NBA’s top 35 and older players

In an article by Jasmyn Wimbish on CBS Sports, she listed 10 top players 35 and older still making an impact on their teams with their veteran presence which is an important guiding presence to their younger teammates.

Ranked from tenth to first, here’s the list with their NBA top 100 rankings.

10 – CHRIS PAUL, 35 (SAS) top 100 unranked – since last year and for the first time in his career, CP3 came off the bench.  He has steadily declined but his court savvy Is still evident.   He will be an important mentor to Victor Wembanyama’s growth.

9 –AL HORFORD, 38 (BOS) top 100 unranked – With Kristaps Porzingis out for a few months, Horford will play a crucial role in the middle.  A role he proved during the Celtics’ title run.

8 – BROOK LOPEZ, 36 (MIL) top 100 #88– no flashy moves but he has that outside shot that can’t be taken for granted.  He positions himself well in the middle and boxes out that allows other players to grab rebounds.

7 – MIKE CONLEY, 36 (MIN) top 100 #85 – a three-point threat, Conley will be an important piece in a young Minnesota team.  He’ll be valuable to the development of Anthony Edwards.

6 – DeMAR DeROZAN, 35 (SAC) top 100 #53 – in an underperforming Bulls, he kept them in contention that they narrowly missed the playoffs last season.  He’s always consistent with his mid-range game.  With the Kings, expect DeRozan to produce at least 15 points a night.

5 – JAMES HARDEN, 35 (LAC) top 100 #44 – he’s on his fourth team in four years but still he’s lethal with his 21ppg and 8apg last season.  With Paul George gone, Harden will perhaps be LAC’s top scoring option with Kawhi Leonard’s reported minutes restriction.

4–JIMMY BUTLER, 35 (MIA) top 100 #22 – another impactful player but there’s the question of the Heat’s relevance this coming season which could dampen Butler’s drive.

3 – KEVIN DURANT, 35 (PHX) top 100 #9 – age somehow had little effect on KD and he still averages superstar numbers.  Still the league’s best isolation scorer.

2 – LeBRON JAMES, 39 (LAL) top 100 #8 – pacing himself well, how many 40-somethings can still play at top level like LeBron that he can easily bully his way against guys half his age.   Amazing.

1 – STEPHEN CURRY, 36 (GSW) top 100 #6 – a rare shot-making talent coupled with his impeccable moving without the ball, Curry regularly puts opponents to sleep with his variety of shots.

Nearing the twilights of their careers, KD, LeBron and Curry need to surround themselves with better talents if they want to contend for the title.