The NBA season is imminently upon us, and as the excitement builds, several key players are poised to make significant impacts, both veterans and newer stars alike. One player's career continues to defy expectations and set records: LeBron James.
At 39 years old, LeBron James is rewriting the history books. Recently, he became the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players. Additionally, his prowess was on full display in the 2024 Olympics, where he was named the most valuable player, further solidifying his legacy. As if that weren't enough, James also snagged the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament. Sam Quinn put it best: "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, at 35, remains a dominant force, ranked 9th in the Top 100. Last season, Durant averaged an impressive 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game while shooting 41% from beyond the arc, playing 75 games. Brad Botkin highlights Durant's enduring talent: "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, 36 and ranked 6th in the Top 100, continues to be an offensive juggernaut. His unmatched movement and shot-making skills make him a threat at any moment. In Botkin's words, "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." The anticipation around Curry's performance this season is palpable.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler, also aging gracefully at 35, is ranked 22 in the Top 100. Butler's strategic approach to the game allows him to conserve energy during the regular season and explode in the playoffs. The Miami Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions with Butler on the floor last season. 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's journey has brought him to the Los Angeles Clippers, making it his fourth team in as many years. Ranked 44 in the Top 100, Harden, aged 35, faces significant expectations. Jack Maloney writes, "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."
Other notable veterans include Mike Conley, 36, ranked 85 in the Top 100, now bringing his experience to the Timberwolves. Jasmyn Wimbish emphasizes, "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, 36 and ranked 88th, continues to be a coveted asset. Sam Quinn captures his value: "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." Similarly, Chris Paul, at 39, serves as a veteran mentor for the Spur's Victor Wembanyama, providing invaluable leadership.
Al Horford, at 38, played a crucial role in Boston's championship run last season. Although he surprisingly did not make the Top 100, his impact for the Celtics has been significant. Wimbish expresses this sentiment: "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."
The NBA is teeming with talent, both seasoned and emerging. As the new season dawns, all eyes will be on these players to see how they navigate their careers, continue to break records, and influence the league. The blend of veteran wisdom and prowess with youthful vigor makes for an exhilarating season ahead.