The NBA season is on the horizon, and the league’s landscape is brimming with intriguing storylines. With seasoned veterans still delivering at high levels, the anticipation is palpable.
LeBron James: Defying Age
LeBron James, now 39 years old, continues to be a formidable force. "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," says Sam Quinn. Despite his age, James recently made history by becoming the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition involving active NBA players and was named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics. Moreover, he clinched the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament, solidifying his status as a legend in the sport.
Durant’s Enduring Dominance
Kevin Durant, at 35, remains an elite player in the NBA. Averaging 27-6-5 on 41% shooting from beyond the arc last season, Durant demonstrated his consistency. Brad Botkin aptly notes, "Durant remains pretty close to the height of his powers... Durant was the best isolation scorer in basketball last season." Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant played 75 games, proving his resilience and value.
Curry: An Offensive Maestro
Stephen Curry, the 36-year-old sharpshooter, continues to mesmerize fans and opponents alike. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry’s offensive prowess shows no signs of decline. "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," observes Brad Botkin. His unparalleled shooting and agility keep him at the pinnacle of the game.
Butler’s Playoff Pedigree
At 35, Jimmy Butler is a player who thrives under pressure. Ranked 22nd in the Top 100, Butler’s ability to elevate his game during the postseason is well-documented. "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?" ponders Brad Botkin. The Miami Heat, who outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when Butler was on the floor last season, will undoubtedly rely on his leadership and clutch performances.
Harden’s Journey Continues
James Harden, now with the Los Angeles Clippers, is embarking on another chapter in his storied career. At 35 and ranked 44th in the Top 100, Harden's journey through the NBA has been tumultuous, having played for four different teams in as many years. Jack Maloney notes, "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."
Veteran Leadership Across the League
Other notable veterans continue to make significant contributions. Paul George's move to Philadelphia marks a significant change in the Eastern Conference's dynamics. Meanwhile, Mike Conley, at 36 and ranked 85th in the Top 100, provides invaluable experience to the young Timberwolves. "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," says Jasmyn Wimbish.
Brook Lopez, another 36-year-old veteran ranked 88th, remains a coveted player. "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," remarks Sam Quinn. Lopez’s unique skill set continues to be a major asset.
The Veteran Mentors
Chris Paul, a 39-year-old legend, is now serving as a mentor for the Spurs and the promising Victor Wembanyama. The leadership and wisdom he brings will be invaluable for the young team. Additionally, Al Horford, at 38, played a crucial role in Boston's championship run. Though he didn't make the Top 100, Jasmyn Wimbish reflects, "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 approaches, the enduring talents and leadership of these veterans promise to be a central storyline. Their ability to adapt and thrive, despite the advancing years, will be a key factor in their respective teams’ successes.