The NBA season is fast approaching, and with it comes the anticipation of seeing some of the league’s most seasoned veterans hit the hardwood. Among these elite class of players, few names resonate as much as LeBron James and Kevin Durant, who continue to defy the sands of time with their performance. Here's a closer look at the seasoned stars set to make an impact this season.
LeBron James: Still a Force
At 39 years old, LeBron James is defying expectations. Recently becoming the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players, LeBron was named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics. This builds on his achievement of winning the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament.
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: Closer to Peak Power
Kevin Durant, aged 35, remains one of the most potent scorers in the game. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant averaged 27-6-5 on an impressive 41% from beyond the arc last season. His consistency over 75 games underscores his value, making it his highest mark since his Golden State days.
Brad Botkin highlights Durant's prowess: "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: An Ageless Offensive Machine
Stephen Curry, at 36, continues to be the linchpin of the Warriors' offense. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry's ability to move without the ball and shoot with unparalleled precision makes him an enduring threat. His influence on the game, even as he ages, shows no signs of waning.
Brad Botkin summarizes Curry's impact: "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: The Postseason Performer
Known for his clutch performances, Jimmy Butler, 35, is ranked 22 in the Top 100. His ability to elevate his game during the playoffs is unmatched, as evidenced by his contribution to the Miami Heat, who outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor last season.
Brad Botkin notes, "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: Searching for Stability
James Harden, also 35, continues his journey with the Los Angeles Clippers, ranking 44 in the Top 100. Despite being on his fourth team in as many years, Harden's scoring prowess is essential for the Clippers, especially after Paul George's departure to Philadelphia.
Jack Maloney points out, "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."
Veterans in the Top 100 and Beyond
Other notable veterans include DeMar DeRozan, 35, who was ranked 53 in the Top 100. Known for his steady hand, DeRozan’s mid-range game makes him a reliable scorer night in and night out. Mike Conley, also 36, ranked 85 in the Top 100, continues to be an invaluable asset for the Timberwolves, setting up stars like Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.
As Jasmyn Wimbish notes, "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, another 36-year-old veteran ranked 88, remains a unique asset with his rim protection and ability to shoot from the perimeter. Sam Quinn highlights, "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."
The Unranked Gems
Interestingly, Chris Paul and Al Horford, despite their contributions, did not make the Top 100. Paul, 39, has seen a decline, now serving as a veteran mentor for the Spurs and rising star Victor Wembanyama. Meanwhile, Horford, 38, played a crucial role in Boston's championship run, providing stability and experience.
Jasmyn Wimbish reflects, "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 new NBA season unfolds, the blend of youthful exuberance and veteran wisdom will once again be on full display. With players like James, Durant, Curry, and Butler leading the charge, fans have much to look forward to.