As the NBA season approaches, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with excitement to see their favorite teams take the court. While there is always a lot of hype surrounding the newest rookies and free agents, it’s important not to forget about the veteran players who have been putting in work for years.
In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the league’s most accomplished veterans and what they bring to their respective teams.
LeBron James – Los Angeles Lakers
First up on our list is none other than LeBron James. At 36 years old, he may no longer be in his prime athletic years, but he remains one of the most dominant players in the league. Last season was a tough one for James as he dealt with injuries that limited him to just 45 games played; however, when he was on the court, he continued to put up incredible numbers. He averaged 25 points per game along with seven rebounds and seven assists while shooting an impressive 51% from the field.
James has always been known for his leadership both on and off the court. He brings a level of experience and basketball IQ that few others can match. With Anthony Davis healthy again this year after suffering an Achilles injury last season, James will undoubtedly continue to lead by example as they aim for another deep playoff run.
Chris Paul – Phoenix Suns
One player who defies age more than any other is Chris Paul. At 36 years old, CP3 had one of his best seasons yet last year with Oklahoma City Thunder where he averaged nearly 17 points per game along with nine assists and five rebounds per game while leading them to an unexpected playoff berth.
This offseason saw him traded once again – this time landing in Phoenix where he will join forces with Devin Booker in hopes of making another push towards an NBA championship. His ability to control tempo and make smart decisions on both ends of the floor make him invaluable to any team he plays for.
Carmelo Anthony – Los Angeles Lakers
Another veteran player who is still making an impact in the league is Carmelo Anthony. At 37 years old, he may no longer be a top-tier scorer like he was earlier in his career, but he remains one of the best scorers off the bench. Last season with Portland Trail Blazers, Melo averaged 13 points per game while shooting nearly 42% from beyond the arc – an impressive feat for someone at his age.
Despite not having won a championship as of yet, Melo’s experience and leadership qualities are invaluable to any locker room. He will look to provide some much-needed scoring punch off the bench for LeBron James and co as they try to defend their title this year.
Kyle Lowry – Miami Heat
Kyle Lowry has been one of the most consistent players over the past decade. The 35-year-old point guard has spent most of his career with Toronto Raptors where he helped lead them to their first-ever NBA championship in 2019.
Lowry’s toughness and leadership are second to none – qualities that have earned him multiple All-Star appearances and All-NBA selections throughout his career. This offseason saw him leave Toronto after nine seasons and join forces with Jimmy Butler down in Miami where they hope to make another deep playoff run.
Dwight Howard – Philadelphia 76ers
At age 35, Dwight Howard may not be the same dominant force that once terrorized opponents on both ends of the floor; however, he remains a valuable contributor for any team.
Last season with Los Angeles Lakers, Howard played a key role coming off the bench as a rebounder and shot-blocker while also providing some much-needed energy on both ends of the floor. This year sees him joining Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons up in Philly where they hope to compete for an Eastern Conference title.
Vince Carter – Retired
Finally, we can’t talk about veteran players without mentioning Vince Carter. While he officially retired in 2020, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate his incredible career. Over the course of 22 seasons, VC established himself as one of the best dunkers and scorers in league history.
He was an eight-time All-Star and won Rookie of the Year back in 1999-2000 season. His longevity is a testament to his work ethic and dedication to the game – qualities that all young players should strive for.
In conclusion, while there’s no denying that the NBA is full of exciting new talent every year, we must not forget about the veterans who have been putting in work for years. These are players who bring invaluable experience, leadership skills, and basketball IQ to their teams – qualities that can be just as important as raw athleticism on any given night.