Udonis Haslem has ended his career, and Andre Iguodala has not yet signed a new contract for the new season. Both were two of the oldest players in the league, and that honor now goes to LeBron James.
At the age of 42 years and 363 days, Haslem played his last game in the NBA in the preseason; only three players in the NBA were older when playing (Kevin Willis, Robert Parish, Vince Carter). Now the Heat legend has retired and someone else is taking over the title of oldest player in the league.
A special case is Andre Iguodala, who will celebrate his 40th birthday in January. The former Warriors forward had hinted at the end of his career, but left a back door open. Still, it’s unlikely that the 2015 Finals MVP will stick around for another season.
Platz 10: Wesley Matthews
Birthday: October 14, 1986 (36)Team: Atlanta HawksDraft class: 2009 (undrafted)NBA games: 950
It’s quite surprising that Matthews is still playing at a solid level, but it’s not for nothing that his nickname is “Iron Man.” Matthews tore his Achilles tendon in 2015 – and was back on the field just seven months later.
The guard played 52 games in a small role for the Bucks last year, and that’s probably how it will look in Atlanta. As a 3-and-D specialist, Matthews continues to be a solid option at the end of the bench.
Meanwhile, JEFF GREEN will probably stay with the Nuggets. Singer further reports that the 35-year-old will exercise his player option of $4.5 million for the coming season. Green started 63 games for Denver in 21/22.
Platz 9: Jeff Green
Birthday: August 28, 1986 (37)Team: Houston RocketsDraft class: 2007 (5th pick)NBA games: 1,107
The eternal Uncle Jeff. Ten years ago, Green’s career was in jeopardy due to heart surgery, but today the once eternal talent continues to be an important role player. He also played a part in helping the Nuggets celebrate their first championship last year.
That was rewarded; in the summer, Green signed another two-year contract worth a total of $16 million and has established himself as a reliable veteran in the locker room. Oh yes: Uncle Jeff can do more stuff than anyone else his age.
Platz 8: Rudy Gay
Birthday: August 17, 1986 (37)Team: Golden State WarriorsDraft class: 2006 (8th pick)NBA games: 1,120
Gay hasn’t had that much influence lately; the forward made a lot of progress during his time with the Utah Jazz and was released after a trade to OKC via Atlanta.
The former Grizzlies star still doesn’t have a guaranteed contract and is fighting for a spot in the Golden State Warriors’ training camp.
Al Horford hit an important three-pointer in crunch time for the Boston Celtics.
7th place: Al Horford
Birthday: June 3, 1986 (37)Team: Boston CelticsDraft class: 2007 (3rd pick)NBA games: 1,013
Horford, on the other hand, continues to be an important part of a contender. The big man is still quick on his feet and a strong, flexible defender. He is also a real weapon with his throwing and his good passing game.
The Celtics consequently extended his contract for two more years (for almost $20 million) and will try to dose his minutes over the regular season. Because in the playoffs, Horford delivered consistently year after year.
Platz 14: GARRETT TEMPLE | Teams: Spurs, Rockets, Kings, Bucks, Hornets, Wizards, Grizzlies, Clippers, Nets, Bulls, Pelicans | Karriereverdienst: 47,3 Mio. Dollar (Stand: 25. Februar 2022)
Platz 6: Garrett Temple
Birthday: May 8, 1986 (37)Team: Toronto RaptorsDraft class: 2009 (undrafted)NBA games: 716
Temple is the perfect example that with hard work and a good attitude you can stay in the NBA for a long time. Temple has cemented his place in the league over nine different ten-day contracts and is widely respected for his positive influence in the locker room.
The guard landed another deal with the Toronto Raptors, although it can be assumed that the 37-year-old will rarely be on the field.
Platz 5: Kyle Lowry
Birthday: March 25, 1986 (37)Team: Miami HeatDraft class: 2006 (24th pick)NBA games: 1,078
Lowry is earning almost $30 million this season, but last year the point guard lost his place as a starter to Gabe Vincent. He is now gone, and at the same time the heat in poker around Damian Lillard came away empty-handed.
So Lowry could actually start again, even if that is no longer optimal from the team’s perspective. The GROAT (Greatest Raptor of all Time) can continue to defend, but is now lacking explosiveness in attack.
4th place: Taj Gibson
Birthday: June 24, 1985 (38)Team: Washington WizardsDraft class: 2009 (26th pick)NBA games: 945
Gibson is another model professional whose work ethic keeps him in the league. He is now part of the rebuilding effort in Washington and is supposed to show young players what it takes to be successful in the NBA.
Platz 3: Chris Paul
Birthday: May 6, 1985 (38)Team: Golden State WarriorsDraft class: 2005 (4th pick)NBA games: 1,214
Little point guards don’t have it easy in old age, and a former superstar like Chris Paul also felt that. CP3 was increasingly attacked, no longer came to the ring like he used to and had to repeatedly struggle with minor injuries.
Maybe that’s why the situation in San Francisco is good for him as he takes on his new role. As the leader of the second unit, he could save energy for the final spurt, and there is another top-class playmaker in Stephen Curry. CP3 still has something left in the tank, but not for 82 games.
PJ Tucker moved from the Miami Heat to the Philadelphia 76ers in the summer.
Platz 2: P.J. Tucker
Birthday: May 5, 1985 (38)Team: Philadelphia 76ersDraft class: 2006 (35th pick)NBA games: 852
Tucker, on the other hand, is still a starter and, even at 38 years old, is still the man for the special tasks. Although there are always games in which the ex-Bamberg player doesn’t take a single throw, Tucker remains indispensable in Philadelphia with his toughness and defense.
The forward is a real late starter who only signed the fattest contract of his career (3 years, $33 million) at the age of 37.
Platz 1: LeBron James
Birthday: December 30, 1984 (38)Team: Los Angeles LakersDraft class: 2003 (1st pick)NBA games: 1,421
How time flies. LeBron James is now the oldest player in the league and still one of the top 15 players in the NBA. The superstar now has over 1,400 games under his belt, but to match Parish’s record (1,611), LeBron would have to play for three more years.
Whether he does this? In the summer, James hinted at a possible end to his career, but he refrained from doing so. On Media Day, LeBron explained again that he didn’t know how often he would want to go through strenuous preparation. The end of James’ career doesn’t seem far away.
2023-10-08 06:36:00
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