Is basketball age not an obstacle? Ranking of the best NBA players who are 30 years old
Andrey Antson August 17, 2023, 16:00 Moscow time
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With the development of sports medicine in many sports, a trend can be seen that is an increase in the average duration of athletes’ careers. LeBron James himself spends millions of dollars each year to properly care for his body. The team’s advanced medical staff, based on advanced analysis, constantly asks the team’s coaches to rest basketball players during the regular season. This is not to say that this approach helps clubs avoid permanent injuries, but it certainly allows experienced players to survive the season and reach the playoffs in good shape.
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The NBA has several experienced basketball players who still determine the fate of the championship and play at the all-star level. The most popular players in the league so far are James, 38, and Stephen Curry, 35. Jimmy Butler, 33, is dragging Miami to the Finals almost single-handedly, and Jeff Green, 36, has a permanent spot in Denver’s champion rotation.
LeBron expanded the concept of how an older player, as he used to be, could play in the NBA. Notorious former Washington point guard Gilbert Arenas recently said that James is putting pressure on everyone in the league with athletic longevity never seen before with his accomplishments, while other players are experiencing a slump at 31 or 32 years old. old.
Arenas Opinion:
Gilbert Arenas: LeBron playing like this at 39 puts pressure on everyone in the league
We bring you the 10 best players in the league who are over 30 years old so that you can comment on who has already begun to drop a lot in level and who continues to show a great game.
Below is the “Ratings” functionality – the list is formed according to the votes of users in online mode. If you want to move your favorite up in the ranking, click the up arrow “↑”. If you think any option should be listed below, press the down arrow “↓”.
Important: The “Ranking” functionality is available only in the normal version of the “Championship”. If you entered this material via a search page, you will see a list generated without voting buttons.
Ranking: Top 10 NBA players who are at least 30 years old
Photo: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Damien Lillard is 32 years old. Portland Trail Blazers
Lillard, like Harden, hopes to be traded to a new team where, for what could be the first time in his career, he can actually compete for a championship. As the undisputed leader of the team, Damien averaged 32.2 points and 7.3 assists last season.
The only concern is that the star point guard has been injured more.
Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Jimmy Butler is 33 years old. “Miami Heat”
In recent playoffs, Butler once again demonstrated how, at the right time of the season, he can look like one of the best players in the league, leading Miami to the second Finals in four years.
The player’s incredible mental qualities more than make up for the fact that Butler is a less talented basketball player than other stars in the league. We’re not sure if Butler will be able to drag a team of undrafted players into the Finals at 34, but with Lillard, the Heat will definitely be one of the big favorites for next season.
Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Stephen Curry – 35 years old. “Warriors of the Golden State”
Curry is enjoying a second youth while remaining a cornerstone of the Golden State system. Last season, Curry showed excellent numbers: 29.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists.
The managers of the California club decided not to waste the remaining years of the great player and in every possible way maximize the team’s chances for the championship.
Photo: Harry How/Getty Images
Anthony Davis – 30 years old. “Los Angeles Lakers”
It seemed like we were just looking at Davis’ early years in New Orleans, and he was already in his 30s. Many fans consider the big star to be the best player on the Lakers. The only thing that interferes with the center is constant trauma and instability.
If we record Anthony’s performances in recent playoffs, we’ll look at the EKG of a Miami fan during Game 6 of the 2013 Finals.
Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Kevin Durant is 34 years old. “Phoenix Suns”
This season will see Durant play second choice for what could be the first time in his career as Devin Booker has emerged as a true leader for Phoenix.
However, Kevin remains arguably the most dangerous offensive weapon in the league, shooting from any distance to 208cm.
Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Kawhi Leonard is 32 years old. “Los Angeles Clippers”
When Kawhi is healthy, he can compete with any player on our list, but injuries really kill a striker’s career.
In two games in the past playoffs, Leonard averaged 34.5 points, showing the level of one of the best basketball players in the league, but immediately after he suffered an injury, missing the rest of the series with the Phoenix Suns. . The Clippers haven’t had a healthy postseason lead for a year in a row.
Photo: Harry How/Getty Images
LeBron James – 38 years old. “Los Angeles Lakers”
The slowly fading athleticism led LeBron to focus more on three-point shots than breaks in the paint. However, James’ unparalleled understanding of the game and his vast experience still allow him to greatly influence team performance at every level, from pep talks in the locker room to decisive late-game possessions.
In some decisive matches, the legendary basketball player is capable of looking at the level of his own prime.
Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
James Harden – 33 years old. “Philadelphia 66ers”
Nobody thinks that Harden can be the main leader of the champion team, but still the player continues to perform at a decent level. James posted a double-double averaging 21 points and 10.7 assists last season.
If the basketball player is on a team where he does not need to be the first or second choice in offense, then with the help of his advanced playing skills, James can still compete for the coveted championship.
Photo: Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
Kyrie Irving is 31 years old. “Dallas Mavericks”
Kairi is arguably still the most skilled player in the league, but his demeanor and some human qualities have turned fans away from the basketball player. Irving averaged superstar numbers last season with 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists.
However, the player was unable to help Dallas reach the playing zone. But Mark Cuban continues to believe in the all-star duo, writing Irving out to a three-year contract.
Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Paul George is 33 years old. “Los Angeles Clippers”
George failed to bounce back for the playoffs and help the team into the first round last season, but when he was healthy he led the team in the absence of Kawhi Leonard, averaging 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists.
Paul missed 27 games last season and 31 games the year before last. If the player manages to avoid serious injuries and make the playoffs in good shape, he can still help sailboats compete against the best teams in the league.
