The onset of the NBA season brings with it renewed anticipation and a rich tapestry of player narratives. Among the prominent figures commanding attention is LeBron James, whose enduring legacy continues to defy the passage of time. At 39 years old, James has recently etched his name in the history books as the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players. Moreover, his prowess was further solidified when he claimed the MVP title in both the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament and the 2024 Olympics.
LeBron's age certainly raises questions about his longevity, yet his influence on the court remains undeniable. As Sam Quinn aptly puts 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."
The Next Chapter for Durant
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant, aged 35, proves that his athleticism and skill are far from waning. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant's performance last season—averaging 27-6-5 with a 41% shooting rate from beyond the arc—cements his status as a high-caliber player. His presence in 75 games last season underscores his resilience and integral role on the court. Brad Botkin captures Durant's essence perfectly: "Durant remains pretty close to the height of his powers. Durant was the best isolation scorer in basketball last season."
The Curry Legacy Continues
Stephen Curry, at 36, remains a cornerstone of the NBA's elite, securing the 6th spot in the Top 100 rankings. His unique ability to influence games single-handedly is well recognized. Botkin elaborates: “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.”
Butler's Postseason Drive
Jimmy Butler, now 35 and ranked 22nd in the Top 100, continues to be a pivotal player for the Miami Heat. The Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions with Butler on the floor last season, emphasizing his impact. Botkin describes Butler’s strategic approach: "Butler is what he is: A great player who paces himself in the regular season in order to produce superstar postseason stretches." The looming question remains whether the Heat can support Butler’s efforts enough to secure a strong playoff run.
Harden's New Home
James Harden’s journey has taken many turns, with the 35-year-old now donning the Los Angeles Clippers jersey. Ranked 44th in the Top 100, Harden is embarking on his fourth team in as many years. Jack Maloney reflects on Harden's new 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."
Veteran Presence Across the League
Paul George’s move to Philadelphia and DeMar DeRozan’s 35th year and 53rd ranking in the Top 100 keep the veteran narrative alive. Moreover, Mike Conley, at 36, continues to be an essential presence for the Timberwolves and is ranked 85th. Jasmyn Wimbish underscores Conley’s significance: "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."
The Lopez Standard
Brook Lopez, another seasoned campaigner at 36 and ranked 88th, is lauded for his all-around contributions. As Sam Quinn rightly states, "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."
Mentorship and Experience
Chris Paul, 39, has transitioned to a veteran mentor role with the Spurs, guiding the promising Victor Wembanyama. Meanwhile, Al Horford, at 38, played a crucial role in Boston's championship run, although he surprisingly did not make the Top 100 list. Jasmyn Wimbish's assessment highlights the depth of talent in the NBA: "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 new NBA season beckons, the narratives surrounding these seasoned veterans and their enduring contributions to the game create a thrilling backdrop for fans and analysts alike. The remarkable achievements of these players, combined with their unwavering dedication, set the stage for a season rich in excitement and possibility.