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The 2020-21 NBA season is witnessing spectacular performances from veteran elites who are proving to be the difference-makers for their teams. From Chris Paul leading the Phoenix Suns to Carmelo Anthony making the sacrifice for the Portland Trail Blazers, these superstars from yesteryear still have what it takes and are showing the young-guns how it's done in their twilight years.
5 veterans proving to be difference-makers this season
NBA veterans do more than just contribute on the floor. They also serve as the voice of reason in the locker room. They selflessly take out the time to mentor young guys who are often overzealous early in their careers. Veterans are also vital to teams with title aspirations as they can keep their calm during crunch time and help their side come out on top. Mike Conley and Jeff Green are perfect examples of two veterans playing their roles to perfection this season.
On that note, let's take a look at five NBA veterans who are making strides this campaign:
#5 Chris Paul - Phoenix Suns
Chris Paul continues to dazzle the NBA universe with his silky-smooth skills and stellar court-vision that make for beautiful highlight plays every time he takes to the court. The veteran is in his 16th year in the league and the way he is still going at it, he looks good for a few more seasons.
CP3 proved to be a difference-maker in his short stint with the OKC Thunder last season, where he guided them to an unexpected deep playoffs run. He is now on the verge of shattering another record as he endeavors to end the Phoenix Suns playoff drought this time around. Paul has transformed his new team, as they are now competing for top spot in the talent-rich Western Conference.
On top of their success, Chris is also serving as a great example both on and off the court. DeAndre Ayton and Devin Booker have nothing but praise for Chris as is helping add more depth to their game that will put them in a better spot for the rest of their careers. Paul is averaging 16.9 points and 8.1 assists on 47% shooting from the field in twenty-three games so far.
#4 Carmelo Anthony - Portland Trail Blazers
For a while there it looked like Carmelo Anthony was on his way out of the NBA for good. After being teamless for a season, the veteran did an interview with ESPN where he stated he was ready to embrace a new role at this stage of his career. He then found a new home with the Portland Trail Blazers last season and fans have since witnessed a laser-focused Carmelo Anthony make strides in the 2020 NBA playoffs.
The veteran went from being a chapter in the history books to now adding new pages to them as he continues to break records and climb up the all-time scoring list in the NBA. Melo embraced his new role off the bench and has been rewarded with quality minutes as a result. He is now playing with a legitimate playoff contender with the Portland Trail Blazers and will play a big role in the postseason later in the year. The ten-time All-Star is averaging 12.5 points on 38% shooting from the field.
#3 Eric Gordon - Houston Rockets
Eric Gordon has expanded his role in Houston following James Harden's exit from the team. While the Rockets have been on a rollercoaster ride this season, no one can deny the impact Gordon has made on bringing them out of their early-season rut. Eric has always been one of the finest sharpshooters in the game and can drop long-range bombs with high accuracy.
His shooting range is at par with the likes of Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard, who are comfortable releasing the ball from near the logo. Gordon serves as a great example of a veteran elite who did not allow his side to get bogged down by the James Harden saga and has strived hard to keep them afloat. While the Rockets' season could go either way this campaign, Gordon has proven he can still get the job done. 'Splash' Gordon is averaging 18.6 points on 46% shooting from the floor in nineteen games thus far.
#2 Mike Conley - Utah Jazz
Mike Conley went from experiencing one of his worst NBA seasons last year to now bouncing back with a high-impact showing this campaign. The veteran made a big splash in the Jazz's dominant performance to open the season and is leading his side in most assists and steals thus far. The Jazz will greatly benefit from the seasoned vet as he brings with him substantial playoff experience and the resolve to keep his nerves during crunch time.
Conley has quietly played a big role in the Utah Jazz's emergence as the new powerhouse in the Western Conference and has used his experience to guide the young players both on and off the court. Mike Conley has never been selected as an All-Star despite a sensational career with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he holds several records to his name. He is averaging 16.5 points and 5.8 assists on 45% shooting from the floor.
#1 Jeff Green - Brooklyn Nets
Jeff Green, the 34-year-old veteran, decided to take his talents to the Brooklyn Nets in free agency with the hopes of finally winning an NBA championship. His dreams may be on the horizon as the Nets have formed a super team with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Harden.
Green went through an unimaginable ordeal for an athlete early in his career as he underwent heart surgery back in the 2011-2012 season but has come out strong since. Green is now serving as the best defensive player on a team that is severely depleted in that department. Despite the Nets defensive woes, he is playing the 3-and-D role to perfection so far.
His versatility and leadership have been infectious as the 14-year veteran continues to make strides in his twilight years. He has been reunited with KD and former coach Mike D’Antoni and the camaraderie between them could yield favorable results as the season unfolds. Green is averaging 9.1 points and 3.6 rebounds on an efficient 49% shooting from the field.
Guess the Lakers players!
