The NBA season is fast approaching, and with it comes a wave of excitement, anticipation, and speculation. Highlighting the upcoming season are several veteran players who, despite their age, continue to dominate the courts and captivate audiences.
LeBron James: Defying Age and Expectations
At 39 years old, LeBron James might not be expected to be the NBA's most dominant player over the course of an 82-game season. However, he continues to inspire fear in opponents during crucial moments. Sam Quinn aptly noted, "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."
LeBron's recent accolades attest to this resilience. He has become the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players and was named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics. Additionally, he clinched the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament, proving that age is merely a number for the seasoned superstar.
Kevin Durant: Still at the Height of His Powers
Kevin Durant, now 35, remains a formidable force on the court. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant had an impressive performance last season, averaging 27-6-5 on 41% from beyond the arc over 75 games. Brad Botkin observed, "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." Such consistency and skill underscore Durant's lasting impact in the league.
Stephen Curry: Offense Personified
At 36, Stephen Curry shows no signs of decline. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry's unparalleled movement and pure shot-making talent continue to make him a one-man offensive powerhouse. Brad Botkin highlighted, "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." His ability to control the game with his offensive prowess remains irrefutable.
Jimmy Butler: The Playoff Performer
Jimmy Butler, 35, known for pacing himself during the regular season to deliver extraordinary performances in the playoffs, is ranked 22nd in the Top 100. Brad Botkin pointed out, "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?" Last season, Butler's impact was evident as the Miami Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor.
James Harden: A New Chapter with the Clippers
James Harden, another 35-year-old veteran, has recently joined the Los Angeles Clippers. Ranked 44th in the Top 100, Harden is now on his fourth team in as many years. Reflecting on Harden's journey, Jack Maloney commented, "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." The upcoming season will test Harden's adaptability and scoring capability in a new lineup.
Veteran Mentors and Emerging Hopes
Chris Paul, at 39, has embraced a mentor role, guiding the young talents of the Spurs, notably Victor Wembanyama. Meanwhile, Paul George's move to Philadelphia and Mike Conley's presence with the Timberwolves highlight the shifting dynamics in team compositions and veteran influence.
Brook Lopez, 36 and ranked 88th, continues to be invaluable to his team. Sam Quinn praised, "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 comprehensive contribution on both ends of the court makes him irreplaceable.
Finally, Al Horford, despite not making the Top 100, played a crucial role in Boston's championship run. Jasmyn Wimbish stated, "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." The breadth of talent in the league often leaves even significant contributors out of such lists.
As the new NBA season looms, the blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents promises an exhilarating competition. The likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and their peers will undoubtedly continue to leave an indelible mark on the game, inspiring both fans and upcoming players alike.