The NBA's new season is on the horizon, and while the infusion of young talent has fans buzzing, the seasoned veterans remain compelling figures to watch. Among them, LeBron James stands as a towering icon whose influence refuses to wane even as he nears the age of 40.
LeBron's Timeless Dominance
At 39, LeBron James continues to defy the expectations placed on aging athletes. Recently, he etched his name in history as the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA stars. His accomplishments extend beyond the NBA floor, as he was also named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics, showcasing his enduring prowess and unparalleled skill. Furthermore, LeBron clinched the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament, underscoring his ability to dominate on any stage.
"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," remarked Sam Quinn. "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: Efficiency and Excellence
Kevin Durant, 35, remains one of the most effective scorers in the league. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant's performance last season was nothing short of stellar. Averaging 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, while shooting 41% from beyond the arc, he played 75 games, bringing unparalleled consistency to his team.
"Durant remains pretty close to the height of his powers," noted Brad Botkin. "Last season he averaged 27-6-5 on 41% 3-point shooting... Durant was the best isolation scorer in basketball last season."
Stephen Curry: The Offense Maestro
Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, at 36, continues to redefine what it means to be an offensive force. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry's movement and shooting prowess make him an indefensible opponent.
"Curry is still an offense unto himself with his inimitable movement and pure shot-making talent," stated Botkin. "At 36 years old, it's hard to see where he's declined at all offensively."
Jimmy Butler: Playoff Performer
Jimmy Butler, who turns 35 this year, is known for his ability to elevate his game when the stakes are highest. Ranked 22nd in the Top 100, Butler's contribution to the Miami Heat was evident as the team outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor last season.
"Butler is what he is: A great player who paces himself in the regular season in order to produce superstar postseason stretches," Botkin explained. "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 has had an eventful career journey, landing with the Los Angeles Clippers as his fourth team in four years. Now 35, Harden is ranked 44th in the Top 100 and is expected to take on a more significant scoring role to keep the Clippers competitive in the Western Conference.
"Harden's basketball odyssey took him to Los Angeles last season," wrote Jack Maloney. "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."
Veterans Adding Value
Players like Mike Conley and Brook Lopez continue to show that age is just a number in the right circumstances. Conley, now with the Timberwolves, remains a valued veteran presence and is ranked 85th in the Top 100. "Conley will enter the upcoming season as one of the oldest players in the league," Jasmyn Wimbish stated, "but he's also still one of the most valuable veterans a young team -- like the Timberwolves -- could have."
Brook Lopez, 36, and ranked 88th in the Top 100, offers unique contributions that are hard to match. "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," wrote Quinn.
Mentorship and Crucial Roles
Beyond their on-court contributions, seasoned players are also invaluable mentors. Chris Paul, 39, has taken on a mentorship role with the Spurs, particularly guiding the highly-touted rookie Victor Wembanyama. Similarly, Al Horford, at 38, played a significant role in Boston's championship run, demonstrating that championship pedigree and experience can never be undervalued.
"I'm actually quite surprised Horford didn't make our Top 100, but it just shows how much talent is in the NBA," Wimbish commented. "He was one of the most important players on the floor for the Celtics."
As the new season beckons, these veterans will not only be integral to their teams but will also serve as paragons of longevity and professionalism in the league. Their continued excellence and adaptability are testaments to their enduring legacies in the sport.