SUMMARY
- The NBA is one of the most exciting leagues in the world.
- Older players like LeBron James and Chris Paul are still very active despite the youngsters taking over.
The NBA has been around for decades entertaining sports fanatics across the world. This league is one of the most iconic ones as it also displays a lot of sportsmanship and hard work. The league is a home for athletes who are physically and mentally gifted. During games, fans get to witness players show off what they can do by being some of the tallest individuals on planet Earth. At the same time, they also put their high IQs on display.
Players like LeBron James and Chris Paul are the best examples of this. These players have been around the league for longer than some NBA players have been alive. But they have also shown what it takes to achieve their longevity and strength despite being fathers. So let us take a look at the oldest players in the league as of the 2023-24 season.
LeBron James is the oldest player in the NBA
Usually, players who cross the 35-year-old mark tend to lose control over their form. This is mainly because the younger athletes are much more agile and stronger. Most older players can’t adapt and take over. However, the names on this list have been quite the opposite.
STEPHEN CURRY RAZZLE DAZZLE AND THE 3!
— warriorszone (@Warriorszone19) January 3, 2024
Before we head into the actual list, players like Stephen Curry have to be praised for what they’ve been doing. For example, Curry is currently 35 years old. While he isn’t the oldest, he has come to that point when most athletes retire. But the Golden State Warriors guard has been averaging 27.1 points per game regardless. Now let us take a look at the real list.
1. LeBron James (39 years old)
LeBron James was drafted into the NBA in 2003. The King hasn’t shown any sign of decline either, which has baffled a lot of experts and fans. Just over a year ago, he became the all-time leading scorer in the league and his points are still moving upwards. Despite the downfall of the Los Angeles Lakers, fans love watching him for what he does.
The 2023-24 season is James’ 21st appearance in the league. He has been averaging 25.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game as well. James was named the inaugural In-Season Tournament MVP despite being the oldest active player. And he’s still throwing down insane dunks and making high-IQ plays.
2. PJ Tucker (38 years old)
PJ Tucker is one NBA player that nobody wants to challenge on the court. Throughout his career, the forward has been praised for his ability to shoot the ball and defend at a high level. Over 18 years, Tucker has been a part of several teams in the league, most notably the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns.
This season, he briefly played for the Los Angeles Clippers before being used as a trade asset which landed him in Philadelphia. Tucker has been utilized for his elite defense while averaging 2 points and 4.7 rebounds coming off the bench for the 76ers.
3. Chris Paul (38 years old)
Chris Paul happens to be a day younger than PJ Tucker. This player used to be one of the most exciting point guards in the league. His playmaking ability and smooth jump shot was what had people praising him. Paul currently ranks third on the all-time assists leaderboard just ahead of LeBron.
WHAT A POSSESSION 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Vc44Cbxh9W
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 3, 2024
He was traded to the Warriors during the 2023 off-season from the Suns. He currently comes off the bench for this team to help them in rotation. While he hasn’t been the same offensively, Paul is still an amazing player who loves being the floor general. Paul is averaging 8.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game.
4. Kyle Lowry (37 years old)
Kyle Lowry is another veteran who has always uplifted his team with his ability to be the floor general. Additionally, he is one of the most beloved characters in the league, which also keeps things light within the locker room. Lowry has been with the Miami Heat since 2021.
Kyle Lowry with the alley-oop pass to Jaquez Jr! 👊 pic.twitter.com/FvrMbwkfJK
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 4, 2024
The former All-Star also managed to win an NBA title in 2019, alongside Kawhi Leonard. But now, he averaged 9.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists on the Heat’s roster. He is another player who is very skillful and smart, which has benefited the Heat in many ways.
5. Garrett Temple (37 years old)
He is probably a name most of us NBA fans aren’t familiar with. However, Garrett Temple is someone the league values a lot. He went undrafted during the 2009 NBA Draft, which featured players like Stephen Curry, and played for multiple teams ever since.
Garrett was mostly known for his work with the NBA D-League. In 2011, the veteran was named a D-League All-Star while he played for the Erie Bayhawks. He has participated alongside 12 teams in total. Right now, Garrett plays for the Toronto Raptors while averaging 1.9 points per game.