The NBA season is just around the corner, and as teams prepare for tip-off, the spotlight shines brightly on some of the league's most iconic players. Among them, LeBron James continues to capture headlines at an age when many athletes have long since retired.
At 39 years old, James' longevity is nothing short of remarkable. Recently, he added another accolade to his legendary career by becoming the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA stars. His performance in the 2024 Olympics also saw him named the most valuable player, demonstrating that even as he approaches quadragenarian status, his influence on the game remains formidable. 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."
Another veteran star, Kevin Durant, at 35, continues to exhibit his exceptional skills on the court. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant's stats from last season – averaging 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists with a 41% three-point shooting rate – underscore his enduring prowess. Brad Botkin captures Durant's form succinctly: "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." Playing 75 games, Durant showed resilience and consistency, attributes that will be crucial for his team in the upcoming season.
Durant's performance is mirrored by Stephen Curry, now 36, who is ranked 6th in the Top 100. Curry's peerless movement and sharp shooting continue to define his game, and according to 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." This sustained excellence is a testament to Curry's relentless work ethic and natural talent.
Jimmy Butler, aged 35 and ranked 22 in the Top 100, also remains a key player for the Miami Heat. Last season, the Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when Butler was on the floor. Botkin comments, "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?" This strategic pacing makes Butler a valuable asset, particularly in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs.
Meanwhile, James Harden's career has taken yet another turn. Now with the Los Angeles Clippers, the 35-year-old Harden, who is ranked 44 in the Top 100, is on his fourth team in as many years. Jack Maloney observes, "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." This move places additional pressures on Harden to deliver consistently high performances.
In other player movements, Paul George's relocation to Philadelphia marks a significant shift, while DeMar DeRozan, another 35-year-old, holds the 53rd spot in the Top 100. Mike Conley, aged 36 and ranked 85, continues to bring his veteran wisdom to the Timberwolves. Jasmyn Wimbish highlights 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."
Similarly, Brook Lopez, aged 36 and ranked 88, is another invaluable veteran. Quinn praises Lopez: "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." His balanced contributions on both ends of the court make him an asset that's hard to find.
Chris Paul, also 39, assumes a mentoring role with the Spurs, particularly guiding young prodigy Victor Wembanyama. This leadership role is crucial for the development of future stars, demonstrating Paul's lasting impact on the league.
Lastly, Al Horford, at 38, played a critical part in Boston's championship pursuits, although surprisingly, he did not make the Top 100 list. Wimbish comments, "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 mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents promises an exciting and unpredictable year of basketball. The league's aging stars continue to redefine the boundaries of athletic longevity, proving that age is, indeed, just a number.