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NBA Power Rankings: Top 10 Players Age 35 and Up
These NBA veterans have been around long enough to know all the tricks and they’re still schooling the the rest of the NBA this season! Where do legends like Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant rank among the league’s top veterans still dominating the court this season?
10. Al Horford, Boston Celtics
At 38 years old, Al Horford just keeps doing what he does best—making winning plays for the Boston Celtics. He’s a perfect fit for the defending champs, logging 27.4 minutes per game and giving them exactly what they need. He’s still a reliable shooter, knocking down 36.3% of his threes, while contributing 8.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game without forcing anything.
Horford’s impact goes way beyond the box score. He’s a smart defender, a good passer (2.0 assists per game), and always seems to be in the right place at the right time. The Celtics don’t need him to be the star, but his leadership, versatility, and high basketball IQ make him an irreplaceable part of their success.
9. Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks
At 36 years old and standing 7-foot-1, Brook Lopez remains a key contributor for the Milwaukee Bucks. He stretches the floor with his 37.1% shooting from beyond the arc and averages 12.7 points per game. Lopez also sets strong screens, creating space for his teammates and helping the offense run smoothly.
Defensively, Lopez is a game-changer in the paint, averaging 1.9 blocks per game. His size and presence make him a constant disruptor, altering shots and protecting the rim. As the Bucks look to make another deep playoff run, Lopez’s shooting, screening, and elite defensive play will be crucial to their success.
8. Chris Paul, San Antonio Spurs
At 39 years old, Chris Paul remains in the game thanks to his exceptional basketball IQ. One of the greatest point guards to ever play, Paul now serves as a mentor to the San Antonio Spurs’ young core. While he’s no longer the scorer he once was, his vision and decision-making remain elite. Paul continues to rank among the league’s best passers, averaging 7.8 assists per game.
As the Spurs look to the future with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle as their guards, Chris Paul’s leadership and experience continue to be invaluable, helping guide the team’s young stars while still contributing on the court.
7. Russell Westbrook, Denver Nuggets
At 36 years old, Russell Westbrook has found a solid role with the Denver Nuggets, a championship contender. While Nikola Jokić remains the focal point of the offense, Westbrook has been an important contributor. He averages 27.8 minutes per game, contributing 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. He also adds 1.4 steals per game.
Westbrook continues to pressure defenses with his relentless drive to the rim and serves as a capable playmaker. His energy and versatility are essential to the Nuggets’ depth as they pursue another championship.
6. DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings were hoping that adding DeMar DeRozan to the roster would lead to more wins this season, and while the team has faced some challenges, DeRozan has still proven he’s a high-level player. Known for his excellent mid-range game, he can score in bunches when needed.
A great scorer, DeRozan remains efficient with a field goal percentage of 48.9% and over 87% from the free-throw line. He plays heavy minutes, averaging 35.9 per game, and contributes 22.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. His leadership is key for a Kings team hoping to finish the season strong after a disappointing start.
5. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have been one of the feel-good stories of the year, and James Harden has been a key part of their success. At 35 years old, he’s still an elite offensive talent, keeping defenses on their heels with his scoring and playmaking. He’s dishing out 8.7 assists per game, the fifth-best mark in the league, while still putting up points at a high level.
Harden has been steady all season, averaging 22.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and playing 35.1 minutes per game. His play has helped keep the Clippers in contention for a top-six seed in the Western Conference, proving he’s still one of the most skilled guards in the league.
4. Jimmy Butler III, Golden State Warriors
The fallout in Miami wasn’t pretty, but Jimmy Butler has quickly found his stride with the Warriors. At 35 years old, many questioned how much of an impact he’d have after the trade, but Golden State has been rolling with him in the lineup. After their recent win over the Knicks, the Warriors are an impressive 14-1 when Butler plays, sparking talk of them being contenders again.
Butler isn’t just a scorer—he does everything well. He defends at a high level, makes smart plays, gets to the free-throw line, and always puts his team in a position to win. This season, he’s averaging 34.6 minutes, 21.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, proving he’s still a difference-maker.
3. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
The greatest shooter of all time is still as lethal as ever. Stephen Curry’s range and shooting ability continue to put relentless pressure on defenses every time he steps on the court. At 37 years old, Curry remains in top form, maintaining his efficiency while leading the Warriors. This season, he’s averaging 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. With the addition of Jimmy Butler, Curry is getting even more open looks, making him even harder to defend. He’s shooting 39.6% from three and an incredible 93.4% from the free-throw line.
Despite the doubts over the past few seasons about whether the Warriors’ title window had closed, Curry’s elite play has kept the team in contention. As the team begins to click at the right time, Golden State is making the rest of the NBA wary of a potential playoff matchup.
2. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
At 36 years old, Kevin Durant continues to prove he’s one of the greatest players in the game, even as the Phoenix Suns’ season has been far from ideal. While the team’s struggles have made it uncertain whether they’ll even make the play-in tournament this season, Durant has remained a consistent force for the Suns. He’s played heavy minutes, averaging 26.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. His efficiency is impressive, shooting 52.8% from the field and 41.7% from three.
Despite the roster struggles, Durant remains one of the most dangerous scorers in the league, and his length and versatility continue to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Where he’ll be next season is anyone’s guess, but one thing is certain: Kevin Durant is still playing at an elite level.
1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James, at 40 years old, continues to be a force on the court, showing few signs of slowing down. He remains a dominant presence, capable of attacking the basket, running the floor in transition, and creating plays for his teammates. His high basketball IQ and physicality make him a nightmare for defenders, and while his recent groin injury has impacted the Lakers, they’ll need James back at full strength to make a playoff run.
This season, James is averaging 25.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game. Whether he’s driving to the basket or orchestrating the offense, his all-around game remains elite, and he’ll be looking to add another championship to his already legendary career this season.
