The anticipation for the upcoming NBA season is palpable, with several veteran players making headlines for their enduring prowess and notable achievements. Among them is LeBron James, who at 39, continues to defy expectations. Recently, James became the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players. Further cementing his legendary status, he was named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics and clinched the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament. While it's unreasonable to expect him to dominate an 82-game season as he once did, James still remains one of the most formidable opponents in smaller sample sizes.
Durant's Continual Dominance
Not far behind in age, Kevin Durant, 35, shows no sign of relinquishing his grip on basketball supremacy. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant averaged 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists last season, shooting an impressive 41% from beyond the arc. Durant's consistency is evident, having played 75 games last season. As Brad Botkin highlights, Durant "remains pretty close to the height of his powers... Durant was the best isolation scorer in basketball last season."
Curry's Sustained Brilliance
Stephen Curry, now 36, continues to redefine offensive potency. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry's unique movement and unparalleled shot-making ability keep him at the forefront of the league's most dangerous players. Brad Botkin notes, "Curry is still an offense unto himself... it's hard to see where he's declined at all offensively."
Butler and the Heat's Prospects
Jimmy Butler, at 35, continues to be a cornerstone for the Miami Heat, who outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor last season. Ranked 22nd in the Top 100, Butler is known for pacing himself during the regular season to unleash superstar performances in the postseason. However, Botkin raises an important question: "Are the Heat still good enough to give Butler the opportunity to shift into his playoff gear?" Only time will tell if Miami can provide Butler with the platform he needs for another deep playoff run.
Harden's New Chapter
James Harden's journey through the NBA has been nothing short of a whirlwind. Now 35 and with the Los Angeles Clippers, Harden is ranked 44th in the Top 100 and has played for four teams in as many years. As Jack Maloney points out, Harden will need to embrace a larger scoring role to keep the Clippers competitive in the Western Conference.
Veterans in New Roles
Several seasoned players continue to carve out significant roles even as they approach the twilight of their careers. Paul George has moved to Philadelphia, adding depth to their roster. Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan, also 35, is ranked 53rd in the Top 100. Mike Conley, who is 36 and ranked 85th, remains an invaluable veteran presence for the Timberwolves, providing leadership and stability for the young team. Jasmyn Wimbish emphasizes his worth, stating, "Conley... is still one of the most valuable veterans a young team -- like the Timberwolves -- could have."
Brook Lopez, 36, continues to be a significant asset. Ranked 88th in the Top 100, Lopez's ability to contribute on both ends of the floor makes him a coveted player. As Sam Quinn remarks, "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, has taken on a mentorship role with the Spurs, guiding the promising young talent Victor Wembanyama. Meanwhile, Al Horford, at 38, played a crucial role in Boston's recent championship run, even though he didn't make the Top 100 list. Jasmyn Wimbish reflects on this omission, expressing surprise but acknowledging the immense talent pool in the NBA: "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 NBA season approaches, the spotlight remains on these veteran players who continue to defy age and redefine what it means to be elite basketball talents. Their ongoing contributions, both on and off the court, will undoubtedly shape the narratives of their respective teams and the league as a whole.