Many NBA legends have played their best basketball once they crossed the age of 30. Michael Jordan would probably top this list as he won four NBA championships after reaching that age. While stamina and athleticism begin to fade, the great players find a way to remain very productive by working harder than ever, especially on their weaknesses, and using their high basketball IQ to outsmart the opposition. Today's NBA is not an exception.
Here is the first installment of my list of the top-10 NBA players over the age of 30.
10. Lou Williams (31) - PG/SG
Williams is arguably the best sixth man in the league and has been so for several years. He is the ideal sixth man. He carries the bench, prolongs leads or cuts deficits, and is valuable enough to finish games with the starters. Between the Rockets and Clippers last season, he was able to average 17.5 points. Opposing teams continue to have to make adjustments once Sweet Lou comes off the bench. When he gets going offensively, there is little that can be done to stop him. He is a professional scorer that can get a basket in almost every way. Williams has quickly become vital in LA.
9. Goran Dragic (31) - PG
Dragic is probably coming off his best statistical season (20.3 points, 5.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds).
This season, the Slovenian point guard is continuing to average similar numbers and to lead the Miami Heat. Erik Spoelstra has total faith in Dragic and continues to give him over 30 minutes per game. His ability to play on and off the ball make him eligible to play big minutes in the back-court. Thanks to his craftiness, refined footwork, and shooting ability, Dragic has been able and will continue to be able to do damage offensively for several more years.
While Hassan Whiteside is the Heat's power, Dragic has not ceased to be their soul.
8. Paul Millsap (32) - PF
Millsap is as fundamentally sound as they get. You can still throw the ball to the veteran power forward when you need a bucket and he will probably deliver. Millsap is coming off his best scoring season thanks to his 18.1 points per game, which were accompanied by 7.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
He has an extensive offensive repertoire in the post and throws in a three-pointer or two as well when necessary. He will continue to be productive at this stage of his career because his game is not based on speed or athleticism. Millsap's wrist injury with Denver this season is keeping him out a long time, but there is no reason to believe he will not continue to be effective once he comes back.
7. Al Horford (31) -PF/C
Horford might no longer be a go-to-guy in the post and able to put up numbers close to 20 points a game, but he can still impact the game in several ways. Horford averaged 14 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game last season. He continues to fill up the stat sheet like few big men in the league and he is a model team-player.
In Boston, Horford is asked to play-make and be a defensive anchor. His career-best 5 assists per game last season speak for themselves. He continues to excel in that department this season. His over 1 block per game is always present, his rebounding numbers have improved this season, and he has developed a solid three-point shot in recent years. Horford makes teams win.
6. Carmelo Anthony (33) - SF/PF
Carmelo Anthony might no longer give you many assists, steals, or blocks ... wait, he has never given that. Jokes aside, Carmelo has been one of the best offensive players of his generation. At age 33, he has been given a new opportunity to shine under the spotlight. So far, he has not faded away behind Russell Westbrook and Paul George in OKC like many had imagined.
In isolation situations, Anthony is still almost impossible to stop and his smooth jump shot continues to give him easy points. His ever-bulky body figure continues to allow him to get to the paint. He averaged 22 points last season. There is no reason to believe that Carmelo won't continue to average something very close to 20 points this season.
