The NBA season is fast approaching, and as the league gears up for another thrilling year of basketball, several key players are already making headlines. Among the most talked-about is LeBron James, who, at 39 years old, continues to defy the odds and set new records. Recently, James became the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players. Furthermore, he was named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics and clinched the MVP title in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament.
Renowned sportswriter Sam Quinn remarked, "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." His sentiments underscore the lasting impact and formidable presence of James on the court, even as he approaches 40.
Durant's Dominance
Kevin Durant, another seasoned star, continues to shine at 35. Ranked ninth in the Top 100, Durant averaged 27-6-5 with an impressive 41% shooting from beyond the arc last season. He also played in 75 games, showcasing his durability and consistent performance. Brad Botkin encapsulated Durant's ongoing excellence by stating, "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." This high praise is indicative of Durant's continued prowess and importance to his team.
Curry Continues to Impress
Stephen Curry, at 36, remains a pivotal player as well. Ranked sixth in the Top 100, Curry's unique movement and shot-making talent make him a singular offensive force. "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," commented Botkin. Curry's enduring ability to perform at the highest level is a testament to his skill and dedication.
Butler and Harden's New Challenges
Jimmy Butler and James Harden, both 35, are navigating their paths surrounded by evolving team dynamics. Butler finds himself ranked 22nd in the Top 100. The Miami Heat benefited significantly from his presence on the floor last season, leading to a 1.7 points per 100 possessions advantage over opponents. Botkin encapsulated 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 question is: Are the Heat still good enough to give Butler the opportunity to shift into his playoff gear?"
Harden, now with the Los Angeles Clippers, is ranked 44th. This is his fourth team in as many years, highlighting a turbulent period in his career. 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." The upcoming season will test Harden's adaptability and scoring ability to keep his new team competitive.
Veterans' Value
The league also features several valuable veterans who continue to make an impact. Mike Conley, at 36, and ranked 85th, plays for the Timberwolves. Jasmyn Wimbish highlighted Conley's contribution: "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, also 36, is ranked 88th. His unique skill set remains a vital asset. Quinn remarked, "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 balanced contributions on offense and defense make him indispensable.
Chris Paul, at 39, has taken on a mentoring role with the Spurs, particularly for rising star Victor Wembanyama. Meanwhile, Al Horford, 38, continues to play a crucial role for the Celtics, contributing significantly to their championship aspirations. Despite missing the Top 100, Wimbish expressed surprise at Horford's omission, acknowledging his importance to the team.
As the new NBA season looms, the narratives around these seasoned stars and their contributions remain compelling. Their enduring legacies and ongoing performances ensure that fans have much to anticipate in the coming months.