The NBA season is fast approaching, and some of the league’s biggest stars are poised to make headlines once again. At 39 years old, LeBron James continues to defy the natural progression of age in professional sports. Recently, James has been making waves beyond the regular NBA season, becoming the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players and also being named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics. As if that wasn't enough, he added another accolade by winning the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament.
While it's unrealistic to expect LeBron to be the NBA’s best player over the entirety of an 82-game season, in limited samples, he still has the ability to inspire fear in his opponents like no other. This sentiment is echoed by Sam Quinn, who stated, "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."
Kevin Durant: Still in His Prime
Kevin Durant, now 35 years old, demonstrates that age is just a number. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant remains a formidable force on the court. Last season, he averaged 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists while shooting an impressive 41% from beyond the arc. Durant played 75 games last season, proving his durability. As Brad Botkin observes, "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."
Stephen Curry: The Ageless Wonder
Stephen Curry, at 36 years old, continues to redefine what it means to age gracefully in the NBA. Curry is ranked 6th in the Top 100 and remains an offensive juggernaut. According to Brad Botkin, "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."
Jimmy Butler: The Playoff Performer
Jimmy Butler, aged 35, is ranked 22nd in the Top 100 and continues to be a pivotal player for the Miami Heat. Last season, the Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when Butler was on the floor. Brad Botkin captures his essence perfectly: "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's Ever-Changing Journey
James Harden, 35, has had a whirlwind journey in the NBA, now playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. Harden ranks 44th in the Top 100 and is on his fourth team in as many years. His latest move means he will need to assume a larger scoring role if the Clippers are to remain competitive in the Western Conference. Jack Maloney notes, "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 Players Making an Impact
Veteran leadership remains invaluable in the NBA, as demonstrated by several seasoned pros. Paul George has moved to Philadelphia, making significant changes in team configurations. Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan, also 35, is ranked 53rd in the Top 100, continuing to showcase his skills on the court.
Mike Conley, 36, ranked 85th in the Top 100, plays a crucial role for the Timberwolves. According to Jasmyn Wimbish, "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 88th, continues to be a vital player on both ends of the floor. "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," says Sam Quinn.
Chris Paul and Al Horford: Guiding the Next Generation
Chris Paul, at 39 years old, now serves as a veteran mentor for the Spurs and their young star, Victor Wembanyama. Paul's experience and leadership are invaluable to a young team looking to make a mark in the league.
Al Horford, 38, played a crucial role in Boston's championship run. As Jasmyn Wimbish points out, "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 another exciting NBA season approaches, the impact of these veteran players remains irrefutable. Their experience, skill, and leadership continue to shape the league, inspiring both teammates and fans alike. Whether it's LeBron James defying age or Stephen Curry's offensive prowess, these players prove that age is merely a number and excellence knows no bounds.