LeBron James: Defying Age and Expectations
As the NBA season rapidly approaches, the buzz around LeBron James continues to intensify. At a remarkable 39 years old, James recently became the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA stars. Despite his age, he was named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics and clinched the MVP title in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament. Sam Quinn aptly captures the essence of LeBron's enduring dominance: "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: Still Elite
Kevin Durant, at 35, remains one of the most formidable players in the league. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant's performance last season was nothing short of spectacular, averaging 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists while shooting 41% from beyond the arc. He played 75 games, showcasing his resilience and dedication. Brad Botkin notes, "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: Offense Personified
Stephen Curry, now 36, continues to redefine the game with his exceptional shooting and movement. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry has shown little to no decline in his offensive prowess. Brad Botkin states, "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
Jimmy Butler, aged 35 and ranked 22 in the Top 100, has built his reputation on delivering stellar performances when it matters most. The Miami Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions with Butler on the floor last season. Brad Botkin succinctly sums up Butler's impact: "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: New Challenges in Los Angeles
James Harden, now 35 and with the Los Angeles Clippers, is ranked 44 in the Top 100. With four teams in as many years, Harden's journey has been tumultuous. Jack Maloney highlights the challenges ahead: "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 Other Notable Players
Paul George's move to Philadelphia has also been a talking point this off-season. Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan, aged 35 and ranked 53 in the Top 100, continues to deliver solid performances. Mike Conley, another veteran at 36, plays for the Timberwolves and is ranked 85 in the Top 100. As 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."
The Veteran Presence: Brook Lopez and Chris Paul
At 36, Brook Lopez remains a key player for his team, ranked 88 in the Top 100. Sam Quinn aptly describes Lopez's value: "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."
Meanwhile, Chris Paul, 39, has transitioned into a mentoring role for the Spurs, especially for the young talent Victor Wembanyama. Al Horford, aged 38, played a crucial role in Boston’s championship run last season. Despite not making the Top 100, Jasmyn Wimbish notes, "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 these seasoned veterans gear up for another NBA season, their experience, skill, and leadership will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the narratives and outcomes of their respective teams. The blend of emerging talent and enduring prowess promises an exciting and unpredictable season ahead.