The NBA season is just around the corner, and a flurry of anticipation surrounds the league's most seasoned and skilled players. At 39, LeBron James continues to defy age and expectations. Recently, he made headlines for becoming the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players. James’ accolades don’t stop there; he was also 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 astutely observes, "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." This statement encapsulates the respect and awe that James continues to command on the court.
Kevin Durant: Still Dominating
Kevin Durant, now 35, remains a formidable force in the NBA. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant's performance last season was nothing short of stellar. Averaging 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game while shooting 41% from beyond the arc, he played 75 games and demonstrated his enduring prowess. As Brad Botkin points out, "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 Sharpshooter
Stephen Curry, at 36, shows no signs of slowing down. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry's unparalleled movement and shooting ability keep him as one of the NBA's premier offensive threats. "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," notes Brad Botkin. Curry's consistency and skill continue to be a cornerstone for the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler: The Playoff Performer
Jimmy Butler, aged 35 and ranked 22nd in the Top 100, remains a critical asset for the Miami Heat. Last season, the Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when Butler was on the floor. Botkin succinctly captures Butler's essence: "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?" Butler's ability to elevate his game during the playoffs is well-documented and a key factor for Miami's success.
James Harden: A New Chapter with the Clippers
James Harden, another 35-year-old veteran, finds himself with the Los Angeles Clippers, his fourth team in as many years. Ranked 44th in the Top 100, Harden faces the challenge of taking on a bigger scoring burden to ensure the Clippers' competitiveness in the Western Conference. Jack Maloney comments, "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 on the Move
Several other influential veterans are making waves. Paul George's move to Philadelphia is a significant shuffle in the league’s dynamics. DeMar DeRozan, also 35, is ranked 53rd in the Top 100. Mike Conley, now 36, will enter the upcoming season as one of the oldest but most valuable veterans for the Timberwolves, ranked 85th. Jasmyn Wimbish highlights, "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 contribute significantly on both ends of the floor. Sam Quinn’s observation is telling: "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."
Lastly, Chris Paul, at 39, serves a crucial role as a veteran mentor for the Spurs and rising star Victor Wembanyama. Al Horford, at 38, played a vital role in Boston's championship run, underscoring the impact experienced players continue to have in competitive environments. 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 looms, the contributions of these seasoned players will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the league. Their experience, skill, and leadership are invaluable assets to their respective teams, promising another thrilling season of basketball.