Who is the oldest player in the NBA: Being the oldest NBA player is problematic because it strains the players’ bodies that choose to continue playing. Even though young players receive attention, we should appreciate more senior players’ contributions to the association.
The age is only a figure. However, it’s generally preferable for that number to be lower if you’re an NBA player. As players get older and into their late 30s and early 40s, it becomes harder for them to have a significant influence. However, that does not imply that no one can do it. The next ten years of their lives are drawing near for several prominent players. While some are fighting against Father Time, others have suffered its effects on the court.
Oldest NBA Player Now
Andre Iguodala, a four-time NBA Champion with the Golden State Warriors, retired from the NBA. After the last season ended, Udonis Haslem, a Miami Heat player, retired. This made LeBron James, who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, the oldest NBA player.
James, who is about to start his 21st NBA season, will turn 39 in a few months, yet he is still regarded as one of the league’s best players. LeBron scored 28.9 points, pulled down 8.3 rebounds, and dished out 6.8 assists in another season, earning him a spot on the All-NBA squad. Also, the second Oldest NBA player to get a triple-double is LeBron James.
LeBron recently received the news that he has broken the NBA age record and is the oldest NBA player. He responded with humour and then showed incredible athleticism, which is surprising for someone over forty.
Read Also: Who Is the Youngest NBA Player?
Who is the oldest player in the NBA?
The oldest player in NBA history still needs to become active. That honour goes to Nat Hickey, who, at almost forty-six, appeared in two games for the Providence Steamrollers in 1948. Although he was that team’s coach, he changed his role to player after the team’s 4–25 start to the season. Hickey picked up five fouls and scored two points in his two NBA games, both of which were losses. Nat Hickey is the oldest NBA player to start a game.
Some other oldest NBA players
Kyle Lowry
37-year-old Kyle Lowry was one of the oldest players still playing in the NBA; Lowry is a six-time All-Star representing four teams. However, unlike many other players on this list, Lowry is no longer pursuing a championship, having won the NBA Finals with Toronto in 2019. Nevertheless, Lowry is still a mainstay in the Miami Heat starting lineup as he gets ready for his 18th NBA season.
P.J. Tucker, age 37
PJ Tucker, whose birth date is May 5th, 1985, was selected in the first round of the NBA Draft (2006) by the Toronto Raptors. For the teams he played include Donetsk, Aris Thessaloniki, Hapoel Holon, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, and most recently, the Philadelphia 76ers.
Chris Paul, aged 37
The New Orleans Hornets selected Chris Paul in the 2005 NBA Draft, and he was born on May 6th, 1985, earning him the nickname “point god.” He has previously played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and also for Los Angeles Clippers. In the year 2020, he joined the Phoenix Suns.
Udonis Haslem, age of 42
Haslem, born on June 30th, 1980, is one of the oldest NBA players on our list. He joined the Miami Heat this season after leaving the French team Chalon Sur Saone. It’s been reported that he’s become an assistant coach for the squad. Udonis is the Oldest NBA player to score 20 points in a game.
Kevin Willis (Age of 44)
Born on September 6th, 1962, Kevin Willis was selected by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1984 NBA Draft. He played for the Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, and San Antonio Spurs and won an NBA title with them.
Robert Parish (age 43)
Born on August 30th, 1953, he began his career with the Golden State Warriors before moving to the Boston Celtics. He has played for the Chicago Bulls, among other teams, and he is the oldest player in the NBA to be honoured by the Hall of Fame. Robert Parish is the Oldest NBA player to win a championship.
Andre Iguodala, (age 38)
He was born on January 28th, 1984. He played college basketball in Arizona for two seasons. The Philadelphia 76ers chose him for the 2004 NBA all-defensive team. He is a player with the Golden State Warriors right now.
Paul Millsap, (age 37)
The Utah Jazz selected him in the 2006 NBA Draft. He played for the Jazz until 2013 when he joined the Atlanta Hawks. He plays for the Philadelphia 76ers and has been selected for four all-star games.
Carmelo Anthony (age 38)
Carmelo was known as one of the game’s top scorers. The Denver Nuggets chose him in the third round of the NBA Draft 2003, and he has appeared in several all-star games, currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.
So this is the list of the oldest players of the NBA for whom age was just a number.
Read Also: At What Age Do NBA Players Retire?
Compared to the previous NBA season, how old are the players now?
Basketball players now retire later because of better medical care. For example, Lebron James is still playing well at 38. In the past, players usually retired at a younger age. Thus, players are older than last season, with an average age of 27.1 this season.
Conclusion:
Like all sports, basketball is constantly advancing. Unlike in previous years, when age was a significant concern, players may now play longer as long as they are in good health. As medical knowledge advances, we can see even older players in the NBA. Nat Hickey is the oldest NBA player to play in a game, while LeBron James is oldest active player.