As the NBA season edges closer, the league buzzes with anticipation, spurred by a mix of emerging talents and seasoned veterans. Leading the discussion is LeBron James, who at 39 years old, continues to defy expectations. Recently becoming the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players, LeBron's performance in the 2024 Olympics, where he was named the most valuable player, reaffirms his undiminished prowess. His unmatched impact was further demonstrated as he clinched the MVP title 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, 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," observes Sam Quinn.
Yet, King James isn't the only veteran turning heads. Kevin Durant, at 35, maintains his elite status in the league. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant averaged 27-6-5 on an impressive 41% from beyond the arc last season, playing 75 games. Brad Botkin emphasizes, "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."
Another stalwart, Stephen Curry, aged 36, continues to be a pivotal figure in the NBA. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry's legendary movement and shot-making talent make him an offensive juggernaut. "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," notes Brad Botkin.
Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler, 35, showcases his strategic brilliance on the court. Ranked 22nd in the Top 100, Butler is known for conserving energy during the regular season to excel in the postseason. The Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions with Butler on the floor last season. Brad Botkin captures Butler's essence: "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?"
James Harden at 35 finds himself with the Los Angeles Clippers, his fourth team in as many years. Ranked 44th in the Top 100, Harden’s role becomes crucial as he shoulders a bigger scoring burden to keep the Clippers competitive in the Western Conference. "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," states Jack Maloney.
Paul George’s move to Philadelphia marks another significant shift in the NBA landscape. Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan, another 35-year-old veteran, is ranked 53rd in the Top 100, indicating his steady but impactful presence in the league.
The Timberwolves’ Mike Conley, 36, also stands out as a valuable veteran, ranked 85th in the Top 100. "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," remarks Jasmyn Wimbish.
Brook Lopez, aged 36, continues to be an asset, ranked 88th in the Top 100. Sam Quinn delightfully points out, "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."
Chris Paul, at 39, embraces his role as a veteran mentor for the Spurs and rising star Victor Wembanyama. His extensive experience and leadership are expected to be invaluable to the young squad.
Al Horford, nearing 38 and still playing a crucial role in Boston's championship aspirations, represents another seasoned addition to the tapestry of NBA veterans. As Jasmyn Wimbish highlights, "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 new season dawns, the mix of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance promises a dynamic and thrilling NBA landscape. With figures like LeBron, Durant, Curry, and others guiding their teams, fans can expect a season rich in both high-caliber competition and storied legacies, ensuring that the NBA remains as captivating as ever.