The NBA season is fast approaching, and with it, the league showcases not just its stars but also the evolving narrative around its veteran icons and rising prowess. The spotlight remains fixed on LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and other seasoned professionals whose contributions continue to shape the dynamics of the game.
LeBron James: Defying Age and Expectations
LeBron James, at 39, shows that age is but a number. Recently crowned the oldest player to secure the MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players, James reminds us all why he remains a force to be reckoned with. Additionally, his triumph as the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics underscores his unparalleled impact on the court.
James also clinched the MVP title in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament, further cementing his legendary status. As Sam Quinn aptly put it, "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: Timeless Precision
Kevin Durant, now 35, continues to perform impressively, ranking 9th in the Top 100. Averaging 27-6-5 on a commendable 41% from beyond the arc last season, Durant's presence on the court cannot be understated. His 75-game appearances last season reflect both durability and consistency.
Brad Botkin's insights emphasize this, noting, "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: Ever-Glorious Performance
At 36 years old, Stephen Curry shows little sign of decline. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry's magnetic offensive play continues to mesmerize fans and opponents alike. Brad Botkin's view on Curry captures this essence: "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: Strategic Brilliance
With the Miami Heat outscoring opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when Jimmy Butler was on the floor last season, the 35-year-old’s influence remains palpable. Ranked 22 in the Top 100, Butler's ability to pace himself during the regular season and deliver stellar postseason performances is key to his strategy.
Brad Botkin encapsulates this strategy by stating, "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: A Crucial Role in Los Angeles
James Harden’s journey through the NBA continues with the Los Angeles Clippers. At 35 and now ranked 44 in the Top 100, Harden is on his fourth team in as many years. Jack Maloney highlights Harden's crucial role: "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 Presence: Conley, Lopez, and Horford
Mike Conley, playing for the Timberwolves, enters the season as one of the oldest players in the league at 36. Ranked 85 in the Top 100, Conley's veteran presence is invaluable, as Jasmyn Wimbish observes: "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 and ranked 88 in the Top 100, remains a pivotal figure. Sam Quinn's admiration for Lopez is clear: "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."
Chris Paul, at 39, serves a unique role with the Spurs, mentoring the rising star Victor Wembanyama. Al Horford, 38, played a crucial role in Boston's recent championship run. Despite not making the Top 100, Horford's importance is undeniable, with Jasmyn Wimbish commenting, "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 season unfolds, the contributions of these seasoned players will continue to weave the rich tapestry of NBA narratives, proving that experience and expertise still hold significant value in the ever-evolving world of professional basketball.