Leadership Matters
Other veterans such as Mike Conley and Chris Paul are also making significant contributions to their teams. Conley, at 36 and ranked 85th, brings invaluable experience to the Timberwolves. Jasmyn Wimbish highlights his value: "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."
Chris Paul, aged 39, serves as a veteran mentor for the Spurs and young star Victor Wembanyama. This role underscores the importance of experienced players in guiding and developing emerging talent.
Underrated Performers
At 36, Brook Lopez ranks 88th in the Top 100 but remains a valuable asset for his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. Sam Quinn praises Lopez’s versatility: "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."
Al Horford, now 38, despite not making the Top 100, played a crucial role in Boston's championship run. Jasmyn Wimbish is surprised by his exclusion from the list: "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 kicks off, the blend of rising stars and resilient veterans promises another compelling chapter in the league's storied history. The likes of LeBron, Durant, Curry, and Butler continue to push the boundaries of what seasoned players can achieve, ensuring that experience remains an invaluable asset in the NBA.