Lebron James, Chris Paul, and Other NBA Veterans Are Proving Age Is Just a Number

Who Are the Oldest Players in the NBA

The oldest players in the NBA are some of the most well-known. The list is led by LeBron James, who turned 41 on Dec. 30. The Los Angeles Lakers great continues to excel at a level never seen by someone who has played many games over many years.

Others who have managed to stick around currently due to their stellar play or because they fill roles in excellent fashion are Chris Paul, P.J. Tucker, Taj Gibson, Kyle Lowry, Al Horford, Jeff Green, and James Johnson.

Climbing the list in the age ranks are Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Kevin Love.

What you see is a mix of stars and guys who just know what to do when called upon. It takes a great deal of basketball skill to be considered valuable when your career is coming off the bench. Delivering key minutes can lead to players extending their careers in unexpected ways. Check out NBA bets today for the most up-to-date lines and expert analysis.

Which Team Has the Oldest Players in the NBA

The team that has plates averaging the oldest in the NBA is the Philadelphia 76ers. The Atlantic Division team’s players average better than 28.3 years. Following them are the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, and Golden State Warriors.

Do the Oldest Players in the NBA Mentor Younger Teammates?

This is a tricky question because the ages of basketball players vary so much. Do the veterans feel it is their responsibility to teach the younger players about the ins and outs of being a pro? There are certain players the younger ones will look up to and respect. However, the older players may feel that the younger ones should know how to carry themselves. 

Then there is the generation gap that will see younger players thinking they know it all and don’t want to hear it from their elders.

This isn’t a big difference between a basketball roster and any other world of work when it comes to older and younger colleagues. Some will clash while there are a few who will see their ways to mentoring the younger folks. And there are younger folks who will be receptive to what their elder statesmen have to say but one has to think the majority come into the workplace thinking they have all the answers only to learn the hard way they don’t.

Which Records Are Held by the Oldest Players in the NBA?

When Kareem Abdul-Jabbar retired he held numerous NBA marks. They change over time especially in scoring with the game now featuring and being plagued by too many 3-point shots. 

To give you an idea of how incredible Abdul Jabbar’s career was, check out some of the numbers he is associated with in the record book and overall: He was the NBA’s all-time leader in points scored (38,387), games played (1,560), minutes played (57,446), field goals made (15,837), field goal attempts (28,307), blocked shots (3,189), defensive rebounds (9,394), career wins (1,074), and personal fouls (4,657).

LeBron James has gone well beyond Abdul-Jabbar with more than 41,400 points and counting. 

The career leaders in most categories are players who have extended careers. For example, Wilt Chamberlain still leads in career rebounds with Bill Russell second.

In assists, John Stockton of the Utah Jazz has 3,000 more than Chris Paul, who is still active.

One of the younger elders with a record for 3-point shots made and that is held by Steph Curry with more than 3,900 hits. He’s a young gun at 36.

How Do Fans React to the Oldest Players in the NBA?

The reaction of older players is interesting. There are some who are beloved while others are polarizing. While Laker fans and others revere a player like LeBron, there are plenty to enjoy pointing out his failures.

One would have to say that age usually brings respect and adoration from fans. It is a great sense of appreciation for those who play into their late 30s when the average age NBA players retire or see their careers done is in the late 20s.

Who Are Some NBA Players That Recently Retired?

Among the noted players who recently left the NBA after their careers are LaMarcus Aldridge, Derrick Rose, Danny Green, and Gordon Hayward. A couple of other players who retired in the recent past are Blake Griffin and Udonis Haslem. What they have in common was a familiarity with fans and teams because they had solid to above-average careers. Some were superstars but all had to have exceptional talent to have stuck around as long as they did.

Who Were the Oldest NBA Finals MVPS?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the oldest NBA Finals MVP. He was the award winner in 1984-85 a the age of 38. Others who won the award deep into their NBA careers are LeBron James (2019-20), Wilt Chamberlain (1971-72), Michael Jordan (1997-98), and Steph Curry (2021-22).