The NBA season is fast approaching, and all eyes are on the league's most prominent figures, each bringing their unique flair and history to the game. As rosters take shape and preseason buzz intensifies, it's essential to look at the veterans who continue to shape the sport and the rising stars making their mark.
LeBron James: Defying Age and Expectations
At 39, LeBron James continues to defy the natural decline associated with aging athletes. Recently, James became the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players. His crowning as the most valuable player in the 2024 Olympics and the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament further cements his legacy. As sports journalist Sam Quinn 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."
Kevin Durant: Consistent Excellence
Kevin Durant, aged 35 and ranked 9th in the Top 100, remains a formidable force in the NBA. Last season, Durant averaged 27 points, six rebounds, and five assists, with an impressive 41% from beyond the arc across 75 games. Brad Botkin highlights Durant's enduring prowess by stating, "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: Ageless Sharpshooter
Stephen Curry, at 36, still commands respect as one of the league’s most lethal offensive threats, ranked 6th in the Top 100. His extraordinary movement and pure shooting ability make him a perpetual scoring threat. “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,” comments Botkin.
Jimmy Butler: Playoff Performer
Jimmy Butler, 35 and ranked 22nd, continues to be a pivotal player for the Miami Heat. Although his regular-season stats may not always dazzle, his postseason performances are nothing short of stellar. The Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor last season. Botkin points out, "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: A New Chapter
James Harden's journey has seen him with four teams in as many years, the latest being the Los Angeles Clippers where he's ranked 44th. At 35, Harden's role appears to be evolving. Jack Maloney states, "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."
Veteran Presence: Paul George and Chris Paul
Paul George has made a significant move to Philadelphia, while 39-year-old Chris Paul offers veteran mentorship to the Spurs and promising young player Victor Wembanyama. Such experienced players provide valuable guidance to younger teammates, emphasizing the importance of leadership both on and off the court.
Other Noteworthy Veterans
DeMar DeRozan, also 35 and ranked 53rd, continues to be a solid contributor. Meanwhile, 36-year-old Mike Conley, playing for the Timberwolves and ranked 85th, stands out as an invaluable veteran presence. Jasmyn Wimbish remarks, "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, ranked 88th, is another player whose contributions cannot be overlooked. Sam Quinn notes, "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." Meanwhile, 39-year-old Al Horford remains a pivotal figure for the Boston Celtics, having played a crucial role in their championship run. Wimbish says, "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, the blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents sets the stage for another thrilling year. Fans await with bated breath to see whether the elite can still dominate or if the new wave will rise to the occasion.