The NBA stands on the cusp of another thrilling season, and veteran players continue to dominate the headlines. At 39, LeBron James remains an unparalleled force in basketball. Sam Quinn aptly 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." His recent accolades, including being named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics and winning the MVP award in the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament, underscore his enduring talent.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant, 35, continues to shine. He averaged an impressive 27-6-5 on 41% from three-point range last season and played 75 games, demonstrating his durability and skill. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, his offensive prowess remains unquestioned. 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 player aging like fine wine is Stephen Curry, who, at 36, holds the 6th spot in the Top 100. 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 sustained excellence on the court continues to make him a linchpin for the Golden State Warriors.
Veterans Holding Strong
Jimmy Butler, also 35, is ranked 22nd and remains a critical player for the Miami Heat, contributing to their positive net rating when he's on the floor. Botkin paints a clear picture of Butler's impact, saying, "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, now 35 and with the Los Angeles Clippers, finds himself on his fourth team in as many years. Despite this, he remains ranked 44th in the Top 100. Jack Maloney points out, "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."
Paul George's recent move to Philadelphia only adds to the shuffling of star players across the league. This transition hints at significant changes in team dynamics as the new season approaches.
Valuable Veterans
DeMar DeRozan, another seasoned player at 35, still makes his mark, ranked 53rd in the Top 100. Likewise, Mike Conley, at 36 and ranked 85th, is viewed as an invaluable veteran presence on the Timberwolves. Jasmyn Wimbish notes, "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 continue to be crucial for his team.
Brook Lopez also remains a significant player at 36, coming in at 88th in the rankings. Quinn highlights the unique value Lopez offers, stating, "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."
Mentors and Crucial Roles
The league also sees older players transitioning into mentorship roles. Chris Paul, at 39, serves as a veteran mentor for the Spurs and their rising star, Victor Wembanyama. This role underscores the importance of experience in nurturing new talent.
Al Horford, 38, played a crucial role in Boston's championship run. Despite not making the Top 100 list, his influence on the court was unmistakable. Wimbish expresses surprise at this omission, remarking, "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 prepares for another exciting season, the performances and contributions of these veteran players will undoubtedly be closely watched. Their ability to influence games and mentor younger teammates could shape the narratives of the upcoming season and beyond.