Here is the second installment of my list of the top-10 NBA players over the age of 30.
Kyle Lowry (31) - PG
While he has been inconsistent in the post-season, Lowry has consistently been a major factor why the Raptors have become the relevant team they are now. Lowry is coming off a season where he has averaged 22 points a game, a career best. He also put up seven assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. While he has started off slow this season, he will only get better as the season progresses. His three-year deal worth $100 million says a lot about how much the Raptors value Lowry and how much they believe he can still give.
LaMarcus Aldridge (32) - PF/C
Aldridge has apparently experienced a rebirth this season. So far, he is averaging over 20 points a game and is displaying an aggressiveness that had not shown before in San Antonio. Gregg Popovich admitted his fault in constraining Aldridge in these past two years. The Spurs surprised everyone when they re-signed Aldridge this off-season. Now, he seems to be playing with more freedom. With Kawhi Leonard missing many games because of injury, Aldridge has played at a high level. It seems like he performs at his best when he is the 'man,' like in Portland. Aldridge's talents are out of the question.
Marc Gasol (32) - C
Marc Gasol has played his best basketball once he surpassed the age of 30.
That is unusual. There are very few, or no big men left in the league that can play with their back to the basket as Gasol does. His style of play allows him to remain valuable at this stage of his career. He continues to be the Grizzlies' defensive anchor and plays run through him most of the time.
Gasol averaged a career-best 19.5 points per game last season.
This season he is rebounding the ball better (8.6), and his over four assists per game are always there. There is no reason to believe he will not average similar numbers and continue to perform at the highest level at this stage of his career given his high basketball IQ The Grizzlies need every minute Gasol can give them.
Chris Paul (32) - PG
Chris Paul has missed several weeks at the start of the season due to injury. Rockets fans and NBA fans could not wait to see how Paul would fit into Mike D'Antoni's system, a system that would ultimately only help him shine individually even more. Paul has consistently averaged great numbers ever since he entered the league, and this season is no exception as he is averaging 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. He is scoring more and rebounding the ball more this season.
Paul has certainly not faded behind James Harden. The ex-Clipper has only made the Rockets more dangerous. There is no reason to believe Paul will start to fade in a major manner any time soon.
He is an old-school player that does not let himself get beaten and plays with aggressiveness every minute. Also, his skills do not need much athleticism or speed, nor have they needed much of that earlier in his career. Who is a better floor general in the NBA than Chris Paul?
LeBron James (32) - SF/PF
LeBron James is arguably still the best player in the game. His toughest challenger is Kevin Durant, and he is 29 years of age. So, it was clear that James would head this list. LeBron is one of the best athletes of all-time. His supernatural physique has allowed him to dodge major injuries throughout his career and to continue to play at the highest level right now. The Cavaliers might be inconsistent this season, but James still looks like the ever-dominant LeBron.
LeBron is averaging 27.1 points, 8.8 assists, and eight rebounds per game this season. There is no doubt that this is being one of his best statistical seasons, and his efficiency has only improved. LeBron might no longer be the defender he once was, but he continues to impact the game in almost every way and looks to bring the team together like very few players in NBA history. Durant will be 30 next year. Will LeBron still lead this list next year?
