The NBA season is fast approaching, and the league is buzzing with anticipation. At the forefront of discussions is the remarkable career of LeBron James, who at 39 years old continues to defy expectations. Recently, James made headlines by becoming the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players. This extraordinary achievement adds another accolade to his storied career, which already includes the title of the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics and an MVP award from the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament.
LeBron James: The Ageless Wonder
LeBron's sustained excellence has not gone unnoticed by NBA analysts. Sam Quinn notes the dual nature of LeBron's current capabilities: "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 statement encapsulates the awe and respect that LeBron commands on the court, even as he approaches 40.
The Ever-Present Kevin Durant
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant continues to maintain his place among the NBA elite. At age 35, Durant is ranked 9th in the Top 100, a testament to his enduring prowess. Last season, he averaged an impressive 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game while shooting 41% from beyond the arc. Brad Botkin succinctly captures Durant's impact: "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." Durant's ability to dominate in isolation scenarios remains unparalleled, making him a formidable force on any given night.
Stephen Curry: Ageless Offense
Stephen Curry, at 36 years old, continues to dazzle with his offensive wizardry. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry's unrelenting movement and shooting skill remain as sharp as ever. Brad Botkin observes: "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." Curry's consistent performance is a beacon for the Golden State Warriors as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.
Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat
At 35, Jimmy Butler remains a cornerstone for the Miami Heat. Ranked 22nd in the Top 100, Butler's impact on the court is undeniable. The Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when Butler was on the floor last season. Brad Botkin provides insight into Butler's strategic approach: "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?" The onus will be on the Heat to build a strong regular season foundation, enabling Butler to shine during the playoffs.
James Harden's New Chapter with the Clippers
James Harden begins another chapter of his career with the Los Angeles Clippers. Now 35 years old and ranked 44th in the Top 100, Harden is on his fourth team in as many years. Jack Maloney outlines the challenges ahead for Harden: "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 adapt and lead will be crucial for the Clippers' aspirations this season.
Veteran Presence in the League
Several other veterans remain influential across the NBA landscape. Paul George has transitioned to Philadelphia, adding his experience to the mix. DeMar DeRozan, at 35, is ranked 53rd in the Top 100, while Mike Conley and Brook Lopez, both 36, are ranked 85th and 88th, respectively. Conley, playing for the Timberwolves, is praised by Jasmyn Wimbish: "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." Similarly, Lopez's balanced contributions are highlighted by Sam Quinn: "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."
Mentorship and Crucial Roles
Chris Paul, at 39 years old, now serves as a veteran mentor for the Spurs and rising star Victor Wembanyama. Al Horford, 38, played a crucial role in Boston's championship run, underscoring the importance of seasoned players in pivotal moments. Jasmyn Wimbish expresses surprise at Horford not making the Top 100 list, stating, "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 looms, these veteran players and their remarkable stories will continue to captivate fans and shape the narrative of the league. Their contributions, both on and off the court, exemplify the depth of talent and the enduring allure of the sport.