Timeless Titans: The Aging NBA

Nearly two seasons ago, we examined the state of the NBA and its considerable cohort of aging stars and superstars. This marked a juncture of potential transition reminiscent of the late 90s, characterized by the duel for MVP awards and championships between 35-year-old Jordan and Malone, and an era where the majority of stars were aged over 30. During that time, a notable 15 All-Stars surpassed the age of 30.

That phenomenon was somewhat understandable, considering that the league during that era placed less demand on players from an athletic standpoint. Defensive coverage didn’t necessitate players to cover as much space, especially with the three-pointer being less utilized compared to today’s game. Moreover, the pace of play was significantly slower, characterized by isolation plays and physicality where players like Malone and Barkley could sustain not just relevance but dominance well into their 30s. In contrast, contemporary players engage in a faster-paced game, covering more ground. However, the heightened level of skill enables them to remain competitive even as the league trends younger overall.

While these variances may not appear substantial when viewed individually, they carry significant weight when measured against league averages. Presently, the NBA stands as a notably younger league, yet many of its stars boast ages comparable to those of the late 90s.

More recently

Two years ago, when we addressed the topic of aging NBA stars, the league’s landscape presented a stark contrast to that of just a decade earlier.

If you rewind to a decade earlier that list looked like this.

That comprehensive list from a decade earlier included Kobe Bryant, who, despite being sidelined due to injury, stood distinct from other players like Lillard, Leonard, and George. Unlike the latter group, who returned to the All-Star stage the following year on the sheer merit of their exceptional performance, Kobe never quite regained his previous form post-injury. While Pau Gasol and Tim Duncan did secure All-Star nods, their selection was arguably influenced by their illustrious careers rather than their current status as top-tier players, with their rankings possibly falling outside the top 25 at that juncture. Remarkably, the aging stars of today were once the youthful luminaries of a decade ago. At that time, the league showcased an unprecedented youthfulness in its star power, prompting contemplation about the future complexion of the NBA as these players matured into their 30s.

Where Are We At Today

Numerous players who were stars back in 2014 continue to shine brightly in 2024, solidifying their positions among the NBA’s elite. Below are the players commonly regarded within the top 25 in today’s league, along with their respective ranks, ages, and statistical averages:

Indeed, the prevalence of players in their 30s among the NBA’s top performers is striking, with 11 out of the top 25 players falling within this age bracket. Remarkably, all but the most recent addition, Joel Embiid, are nearly aged 32 or older, underlining the sustained excellence of these seasoned veterans. Furthermore, when considering the broader spectrum of the league’s top 100 players, approximately 25% are in their 30s. This demographic includes standout talents such as Rudy Gobert, last years runner up Brook Lopez, 22ppg scorer DeMar DeRozan among others.

Conclusion

The star power in the NBA is currently at a historical high, with an age distribution nearly unmatched in its history. The only other period that comes close to rivaling today’s age demographics occurred nearly three decades ago. Despite the passage of time, the faces of the league largely remain LeBron James and Steph Curry, both still performing at elite levels even at 36 and 39 years old, respectively. It will be fascinating to observe how these enduring icons maintain their dominance over time. While the inevitability of aging affects us all, today is not the day when LeBron James, Steph Curry, and this generation cease to be top 25 players. The league continues to be populated by many of the same stars from a decade ago, a stark contrast to a time when more than a handful of 30+ year-old in the top 25 were a rarity most of this century.