The NBA season is rapidly approaching, and the league's landscape is rife with thrilling storylines and dynamic shifts. Among the most notable narratives is the enduring excellence of LeBron James. At 39 years old, James continues to defy age and expectations. Not only did he recently become the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players, but he also claimed the title of most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics and 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."
Durant’s Continued Dominance
Kevin Durant, at 35, remains a pivotal figure in the NBA. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant is still delivering stellar performances, having averaged 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists on an impressive 41% shooting from beyond the arc last season. His resilience and consistency are reflected in his 75 games played.
Brad Botkin noted, "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."
Curry’s Offensive Mastery
Next in the ranks is Stephen Curry, aged 36 and positioned at 6th in the Top 100. Described by Botkin, 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," making him a perpetual threat on the court.
The Ever-Reliable Butler
Jimmy Butler, 35, stands at 22 in the Top 100. Despite a reputation for pacing himself during the regular season, he continues to demonstrate his value with the Miami Heat, who outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when he was 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?" Botkin pondered.
Harden's New Chapter
James Harden, now 35 and with his fourth team in as many years, finds himself with the Los Angeles Clippers, ranked 44 in the Top 100.
Jack Maloney highlighted the significance of Harden's move, stating, "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."
Veteran Leadership
Mike Conley, 36, ranked 85 in the Top 100, serves as a veteran anchor for the Timberwolves. The value of his experience cannot be overstated, as Jasmyn Wimbish observed, "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."
Similarly, Chris Paul, at 39, brings his vast experience to the Spurs, where he mentors the team's younger talents, including Victor Wembanyama.
Other Notable Players
Beyond these stars, the league is filled with veterans and emerging talents. Brook Lopez, 36, ranked 88, continues to be a unique and valuable presence on the floor. As Quinn remarked, "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."
Al Horford, 38, played a crucial role in the Boston Celtics' championship run. Wimbish noted her surprise, stating, "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."
Lastly, DeMar DeRozan, 35, who ranks 53 in the Top 100, and Paul George, who recently moved to Philadelphia, add further layers of depth and intrigue to an already captivating NBA season.
As the season unfolds, fans can expect a blend of seasoned expertise and youthful exuberance, making for a thrilling and unpredictable journey. From the unparalleled leadership of veterans like James and Paul to the consistent prowess of Durant, Curry, and Butler, the NBA is set for another unforgettable year of basketball excellence.