NBA legend Lebron James might become the oldest active player in the league after the retirement of 43-year-old Udonis Haslem. James is about to play his 21st season in the NBA, and even at 38 years old, he is a force to be reckoned with, averaging 29 points, eight rebounds and seven assists a game the previous season.
After the 2022-2023 season, rumors were circulating from James himself about his retirement from the game of basketball, but he quashed those soon after with quotes about his renewed interest in playing with his son Bronny James next season.
“Who’s 1st?? Thought I was the 👴🏾”
LeBron James on his IG story finding out that he’s the 2nd oldest active player in the NBA 😆
The oldest active player is Andre Iguodala (39 years, 171 days old) pic.twitter.com/QHTf2AYWmP
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 19, 2023
With the retirement of Udonis Haslem after this past season, who was the reigning dinosaur of the NBA, LeBron James seemed poised to take over that role, however, there was one player who would stand in his way, someone whom he never expected and has even suffered defeat to the hands of, Andre Iguodala.
Andre Iguodala is the oldest player in the league
Andre Iguodala is a name that has a storied history in the NBA. From him swiping an NBA Finals MVP from Stephen Curry in 2015 to Max Kellerman screaming “I want Iguodala” when asked who he would pick to take a life-saving, fate of the universe on the line shot.
Iggy was a premier reason why the Golden State Warriors were able to win so many championships in the 2015-2023 year span. Providing immaculate perimeter defense and crucial scoring, you couldn’t ask for a better veteran presence than Andre Iguodala.
Sadly, in 2023, Iguodala has yet to be signed by any NBA team. He played just eight games for the Warriors in the 2022-2023 season, where he barely averaged two points, one assist, and one rebound. Unlike Udonis Haslem who recently announced his retirement from the NBA, Andre has yet to do so.
This makes Andre Iguodala the longest-tenured player in the NBA at 39 years and 171 days old. In contrast, LeBron James is 38 years and 219 days old.
Considering Iggy’s age and the general decline of his basketball skillset, unfortunately, it seems that he will be forced to retire as well, but in case the Warriors do decide to pick him back up, LeBron James still has to have a little more patience before claiming the ‘Oldest Player in the NBA’ title as well.