As the NBA season draws near, the league's narrative is dominated by its veteran stars, whose experience and skill continue to captivate fans. Perhaps most notable among them is LeBron James, who, at 39 years old, remains one of the most formidable players in the game. Despite his age, James recently set a record as the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition involving active NBA players. Not only that, but he also earned the prestigious title of most valuable player at the 2024 Olympics and secured the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament.
Sam Quinn encapsulated the enduring excellence of LeBron James, stating, "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."
Veterans on the Rise
Another stalwart of the league, Kevin Durant, will be entering the season at 35 years old. Durant ranked 9th in the Top 100 players and maintained impressive stats last season, averaging 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists while shooting 41% from beyond the arc over 75 games. Brad Botkin highlights Durant's sustained elite performance: "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."
Stephen Curry, aged 36, is another veteran who shows no signs of slowing down. Currently ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry’s influence on the court is as significant as ever. Botkin again provides insight: "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."
Jimmy Butler, 35, and ranked 22nd, continues to be a cornerstone for the Miami Heat. The team outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor last season. Botkin notes Butler's unique 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?"
Players in Transition
James Harden, now 35, has embarked on a new chapter with the Los Angeles Clippers, marking his fourth team in as many years. Harden ranks 44th in the Top 100, and Jack Maloney addresses Harden's shifting role: "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."
Other veteran players continue to hold significant roles in their teams. Mike Conley, at 36, ranked 85th, and playing for the Timberwolves, remains a critical asset. As Jasmyn Wimbish comments, "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."
Brook Lopez, also 36 and ranked 88th, is another key player. Sam Quinn highlights Lopez’s unique value: "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."
Veterans' Influence and Legacy
Chris Paul, at 39, serves as a crucial mentor for the Spurs and rising star Victor Wembanyama. His veteran presence offers an invaluable resource for the young and developing team. Al Horford, 38, played an essential role in the Boston Celtics' championship run, reflecting the depth of talent and experience within the league. As Wimbish succinctly puts it, "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."
The upcoming NBA season is set to be a fascinating blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, with players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and others continuing to demonstrate their enduring impact on the game. Their performances and leadership will undoubtedly be central to their teams' successes as the league progresses.