The NBA season is fast approaching, and the league's most celebrated talents are gearing up for another year of competition. As the season draws near, one name resonates louder than ever: LeBron James. At 39 years old, his influence on the court remains unequivocal. Sam Quinn astutely points out, "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." Not only did James become the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players, but he also clinched the MVP title in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament and was named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics.
Durant's Unwavering Excellence
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant, at 35, continues to demonstrate his remarkable resilience and talent. Last season, Durant played 75 games, averaging 27-6-5 and shooting 41% from beyond the arc. Brad Botkin highlights Durant's prowess: "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." Despite his age, Durant's ranking at 9th in the Top 100 underscores his enduring impact on the game.
Curry’s Timeless Performance
Stephen Curry, 36, is another veteran who continues to dominate the court. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry's influence has not waned. Botkin aptly captures Curry’s essence: "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." Curry remains a formidable force, captivating fans and baffling opponents with his unparalleled skill set.
Butler's Playoff Potential
Jimmy Butler, 35, holds the 22nd spot in the Top 100. Known for his strategic pacing during the regular season, Butler transforms into a postseason dynamo. Botkin observes, "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?" Last season, the Miami Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions with Butler on the court, reflecting his crucial role in their performance.
Harden’s New Beginning
James Harden, now with the Los Angeles Clippers, faces a pivotal season. Ranked 44th in the Top 100, Harden is on his fourth team in as many years. 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." Harden’s ability to adapt and excel will be critical for the Clippers' hopes this season.
Veteran Leadership
Mike Conley, 36, playing for the Timberwolves and ranked 85th in the Top 100, solidifies his status as one of the league's invaluable veterans. Jasmyn Wimbish notes, "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." Conley's experience and guidance are poised to benefit the Timberwolves greatly.
The Underrated Center
Brook Lopez, 36, retains a significant role in the league, ranked 88th in the Top 100. Sam Quinn succinctly 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." Lopez's contributions on both ends of the court are indispensable to his team's strategy.
Mentorship and Experience
Chris Paul, at the age of 39, has transitioned into a mentoring role with the Spurs, specifically guiding rising star Victor Wembanyama. His extensive experience offers a wealth of knowledge to the younger players, ensuring they benefit from his many years of professional play.
The Crucial Role of Horford
Al Horford, at 38, played a vital part in Boston's championship run. Despite not making the Top 100 list, Jasmyn Wimbish remarks, "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." Horford’s contributions, though perhaps underappreciated in the rankings, were undeniably significant to his team's success.
As the new season dawns, these seasoned veterans continue to shape the landscape of the NBA. Their enduring talent and evolving roles promise yet another thrilling chapter in the story of professional basketball.