The NBA season is fast approaching, and the excitement is palpable as some of the league's top talents prepare to make their mark. Among them, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry continue to be central figures, each bringing a unique blend of skill, experience, and star power to the court.
LeBron James: Defying Age and Expectations
LeBron James, at 39 years old, remains a formidable presence in the NBA. Recently, he became the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players, proving that age is just a number for the four-time NBA champion. Moreover, his exceptional performance at the 2024 Olympics earned him the coveted title of most valuable player, further cementing his legacy.
James also took home the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament. As Sam Quinn notes, "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." This sentiment echoes the respect and apprehension James commands from both teammates and rivals alike.
Kevin Durant: Still Among the Elite
At 35, Kevin Durant remains one of the most prolific scorers in the league. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant averaged 27-6-5 on 41% 3-point shooting last season, a testament to his enduring excellence. He played 75 games, demonstrating remarkable durability and consistency.
"Durant remains pretty close to the height of his powers," says Brad Botkin. "Last season he averaged 27-6-5 on 41% 3-point shooting... Durant was the best isolation scorer in basketball last season." This ability to dominate one-on-one situations makes Durant a critical asset to any team he plays for.
Stephen Curry: The Ageless Wonder
Stephen Curry, now 36 years old, continues to redefine the role of a guard in the NBA. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry has shown no signs of decline. "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," says Brad Botkin.
Curry's unique style of play, combining exceptional shooting with relentless motion, makes him a perennial threat. His ability to stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities is unparalleled, ensuring that the Golden State Warriors remain a formidable team in the league.
Veteran Presence Across the League
Other seasoned players like Jimmy Butler, James Harden, and Mike Conley also bring immense value to their respective teams. Butler, at 35, is ranked 22nd in the Top 100. The Miami Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when Butler was on the floor last season. As 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, now 35 and with the Los Angeles Clippers, is ranked 44th in the Top 100. Harden's journey has taken him to four teams in as many years. "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," observes Jack Maloney.
Meanwhile, Mike Conley, 36, and ranked 85th in the Top 100, continues to provide immense value 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," says Jasmyn Wimbish. His experience and leadership are invaluable to the team's development.
The Essential Role Players
Brook Lopez, also 36 and ranked 88th, remains a critical component of his team. As Sam Quinn puts it, "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." Lopez's multifaceted contributions make him indispensable.
Finally, Chris Paul and Al Horford continue to demonstrate the importance of veteran leadership. Chris Paul, at 39, serves as a veteran mentor for the Spurs and their young star, Victor Wembanyama. Al Horford, 38, played a crucial role in Boston's championship run, showcasing his enduring impact on the court. "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," says Jasmyn Wimbish.
As the NBA season draws near, fans can look forward to witnessing these remarkable athletes continue to defy expectations and deliver unforgettable performances, proving once again why they are among the best in the game.