The anticipation for the upcoming NBA season is palpable, as fans and analysts alike gear up for what promises to be an exciting year. Among the many storylines, none are more compelling than the continued dominance of seasoned veterans and the intriguing mix of team dynamics.
LeBron James: Defying Age
At 39 years old, LeBron James continues to be a force to be reckoned with. Recently, he became the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players. Additionally, James was named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics and secured the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament.
Despite his age, James remains a significant threat on the court. As Sam Quinn notes, "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."
The Resilience of Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant, at 35, is still showcasing his exceptional skills. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant averaged 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists while shooting 41% from beyond the arc last season across 75 games. Brad Botkin aptly describes Durant’s performance: "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's Unwavering Excellence
Another veteran who continues to excel is Stephen Curry. At 36 years old and ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry's performance remains stellar. "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," says Brad Botkin. Curry’s unique style and consistent results make him an enduring asset for his team.
Jimmy Butler: The Tactical Player
Jimmy Butler, aged 35 and ranked 22nd, maintains his position as a pivotal player for the Miami Heat. Last season, the Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when Butler was on the floor. Botkin comments on Butler’s 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?"
The Odyssey of James Harden
James Harden's journey in the NBA has seen him move teams frequently in recent years. Now with the Los Angeles Clippers and ranked 44th, Harden finds himself on his fourth team in as many years. Reflecting on his impact, Jack Maloney states, "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 Leaders: Conley, Lopez, and Horford
Several other veterans continue to make their mark in the league. Mike Conley, 36 and ranked 85th, is a key player for the Timberwolves. Jasmyn Wimbish praises Conley’s value: "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."
Similarly, Brook Lopez, also 36 and ranked 88th, remains an indispensable asset. As Sam Quinn asserts, "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, at 38, played a pivotal role in Boston’s championship run, although surprisingly, he didn’t make the Top 100. Wimbish expresses her astonishment: "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."
Chris Paul: The Veteran Mentor
Finally, Chris Paul, at 39, has taken on a new role as a veteran mentor for the Spurs and rising star Victor Wembanyama, providing guidance and experience to the younger generation.
The NBA landscape is as dynamic as ever, with seasoned legends continuing to shape the game while mentoring the next wave of talent. As the new season approaches, fans can look forward to witnessing the blend of experience, leadership, and raw talent that these players bring to the court.