The National Basketball Association (NBA) season is approaching rapidly, and the anticipation couldn't be higher as some of the league's top stars prepare to hit the court once again. Central to the excitement is none other than LeBron James, who at 39 years old, continues to defy Father Time.
LeBron James: Defying Age and Dominating
LeBron James' longevity and sustained excellence remain a marvel. Recently, he became the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players, underscoring his enduring prowess. Moreover, James was named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics, and he also secured the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament.
Sam Quinn encapsulates James' impact succinctly, stating, "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: Nearing His Peak
At 35, Kevin Durant stands as a beacon of consistency and excellence. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant averaged 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists on an impressive 41% shooting from beyond the arc last season, while playing 75 games.
Brad Botkin remarked, "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: An Everlasting Shooting Dynamo
Stephen Curry, now 36, continues to mesmerize with his exceptional shooting and incredible movement without the ball. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry shows no signs of slowing down.
Brad Botkin again shares his insights, 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: The Playoff Performer
At 35, Jimmy Butler remains a critical contributor for the Miami Heat, who outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor last season. Butler is ranked 22nd in the Top 100 and is known for his ability to elevate his game during the postseason.
"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?" posits Brad Botkin.
James Harden: A New Chapter with the Clippers
James Harden, 35, is with the Los Angeles Clippers and is ranked 44th in the Top 100. This season marks his fourth team in as many years, reflecting a tumultuous period in his career. Jack Maloney emphasizes Harden's pivotal 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: Chris Paul and Mike Conley
Chris Paul at 39, serves as a veteran mentor for the young San Antonio Spurs squad, including prodigious talent Victor Wembanyama. Meanwhile, Mike Conley, now 36 and ranked 85th, brings invaluable experience to the Timberwolves.
Jasmyn Wimbish praises Conley's contributions, noting, "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."
Unwavering Contributors: Brook Lopez and Al Horford
Brook Lopez, at 36, is ranked 88th in the Top 100. His all-around effectiveness on both ends of the floor makes him indispensable. Sam Quinn puts it aptly, "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."
Al Horford, aged 38, played a crucial role in Boston's championship run, despite not making the Top 100 list. Jasmyn Wimbish expressed surprise at Horford's omission, "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 looms, these seasoned players continue to shape the narrative, proving that age is indeed just a number in the world of professional basketball. Their experience, skills, and leadership remain as valuable as ever, ensuring that basketball fans have much to look forward to in the coming months.