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As we enter the 2021-22 NBA season, we see the influx of young players from one of the deepest drafts in the modern era of the NBA. With the talent in the league in the form of players such as Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic and Devin Booker among many names, the future of the NBA is in good hands.
However, this shouldn't turn attention away from the stars of the previous generations who are still active today and playing at a high level. While not in their prime anymore, the veteran savvy that age brings is hard to replicate.
Looking at players like Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat, who at the age of 41 is still a member of the side, the league is still served by these veterans who guide the next generation.
In this article, we take a look at the top five NBA players aged over 35 going into the 2021-22 season.
#5 Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony is coming off of a great season with the Portland Trailblazers. Coming off the bench for them, Anthony was an important role player and an effective scoring punch for them.
Last season, Anthony averaged 13.4 points and 3.1 rebounds for the Blazers. However, in his prime, Anthony was one of the most gifted offensive players of his era. Having led the league in scoring during his time with the New York Knicks, Anthony is a certified scorer and is still effective at the age of 37.
Entering the 2021-22 NBA season, Carmelo Anthony has signed with the LA Lakers. Joining the ranks of one of the oldest teams in the NBA, Anthony will pair up with LeBron James. With an arsenal of mid-post moves, Anthony still has a lot to offer.
#4 Goran Dragic
Having played for the Phoenix Suns for a majority of his career, Goran Dragic enjoyed his most successful playoff runs in the latter part of his career with the Miami Heat.
A key component of the 2019-20 Miami Heat squad that went to the NBA Finals, Dragic shows that his style of play is still very effective and his talents can help any team improve.
The 35-year old averaged 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists with the Heat in the 2020-21 season. Shooting an effective 37.3% from downtown and 43.2% from the field, Dragic still has upside when it comes to creating plays and scoring for his team.
Goran Dragic was acquired by the Toronto Raptors in a trade for Kyle Lowry. While it seems unlikely that he will stay with the team due to rumors about a potential buyout, any team in the NBA would benefit from having a veteran guard like Dragic in their lineup.
He is most commonly linked to the Dallas Mavericks, who are quickly emerging as the team who will land him should the Raptors buy out his contract.
#3 Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry played as the starting point guard for the Toronto Raptors. As a part of the championship squad that won the title in the 2019 NBA Finals, Lowry brings championship pedigree with him into the 2021-22 NBA season.
Lowry is a tough point guard who can score and create for his team. He averaged 17.2 points, 7.3 assists and 5.4 rebounds with the Raptors last season. At the age of 35, those are incredible numbers from a starting point guard. Lowry is also a six-time NBA All-Star.
Entering the 2021-22 season, Lowry will be joining Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo on the Miami Heat roster. Lowry's mindset and approach to the game perfectly assimilates with the brand of basketball played by the team.
Lowry was acquired in a trade with Toronto which involved sending Dragic and Precious Achiuwa in exchange. With this acquisition, Miami has bolstered their lineup with a crafty veteran point guard and are emerging as instant title contenders.
#2 Chris Paul
Chris Paul is known by many as a "Point God" and is rated as one of the best point guards in the league, even now. Paul was drafted in 2005 and has effectively been one of the most consistent guards in the league.
Paul's genius level basketball IQ and expansive skill set makes him a great asset for any team he is on. In his short stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he led the young team to the NBA Playoffs. In the 2020-21 season, he and the Phoenix Suns had their first NBA Finals appearance since 1993.
Paul averaged 16.4 points and 8.9 rebounds last season. His ability to run the floor and direct traffic is truly elite. At the age of 36, the sheer experience that Paul has is enough to be a contributing factor to a team.
With his natural leadership skills paired with the competitive drive brought on by the Finals loss, the Phoenix Suns made a great decision to sign him and keep him on board for the franchise's future.
#1 LeBron James
Even at the age of 36, LeBron James still enters the discussion for top five players in the NBA. He has maintained a standard of brilliance over the course of his career that is hard to replicate.
As one of the biggest names in basketball, LeBron has always had to perform on the big stage. With ten total NBA finals appearances, eight of which were consecutive, LeBron has also walked away with four NBA Championships. Having been to the dance so many times, James' experiences with playoff atmospheres don't faze him as he keeps his eyes on the title.
James, this late in his 18-year career, is still a perennial All-Star. For the 2020-21 season, he averaged 25 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.8 assists. As one of the most versatile players in NBA history, LeBron does a lot more than just contribute to games.
The Lakers are looking to make a title run in the 2021-22 season after signing some talented veterans. With LeBron looking to win with the limited time on his side, we can expect big things for the season.
Guess the Lakers players!
