The NBA season is rapidly approaching, and the anticipation comes with a keen interest in how veteran players will perform. Notably, LeBron James, who at 39, continues to defy age and expectations. In a remarkable feat, James recently won the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament and was also named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics. This underscores his enduring dominance and uncanny ability to rise to the occasion, even as he nears the quadragenarian milestone.
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." It’s a testament to James' enduring influence and prowess on the court.
Another player who continues to maintain a high level of performance is Kevin Durant. At 35, Durant remains at the pinnacle of his game, ranking 9th in the Top 100. Last season, he played 75 games, posting impressive stats with an average of 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, while shooting 41% from beyond the arc. Brad Botkin emphasizes Durant's excellence, 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, another stalwart of the NBA, continues to be a force to reckon with. At 36, Curry is ranked 6th in the Top 100 and shows no sign of decline. Botkin highlights Curry's ongoing offensive brilliance, saying, "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, at 35, also remains a significant figure in the league, ranking 22 in the Top 100. The Miami Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when Butler was on the floor last season, demonstrating his impact. Botkin remarks, "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's journey has been one of constant change, now with the Los Angeles Clippers, marking his fourth team in as many years. At 35, Harden is ranked 44 in the Top 100 and faces new challenges. Jack Maloney comments, "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."
Elsewhere, Paul George's move to Philadelphia marks another significant shift in the NBA landscape, while veterans like DeMar DeRozan and Mike Conley continue to demonstrate their value. DeRozan, also 35, is ranked 53 in the Top 100, while Conley, at 36, is ranked 85 and remains a cornerstone for the Timberwolves. Jasmyn Wimbish observes, "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, at 36, ranked 88 in the Top 100, continues to be a desirable asset. Quinn underscores his unique value, saying, "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."
Among the league’s elder statesmen, Chris Paul, at 39, now serves as a veteran mentor for the Spurs and Victor Wembanyama, illustrating the critical role experienced players can play in guiding the next generation. Al Horford, at 38, also played a crucial role in Boston's championship run, with Wimbish expressing surprise at his exclusion from the Top 100, saying, "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 beckons, the league's blend of seasoned veterans and emerging stars promises another thrilling chapter. The enduring talent and influence of players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry continue to set the standard, while the rise of younger talents indicates a bright future for the league. The upcoming season is set to be a testament to the extraordinary skill and tenacity that defines NBA basketball.