As the NBA season draws near, the anticipation among fans is palpable, fueled by the incredible feats and enduring legacies of the league's most celebrated players. With age-defying performances and shifts in team dynamics, the narrative of the upcoming season is set to be as thrilling as ever.
LeBron James: The Ageless Wonder
LeBron James, at 39, continues to defy the sands of time with feats that leave both fans and critics in awe. Recently, he became the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition highlighting active NBA players, a testament to his enduring dominance on the court. Moreover, his accolade as the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics further cements his legacy.
“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,” notes Sam Quinn. “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
At 35, Kevin Durant remains a force to be reckoned with. His performance last season—averaging 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists on 41% three-point shooting—places him at 9th in the Top 100 rankings. Durant's consistency and offensive prowess were evident as he played 75 games, showcasing why he’s still one of the premier scorers in the league.
“Durant remains pretty close to the height of his powers,” observes Brad Botkin. “Durant was the best isolation scorer in basketball last season.”
Stephen Curry: An Offense Unto Himself
Stephen Curry, aged 36, exemplifies an ageless talent similar to LeBron and Durant. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry's inimitable movement and pure shooting ability make him a nightmare for defenses. “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,” highlights Botkin.
Jimmy Butler and the Heat
Jimmy Butler, at 35, ranks 22nd in the Top 100, reflecting his unique contribution to the Miami Heat. Last season, the Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions with Butler on the floor, underscoring his impact. “Butler is what he is: A great player who paces himself in the regular season in order to produce superstar postseason stretches,” states Botkin, posing the critical question of whether the Heat can harness Butler's playoff gear once more.
The Enigmatic James Harden
James Harden's journey through the NBA continues to be one of the most intriguing storylines. Now with his fourth team in as many years, Harden’s move to the Los Angeles Clippers brings fresh challenges. Ranked 44th in the Top 100, Harden’s scoring will be pivotal for the Clippers’ relevance in the Western Conference. “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,” asserts Jack Maloney.
Veteran Presences: Paul George, Mike Conley, and Brook Lopez
Paul George’s move to Philadelphia adds another layer of intrigue, while Mike Conley, now with the Timberwolves, proves to be a valuable veteran presence. Ranked 85th in the Top 100, Conley’s experience is indispensable for a young team. “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,” reflects Jasmyn Wimbish.
Brook Lopez, at 36, ranked 88th in the Top 100, remains a crucial asset on both ends of the floor. “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,” says Quinn, highlighting Lopez’s unique skill set.
The Legends: Chris Paul and Al Horford
Chris Paul, at 39, continues to serve as a veteran mentor, this time for the San Antonio Spurs and their promising young talent, Victor Wembanyama. Meanwhile, Al Horford, at 38, played a crucial role in Boston's championship pursuit, even though he surprisingly did not make the Top 100 list. “I'm actually quite surprised Horford didn't make our Top 100, but it just shows how much talent is in the NBA,” notes Wimbish. “He was one of the most important players on the floor for the Celtics.”
As the NBA season approaches, the stories of these veteran players, along with their accomplishments and challenges, will undoubtedly captivate and inspire fans across the globe. Each player's journey adds a rich layer to the ever-evolving narrative of the NBA.