The NBA season is fast approaching, and as the excitement builds, fans are eager to see how some of the league’s most storied players will perform. As familiar faces take the court, their narratives continue to evolve, providing compelling storylines that add to the drama of the game.
The Ageless Wonder: LeBron James
LeBron James, at 39, continues to defy conventional wisdom about aging in professional sports. Recently, he accomplished an extraordinary feat by becoming the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players. Furthermore, James earned the MVP title at the 2024 Olympics, showcasing his unmatched prowess even on the global stage.
Remarkably, James also claimed the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament. As Sam Quinn aptly put it, "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: Master of Isolation
Another name that demands attention is Kevin Durant. Now 35, Durant remains a formidable force in the league. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, his recent performance speaks volumes about his enduring skill and determination. Last season, Durant played 75 games, averaging 27-6-5 while shooting an impressive 41% from beyond the arc. Brad Botkin summed it up well: "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: The Offense Incarnate
At 36, Stephen Curry shows no signs of slowing down. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry’s offensive game remains as potent as ever. Botkin's assessment praises Curry’s enduring offensive impact: "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: The Postseason Performer
Jimmy Butler, now 35 and ranked 22nd in the Top 100, continues to be a pivotal player for the Miami Heat. The team outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when Butler was on the floor last season. Botkin highlighted 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?"
James Harden: The Clippers’ New Hope
James Harden, aged 35, has joined the Los Angeles Clippers, marking his fourth team in as many years. Ranked 44th in the Top 100, Harden’s journey has been intriguing. Jack Maloney noted, "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."
Paul George and DeMar DeRozan
Paul George made a significant move to Philadelphia, adding another layer of excitement to the upcoming season. Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan, also 35, is ranked 53rd in the Top 100, continually proving his value on the court.
Veteran Leaders: Conley, Lopez, and Paul
Mike Conley enters the season as one of the league’s oldest players at 36 but remains invaluable to the Timberwolves. Ranked 85th, Jasmyn Wimbish’s insight captures his importance: "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, holds the 88th spot. Quinn’s praise for Lopez is compelling: "Everyone wants a Brook Lopez... there simply aren't other centers who take nothing off the floor on either end while adding quite a bit on both."
Chris Paul, now 39, serves as a mentor for the Spurs, particularly guiding promising talent Victor Wembanyama. Such veteran presence is crucial in shaping the next generation of stars.
Al Horford: The Unsung Hero
38-year-old Al Horford played a crucial role in Boston's championship run. Despite not making the Top 100, Wimbish acknowledges his impact: "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 season draws near, these athletes remind us that age is just a number. They continue to redefine what it means to be at the top of their game, providing fans with thrilling performances and unforgettable moments.