The NBA season is fast approaching, and as teams prepare for the tip-off, notable veteran players continue to make headlines with their performances and rankings. Central to these stories is LeBron James, a player who remains a force to be reckoned with even as he approaches four decades of life.
LeBron James, at 39 years old, recently showcased his enduring prowess by becoming the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players. His triumph did not end there. James was also named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics, adding another prestigious accolade to his illustrious career. Additionally, his dominance was evident as he took home the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament.
Sam Quinn aptly summarized James's present status: "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."
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant, who is 35 years old, continues to prove his mettle on the court. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant's last season stats were impressive, averaging 27-6-5 with a commendable 41% shooting from beyond the arc. With 75 games played last season, Durant remains a cornerstone for his team. Brad Botkin noted, "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, another seasoned player, at 36 years old, continues to dazzle fans and opponents alike. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry's unrelenting movement and precision shooting make him a formidable offensive presence. Botkin succinctly captured Curry's current state: "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, 35, is another player whose impact cannot be understated. Ranked 22nd in the Top 100, Butler’s ability to pace himself during the regular season only to explode in the postseason is well-documented. Last season, the Miami Heat outscored their opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when Butler was on the floor. Botkin pondered, "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 odyssey has taken him to the Los Angeles Clippers. At 35 years old, and now ranked 44 in the Top 100, Harden is on his fourth team in as many years. His scoring abilities will be crucial for the Clippers to maintain relevance in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. Jack Maloney remarked, "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."
Paul George’s recent move to Philadelphia adds another layer of intrigue to the season ahead, while DeMar DeRozan, aged 35 and ranked 53 in the Top 100, continues his solid performance on the court. Veteran players like Mike Conley, 36, and Brook Lopez, also 36, provide invaluable experience to their respective teams, the Timberwolves and their respective team. Jasmyn Wimbish highlighted Conley's 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."
Veteran presence remains crucial in the league, as evidenced by players like Brook Lopez, who at 36 and ranked 88th in the Top 100, is appreciated for his all-around contributions. "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," commented Sam Quinn.
Chris Paul, at 39, takes on a different role this season as a veteran mentor for the Spurs and young star Victor Wembanyama. His leadership will be pivotal for the development of emerging talents. Al Horford, 38, continues to be a vital player for the Boston Celtics, playing a crucial role in their championship run. "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," noted Jasmyn Wimbish.
As the NBA gears up for another season, the contributions of these veteran players are undeniable. Their experience, skill, and leadership will undoubtedly shape the dynamics of the upcoming games, proving that age is just a number when it comes to basketball excellence.