The anticipation for the upcoming NBA season has reached fever pitch. With several legendary figures in the twilight of their careers and rising stars ready to make their mark, this season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Among the veterans still commanding attention are LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, each with unique narratives leading into the new season.
LeBron James: The Timeless Wonder
LeBron James, at 39, continues to defy the limits of age. Despite being on the cusp of quadragenarian status, James still inspires fear in opponents. As Sam Quinn aptly 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." And it’s not just speculation. LeBron has fortified his legacy by recently becoming the oldest player to win an MVP award in an NBA competition, and he was also named the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics. Adding to his accolades, he captured the MVP title in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament. This season, LeBron's contributions are likely to remain pivotal, both on and off the court.
Kevin Durant: Close to Peak Performance
At 35, Kevin Durant continues to demonstrate his unparalleled talent. Last season, he played 75 games, averaging 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, with a staggering 41% shooting from beyond the arc. His ranking as the 9th best in the Top 100 reflects his sustained excellence. Brad Botkin captures Durant's prowess succinctly: "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." As Durant remains a dominant force in the league, his impact this season will be vital for his team's success.
Stephen Curry: The Offensive Maestro
Stephen Curry, now 36, seemingly defies the natural decline associated with age. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry's offensive skills remain unmatched. Brad Botkin highlights this, saying, "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." Curry's ability to orchestrate the game with precision and flair continues to make him a critical component of his team's aspirations.
Other Notable Veterans
The league's veteran presence doesn't stop with James, Durant, and Curry. Figures like Jimmy Butler, James Harden, and Mike Conley continue to play crucial roles in their respective teams. Butler, 35, is ranked 22nd in the Top 100 and remains a strategic asset for the Miami Heat, who outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor last season. As Brad Botkin points out, "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 with the Los Angeles Clippers and ranked 44th, embarks on his fourth team in as many years. Jack Maloney comments on Harden’s new challenge: "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."
Conley, who at 36, remains one of the NBA's most valuable veterans, playing for the Timberwolves and ranked 85th. 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."
Resilient Contributors
Players like Brook Lopez and Al Horford continue to make significant contributions to their teams. Lopez, 36, is ranked 88th and has been praised by Sam Quinn for his all-around game: "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, although not making the Top 100, played a crucial role in Boston's championship run last season. As Jasmyn Wimbish states, "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."
Looking Ahead
The narratives for these storied veterans and other top players form a compelling backdrop to what promises to be an electrifying NBA season. With a blend of seasoned experience and burgeoning talent, the league is poised for a thrilling year filled with milestones, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments. As the new season tips off, basketball fans around the globe can look forward to witnessing history in the making.