The anticipation for the upcoming NBA season is palpable, and it brings with it an intriguing mix of seasoned veterans and dynamic performances. Headlining the conversation is the ever-influential LeBron James, who, at 39 years old, continues to defy expectations. Despite approaching his fourth decade, James recently etched his name into the annals of basketball history by becoming the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players. Further adding to his accolades, James was named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics and clinched the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament.
Renowned sports analyst 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." This observation underscores the enduring prowess of James, who remains a formidable presence on the court.
Kevin Durant: Still a Force to Be Reckoned With
Another player proving that age is just a number is Kevin Durant. At 35, Durant continues to demonstrate his basketball genius. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant's stats from last season (27-6-5 on 41% from beyond the arc) are a testament to his enduring elite performance. Playing 75 games last season, Durant showcased his consistency and resilience.
Brad Botkin captures Durant's continued excellence, emphasizing, "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." As Durant heads into another season, he remains an indomitable force, ready to challenge defenders night in and night out.
Stephen Curry: The Eternal Offense
Stephen Curry, now 36, continues to revolutionize the game with his unparalleled shooting and movement. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry shows no signs of slowing down. "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," states Botkin, highlighting Curry's sustained offensive brilliance.
Jimmy Butler: Miami’s Postseason Catalyst
At 35, Jimmy Butler remains a cornerstone for the Miami Heat. Ranked 22 in the Top 100, Butler's impact is undeniable. Last season, the Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions with Butler on the floor, emphasizing his pivotal role. 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?" Butler's strategic pacing could be the key to another deep playoff run for Miami.
James Harden: Seeking Relevance with the Clippers
James Harden's journey has taken him to the Los Angeles Clippers, marking his fourth team in as many years. Ranked 44 in the Top 100, the 35-year-old continues to adapt and evolve. 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." Harden's ability to shoulder this responsibility will be pivotal for the Clippers' aspirations.
Veteran Leadership: Conley, Lopez, and Horford
The veteran presence of players like Mike Conley, Brook Lopez, and Al Horford cannot be overstated. Conley, at 36 and ranked 85 in the Top 100, plays a crucial role for the Timberwolves. Jasmyn Wimbish remarks, "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." His experience and leadership are invaluable assets for the team's young core.
Brook Lopez, also 36 and ranked 88 in the Top 100, remains a robust presence on both ends of the court. "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," comments Quinn. His versatility and stability continue to make him a coveted player.
Al Horford, at 38, played a crucial role in Boston’s championship run, although he surprisingly didn't make the Top 100. 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." Horford's veteran savvy and clutch performances were instrumental to Boston's success.
Chris Paul: The Veteran Mentor
Finally, at 39, Chris Paul has embraced his role as a mentor with the Spurs, guiding young phenom Victor Wembanyama. Paul's wealth of experience and strategic mind offer invaluable insights to the Spurs' developing talents.
As the NBA season looms, these seasoned stars and their evolving roles provide a compelling narrative. With their remarkable careers and continued contributions, they remain integral to the fabric of the league, ensuring another thrilling chapter in NBA history.