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Turning 31 is a pivotal time in an NBA player's career. With every passing birthday, stars in their 30s begin to experience s gradual decline. But at 31, it can be argued that stars are in their physical prime and can understand the game better than they ever did before.
With nutrition, fitness and science developing at a rapid rate, NBA superstars are now able to extend their prime for a longer span of time. Some of the league's best stars are 31 and are still playing at their best.
Here, we will look at the five best NBA stars who are 31 years old.
#4 - Nikola Vucevic
Chicago Bulls' Nikola Vucevic is one of the best shooting big men in the entire league. Vucevic was a big part of the Chicago Bulls’ playoff resurgence last season. With the All-Star trio of Demar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Vucevic back this season, the Chicago Bulls are expected to make it to the playoffs.
Vucevic has made two All-Star teams throughout his NBA career. He averages 16.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 0.9 blocks per game during the regular season so far.
In a 114-109 Bulls' loss against the Philadelphia 76ers, Vucevic recorded a double-double with 23 points and 19 rebounds on 5-of-7 three-point shooting. He became first Bulls player with at least 20 points, 15 rebounds, and five three-pointers in a single game.
#3 - CJ McCollum
CJ McCollum has had a career renaissance ever since he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans midway through last season. The veteran guard has become the undisputed leader and floor general for the young New Orleans Pelicans.
With the New Orleans Pelicans having a young and exciting core of Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Herb Jones, they always looked like being a veteran floor general away from realizing their true potential. He was the undisputed second star in Portland. His teammate Damian Lillard was the man on the team and McCollum had to take a back seat.
Although McCollum has never made an All-Star team during his career, NBA players and fans worldwide consider him an All-Star caliber guard. But things could change this season if the New Orleans Pelicans hover at the top of the Western Conference standings this season.
#2 - Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson is one of the greatest shooters to ever play the game. It can be argued that the only shooter better than him in NBA history is his Golden State Warriors teammate Stephen Curry.
Thompson had a rough couple of years as he missed two straight seasons with an ACL injury and an Achilles injury. After returning in January this year, he slowly started working his way back into his past form. When the playoffs eventually came around, he played his part to perfection as the Golden State Warriors marched to their fourth championship in eight years.
With a full off-season to prepare for this season, NBA fans will be excited to see Klay Thompson regain his former All-Star form and add more accolades to his Hall of Fame resume.
At his best, Thompson was the best two-way shooting guard in the league. He has made five All-Star appearances throughout his season and will look to add to it this season. With his contract set to expire in a couple of seasons, Thompson needs to show it to the Golden State Warriors management that he is still the All-Star player that he was before his injury.
#1 - Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard is one of the best two-way wings of this generation. The 'Klaw' made a name for himself as the best perimeter defender in the league when he was with the San Antonio Spurs. Leonard also gradually developed his offensive game and eventually became one of the best players in the league.
Kawhi has won two NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, two Defensive Player of the Year awards and an All-Star Game MVP. Fittingly, he was also named on the NBA's 75th Anniversary team last year.
Leonard has received five All-Star selections, five All-NBA selections and seven All-Defense selections over the course of his career.
With the LA Clippers looking stacked this season and ably coached by 2016 NBA champion Ty Lue, all eyes will be on Leonard to lead them to glory this season. If he can win another finals MVP at age 31, he could possibly enter the conversation of being one of the best forwards to ever play the game of basketball.
