The NBA season is just around the corner, and several key players are ready to make headlines. One of the most notable names remains LeBron James, who, at 39 years old, is showing no signs of slowing down. Recently, he added another accolade to his storied career by becoming the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players. Not only that, but LeBron was also named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics and took home the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament. It’s no wonder 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."
But LeBron isn't the only veteran superstar catching eyeballs. Kevin Durant, now 35, continues to play at an elite level. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant averaged a stellar 27-6-5 while shooting 41% from beyond the arc last season. Impressively, he played 75 games, showing durability in an era where load management has become the norm. Brad Botkin noted, "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."
Another player who refuses to let age define him is Stephen Curry, 36, who remains a formidable force on the court. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry's unique movement and shot-making talent make him an offense unto himself. "It's hard to see where he's declined at all offensively," Botkin added, underscoring Curry's continued impact on the game.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler, now 35, is ranked 22nd in the Top 100 and is known for his ability to dial up his performance when it matters most. Last season, the Miami Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when Butler was on the floor. "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?" Botkin pondered.
James Harden is another name that continues to make waves. The 35-year-old guard is now with the Los Angeles Clippers and is ranked 44th in the Top 100. With four teams in as many years, Harden’s journey has been nothing short of a basketball odyssey. "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," Jack Maloney noted. In addition, Paul George's move to Philadelphia marks another significant change in the league's landscape.
Then there’s the seasoned Mike Conley, 36, ranked 85th in the Top 100, who brings his veteran presence to the Timberwolves. "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," Jasmyn Wimbish stated. Similarly, Brook Lopez, also 36 and ranked 88th, continues to be a critical asset. "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," Quinn commented.
Lastly, we have Chris Paul, Al Horford, and DeMar DeRozan, each bringing their unique strengths to their respective teams. Paul, at 39, offers invaluable mentorship to the Spurs and Victor Wembanyama. Horford, 38, played a vital role in Boston's championship run, although he surprisingly didn't make the Top 100. Wimbish remarked, "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 NBA season kicks off, all eyes will be on these veteran players, each continuing to defy age and remain pivotal in their teams' quests for success. Their experience, skill, and leadership will undoubtedly be critical storylines to follow.