As the NBA season approaches, basketball fans worldwide are abuzz with excitement. Among the multitude of storylines, the narratives of three prominent figures — LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry — shine brightest, highlighting the sport's blend of veteran wisdom and unparalleled talent.
LeBron James: The Ageless Wonder
At 39 years old, LeBron James continues to defy the limitations of age. Recently, James became the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players. Additionally, he was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2024 Olympics, and crowned MVP in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament.
Reflecting on James' current standing, 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." Such accolades and insights reinforce James' enduring impact on the game.
Kevin Durant: Still Dominant
At 35, Kevin Durant's performance remains stellar. Ranked 9th in the Top 100, Durant averaged 27-6-5 on 41% from beyond the arc last season over 75 games. Brad Botkin elaborates, "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."
Durant's scoring prowess and consistency make him a formidable force, and his ranking reflects his ability to influence games heavily. His contributions are critical as he aims to lead his team deeper into the postseason.
Stephen Curry: Master of Offense
Another veteran remarkable for his sustained excellence is Stephen Curry. At 36 years old and ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry’s offensive capabilities remain unparalleled. Brad Botkin captures this sentiment well: "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."
Whether it's his three-point shooting or his ability to navigate through defenses, Curry redefines the art of scoring, continually creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Jimmy Butler: The Playoff Performer
Jimmy Butler, 35, is ranked 22nd in the Top 100. Known for pacing himself during the regular season to save his best for the playoffs, Butler’s strategy has drawn attention and admiration. Brad Botkin elaborates: "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 performance, outscoring opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when Butler was on the floor last season, shows his value and the team's reliance on his playoff adaptability.
James Harden: A New Chapter
James Harden, now 35 and with the Los Angeles Clippers, is ranked 44th in the Top 100. Harden’s journey has been tumultuous, with the Clippers marking his fourth team in as many years. Jack Maloney provides insight: "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."
This shift marks a significant chapter in Harden’s career, as he is expected to step up and assume a leading role to keep the Clippers competitive.
Veteran Presence: Paul George and Mike Conley
Paul George’s move to Philadelphia highlights another significant roster change, while Mike Conley, aged 36 and ranked 85 in the Top 100, continues to provide valuable leadership to the Timberwolves. Jasmyn Wimbish remarks, "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 and Chris Paul: Anchors of Experience
Brook Lopez, 36 and ranked 88th, remains a pivotal figure. According to Sam Quinn, "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."
Chris Paul, at 39, continues to impart his veteran wisdom as a mentor for the Spurs and Victor Wembanyama. His role is critical in shaping the next generation of talent within the league.
Al Horford: Underrated but Essential
Finally, Al Horford, 38, plays a crucial part in Boston's championship ambitions. Despite not making the Top 100, Jasmyn Wimbish highlights his significance: "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 season draws near, the blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent promises another thrilling chapter in the NBA. With players like James, Durant, and Curry at the helm, the league remains as electrifying as ever.