The 2023-24 NBA season is set to be a riveting spectacle, with intriguing narratives surrounding some of the league's biggest stars. Heading into a new chapter, the league's elder statesmen continue to defy time, turning heads with their remarkable performances and tenacity.
LeBron James: A Timeless Figure
As LeBron James approaches his 39th birthday, the four-time MVP remains a central figure in basketball. Despite the advancing years, he recently solidified his legacy by becoming the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players, and he was named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics. This underlines James' enduring influence on the sport.
Sam Quinn encapsulates the sentiments of many, stating, "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." Additionally, James clinched the inaugural MVP award in the NBA's In-Season Tournament, further demonstrating that age is just a number for him.
Durant and Curry: Still Dominant
Kevin Durant, now 35, continues to be one of the most potent scorers in the league. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant averaged an impressive 27-6-5 with a 41% conversion rate from beyond the arc last season. Brad Botkin notes, "Durant remains pretty close to the height of his powers... Durant was the best isolation scorer in basketball last season." His performance over 75 games last season reinforces his staying power in the league.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry, at 36, maintains his status as an elite offensive force. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry showcases his unique skill set and dedication to the game. Botkin articulates Curry's continuing brilliance: "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."
Veteran Leaders Paving the Way
Among other veterans making a significant impact is Jimmy Butler, who at 35 is ranked 22 in the Top 100. Butler's ability to shift gears for the postseason is well-documented. As Botkin observes, "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?" The Miami Heat's ability to outscore opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions with Butler on the floor last season is a testament to his influence.
James Harden, also 35 and now with the Los Angeles Clippers, faces a new challenge. Ranked 44 in the Top 100, Harden is now on his fourth team in as many years. His journey has been eventful, and as Jack Maloney highlights, "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."
Steady Hands and Shining Stars
Other seasoned players continue to hold their ground. DeMar DeRozan, also 35, remains a solid performer ranked 53 in the Top 100. Mike Conley stands out at 36, ranked 85, providing invaluable leadership for the Timberwolves. As Jasmyn Wimbish points out, "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, too, at 36, is ranked 88, demonstrating his unique value on both ends of the floor. Sam Quinn aptly states, "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."
Among the elder statesmen making waves, Chris Paul at 39 serves as a mentor for the young and promising Victor Wembanyama with the Spurs. Al Horford, nearing 38, was a pivotal figure in Boston's championship endeavors. His omission from the Top 100 highlights the depth of talent within the league, as noted by Wimbish: "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 season beckons, these veterans, armed with experience and exceptional skill, promise to make 2023-24 an unforgettable year in basketball. Their stories of resilience and brilliance continue to inspire fans and players alike, validating that age is no barrier to excellence on the hardwood.