The NBA season is fast approaching, and the excitement is palpable with various storylines and notable performances from seasoned stars stirring up anticipation. Among the standout names, LeBron James, the legendary forward, continues to defy age. At 39, James recently etched his name in history by becoming the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players. His accolades don't stop there; he was named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics and also clinched the MVP award in the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament.
As Sam Quinn eloquently 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." LeBron's influence remains unparalleled, and his ability to dominate crucial moments cements his status as a basketball icon.
Durant's Consistent Brilliance
Kevin Durant, another perennial All-Star, at 35, continues to perform at an elite level. Last season, Durant averaged 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting an impressive 41% from beyond the arc. Durant’s proficiency is reflected in his ranking, standing 9th in the Top 100. Having played 75 games last season, his consistent presence on the court underscores his durability and skill.
Brad Botkin highlighted Durant's excellence, 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." Such consistent performance from Durant keeps him at the forefront of discussions about the league's best players.
Curry’s Unwavering Offensive Prowess
Then there’s Stephen Curry, the sharpshooting maestro who, at 36, remains a pivotal figure in the NBA. Curry, ranked 6th in the Top 100, showcases his unmatched shooting ability and movement, continuing to be an offensive juggernaut. As Botkin remarked, "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." Curry’s ability to stretch defenses and his knack for clutch performances remain second to none.
Butler’s Postseason Predicament
Jimmy Butler, aged 35 and ranked 22nd in the Top 100, is another seasoned star who has mastered the art of pacing himself through the regular season to deliver powerhouse performances in the playoffs. The Miami Heat, benefiting from Butler's presence, outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor last season.
"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?" queried Botkin. This strategic management of his energy and effort makes Butler a formidable force when games matter most.
The Journeyman Harden
James Harden’s journey through the NBA has been a dynamic one, with the 35-year-old now playing for his fourth team in as many years – the Los Angeles Clippers. Harden, ranked 44th in the Top 100, will have a critical role in ensuring the Clippers' relevance in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.
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." Harden’s scoring prowess will be pivotal for the Clippers' aspirations this season.
Veterans in New Roles
Across the league, several other veterans continue to make significant impacts with their teams. Paul George's move to Philadelphia is a notable change, as is the role of Chris Paul, now a veteran mentor for the Spurs and their young star Victor Wembanyama. Meanwhile, Mike Conley, aged 36 and ranked 85th, brings invaluable experience 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," remarked Jasmyn Wimbish. These seasoned players offer stability and leadership critical for their team’s success.
Underrated but Essential Players
Brook Lopez and Al Horford are perhaps two of the most underrated figures in their respective teams. Lopez, 36, is ranked 88th in the Top 100 and remains a vital 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," Quinn asserted.
Horford, at 38, played a crucial role in Boston's championship run and remains an indispensable piece for the Celtics. Jasmyn Wimbish expressed surprise that Horford didn’t make the Top 100, highlighting how deeply talented the NBA currently is. "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 nears, the performances and contributions of these seasoned stars will undoubtedly shape the narratives and success of their teams. From LeBron’s continual defiance of age to Durant’s scoring prowess and Curry’s offensive genius, the league is set for an enthralling season of basketball.