The NBA season is fast approaching, and as always, excitement is in the air. Players are gearing up, and fans are buzzing about the upcoming battles on the court. This season promises to be particularly intriguing with familiar faces in new places and veterans still proving their worth.
LeBron James: Defying Age
At 39 years old, LeBron James continues to defy the traditional aging curve in professional sports. Recently, he became the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players, a testament to his relentless work ethic and unparalleled talent. Additionally, James was named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics, further solidifying his legacy on the global stage. He also clinched the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament. Despite his age, his performance remains razor-sharp and as impactful as ever.
Sam Quinn aptly 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."
Kevin Durant: Consistently Dominant
Kevin Durant, at 35, remains a formidable force on the court. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant averaged 27-6-5 on an impressive 41% shooting from beyond the arc last season, playing 75 games. His ability to perform consistently at such a high level is remarkable. Brad Botkin reflects on Durant's performance, stating, "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 continues to redefine the game with his inimitable movement and pure shot-making talent. At 36, ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry shows no signs of decline. His unique ability to create scoring opportunities makes him one of the most feared offensive players in the league. Brad Botkin puts it succinctly: "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."
Veterans Making an Impact
Several other seasoned players are set to make significant contributions this season. Jimmy Butler, at 35 and ranked 22nd in the Top 100, continues to be a linchpin 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 observes, "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, also 35, has joined the Los Angeles Clippers, marking his fourth team in as many years. Harden is ranked 44th in the Top 100 and is poised to take on a bigger scoring role. "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," says Jack Maloney.
Team Shifts and Veteran Leadership
Paul George has moved to Philadelphia, signaling a significant shift in team dynamics. Meanwhile, Mike Conley, 36, continues to be an invaluable veteran presence for the Timberwolves. Ranked 85th in the Top 100, Conley's experience is crucial for his young team. Jasmyn Wimbish states, "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."
Another notable veteran, Brook Lopez, aged 36 and ranked 88th in the Top 100, provides high value on both ends of the floor. As Sam Quinn eloquently puts it, "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."
Continued Excellence and Mentorship
Chris Paul, at 39, is serving as a veteran mentor for the Spurs and the young phenom Victor Wembanyama. His experience and leadership will be invaluable for the team. Al Horford, 38, played a crucial role in Boston's championship run, demonstrating that age is just a number when it comes to contributing effectively on the court. Although Jasmyn Wimbish expressed surprise that Horford didn't make the Top 100, it underscores the depth of talent in the NBA: "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, these veteran players will once again showcase their skills, leadership, and determination, proving that age is no barrier to excellence in professional basketball. Fans can look forward to a season filled with thrilling games and unforgettable performances from these legendary athletes.