LeBron James Defies Age and Continues to Shine
As the NBA season looms on the horizon, the spotlight inevitably falls on veteran superstar LeBron James. At 39 years old, James continues to defy age-related expectations. Recently, he became the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition among active NBA players, a testament to his undiminished prowess and influence on the court. Additionally, James earned the title of the most valuable player in the 2024 Olympics and clinched the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament.
"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," writes Sam Quinn. "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: A Powerhouse at 35
Another name that continues to dominate conversations is Kevin Durant. At 35, Durant remains a formidable force in the league. Despite his years, he averaged 27-6-5 on an impressive 41% shooting from beyond the arc last season, demonstrating his scoring versatility and sharpshooting accuracy over the span of 75 games. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant has solidified his place among basketball's elite.
"Durant remains pretty close to the height of his powers," observes Brad Botkin. "Last season he averaged 27-6-5 on 41% 3-point shooting... Durant was the best isolation scorer in basketball last season."
Stephen Curry’s Timeless Game
Stephen Curry, now 36, continues to be an offensive juggernaut. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry's game shows no signs of decline. His movement and unparalleled shot-making ability make him a constant threat to defenses. Brad Botkin elaborates, "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: The Playoff Performer
Jimmy Butler at 35 may pace himself during the regular season, but his impact during the playoffs is undeniable. Ranked 22nd in the Top 100, Butler’s approach has always been about reserving his best for when it matters most. Last season, the Miami Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions with Butler on the floor, highlighting his strategic importance.
"Butler is what he is: A great player who paces himself in the regular season in order to produce superstar postseason stretches," writes Brad Botkin. "The question is: Are the Heat still good enough to give Butler the opportunity to shift into his playoff gear?"
Changes and Challenges for Harden and George
The NBA landscape sees constant shifts, with James Harden, now with the Los Angeles Clippers, being no stranger to change. Ranked 44th in the Top 100, Harden is on his fourth team in as many years. Jack Maloney comments, "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."
Meanwhile, Paul George’s move to Philadelphia marks another significant change, bringing his talents to a new environment and fanbase.
Veterans Continue to Impact
Other notable veterans like DeMar DeRozan, Mike Conley, Brook Lopez, and Chris Paul continue to contribute significantly to their teams despite their age. DeRozan, at 35, holds the 53rd spot in the Top 100, while Conley, turning 36, is ranked 85th and adds valuable experience to the 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," writes Jasmyn Wimbish.
Brook Lopez, also 36, is widely respected for his dual impact on both ends of the floor, securing his position at 88th in the Top 100. "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.
Chris Paul’s Mentorship Roles
Chris Paul, at 39, transitions into a veteran mentorship role with the Spurs, providing guidance to young talents like Victor Wembanyama. His experience and wisdom remain invaluable within the locker room and on the court.
Horford’s Crucial Contributions
Al Horford, 38, might not have made the Top 100 list, but his contributions to Boston’s championship run were essential. Jasmyn Wimbish notes, "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 NBA is a league where age often brings wisdom and experience rather than diminishing talent. As the new season approaches, these seasoned players, each bringing their A-game, promise to make it an exciting one to watch.