Key takeaways:
- LeBron James is currently the oldest player in the NBA at 38, adding his extensive experience to the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Nat Hickey holds the record for the oldest person to play in the NBA, having played two games at age 45.
- The older players in the NBA are important for their wisdom and the strong leadership they provide, which is just as valuable as physical skill.
In the NBA, being older doesn’t just mean you’ve been around for a long time. It means you have a lot of basketball wisdom to help your team. Young stars might get a lot of attention for their fresh legs and flashy moves, but the older pros have a unique know-how that only comes with years of playing the game.
As the 2023-2024 season unfolds, it’s a good time to spotlight some of the oldest NBA players still lacing them up. We will introduce you to these seasoned athletes, tell you about the most senior players who have ever hit the court, and discuss why these experienced players are crucial for their teams.
Oldest Player in the NBA Right Now
LeBron James is the oldest player in the NBA right now. At 38, he’s playing in the 2023-24 season and has been in the NBA for 20 years.
LeBron has made a massive mark on the game. Even though he’s older, he’s still playing like an All-Star. Last season, he was a powerhouse, averaging 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. He even set a new record for the most points scored in the NBA ever, and is among the all-time PPG leaders.
People say LeBron might keep playing until his son, Bronny, gets into the NBA. Looking at how well LeBron is doing now, he could do it.
LeBron James isn’t just the oldest player in the NBA; he’s a living legend (despite being known for flopping in basketball), showing everyone that you can still be great in sports, even when you’re older.
Learn more: Best LeBron James Quotes
10 Oldest NBA Players On Rosters in 2023-2024
These ten active NBA players are the oldest in the league this year.
- LeBron James – LeBron is 38 and plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s the oldest in the NBA right now and has scored more points in games than anyone else.
- P.J. Tucker – P.J. Tucker is also 38 and is with the Los Angeles Clippers. He’s good at stopping the other team from scoring. He was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Clippers this season.
- Chris Paul – Chris Paul is 38, too, and is trying to win his first championship by taking on role player responsibilities with the Golden State Warriors. His career assists and steals rank him among the best point guards ever. Fun fact: He is also the shortest NBA player on the Warriors and one of the shortest players in the league.
- Kyle Lowry – Kyle Lowry is 37 and plays for the Miami Heat. While perhaps the biggest flopper in the NBA, he’s known for being a great leader and helped his team win the championship in 2019. He’s been in the All-Star games six times.
- Garrett Temple – Garrett Temple is 37 and is with the Toronto Raptors. He’s good at defense and making three-point shots. He’s been on 11 different NBA teams; this is his 13th season.
- Al Horford – Al Horford, also 37, plays for the Boston Celtics. He’s good at many parts of the game and has been in the All-Star games a few times. He’s in his 17th season.
- Jeff Green – Jeff Green is 37 and with the Houston Rockets. He’s in his 16th season and can play in different positions, helping his team score and defend.
- Wesley Matthews – Wesley Matthews is 37 and plays for the Atlanta Hawks. He’s good at making three-point shots and stopping the other team from scoring. He’s in his 15th season and has been on eight different teams.
- Danny Green – Danny Green is 36 and with the Philadelphia 76ers. He’s won three championships and is good at hitting shots from beyond the arc.
- Joe Ingles – Joe Ingles is 36 and plays for the Orlando Magic. He’s known for making smart plays and being good at three-point shots.
Table 1: Oldest NBA Players, 2023-2024 Season
| RANK | NAME | AGE | BIRTHDAY | TEAM |
| 1 | LeBron James | 38 | December 30, 1984 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2 | P.J. Tucker | 38 | May 5, 1985 | Los Angeles Clippers |
| 3 | Chris Paul | 38 | May 6, 1985 | Golden State Warriors |
| 4 | Kyle Lowry | 37 | March 25, 1986 | Miami Heat |
| 5 | Garrett Temple | 37 | May 8, 1986 | Toronto Raptors |
| 6 | Al Horford | 37 | June 3, 1986 | Boston Celtics |
| 7 | Jeff Green | 37 | August 28, 1986 | Houston Rockets |
| 8 | Wesley Matthews | 37 | October 14, 1986 | Atlanta Hawks |
| 9 | Danny Green | 36 | June 22, 1987 | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 10 | Joe Ingles | 36 | October 2, 1987 | Orlando Magic |
Learn more: How many NBA teams are there?
Oldest NBA Players Ever
These five players are the oldest to have played in the NBA. They showed us that you can play basketball at a high level for many years.
- Nat Hickey – Nat Hickey is the oldest player in NBA history. At 45 years old, he played for the Providence Steamrollers. His two-game stint in 1948 came when he was a coach who turned himself into a player to help his struggling team, making his record even more interesting.
- Kevin Willis – Kevin Willis played in the NBA until he was 44. He was on many teams and even won a championship with the San Antonio Spurs. But people remember him most for his time with the Atlanta Hawks. He was known for his strong rebounding skills and was a key player well into his 40s.
- Robert Parish – Known as “Chief,” Robert Parish played until he was 43. He was in the NBA for 21 seasons, mainly with the Boston Celtics. He won four championships and was known for scoring, getting rebounds, and blocking shots. He was picked for the All-Star games nine times.
- Vince Carter – Vince Carter was 43 when he stopped playing in the NBA. He played for 22 seasons, which is a record. He was famous for his incredible dunks. As he got older, he became good at shooting and helped teach the younger players.
- Dikembe Mutombo – Dikembe Mutombo was 42 when he retired. He was one of the best at blocking shots in NBA history. He played for 18 seasons, was in the All-Star games eight times, and was named the best defensive player four times.
Table 2: Oldest NBA Players of All-Time
| RANK | NAME | OLDEST AGE WHILE PLAYING IN THE NBA | |
| 1 | Nat Hickey | 45 | |
| 2 | Kevin Willis | 44 | |
| 3 | Robert Parish | 43 | |
| 4 | Vince Carter | 43 | |
| 5 | Dikembe Mutombo | 42 | |
Learn more: Who has the most rings in the NBA?
The Significance of Age in the NBA
Age in the NBA can shape what a player does for their team and how they guide others.
Older players might not move as fast or jump as high, but they make up for it with their extensive game and league experience. Having been in countless games, they have a level of knowledge that helps them:
- Be in the right place at the right time,
- Navigate high-pressure situations, and
- Make decisions that benefit their team.
Take Chris Paul, for example. A long-time starter and one of the greatest point guards to play the game, he’s now coming off the bench for the first time in his NBA career. While the season is still early, you can already see how his leadership positively influences the other reserves around him and strengthens the Golden State Warriors.
Chris Paul said, “It’s whatever I’ve got to do to help our team win. So if that means this, if it means not finishing some games or whatnot, you know, if you get a chance to play long enough in your career, there’s things that’s going to change, there’s things that’s going to be different and I’m here.”
Older players are not just watching from the side. They play and help their teams in many ways. They teach the younger players about the game, how to stay away from injuries, and how to get better if they get hurt. They help keep the team working hard and staying positive.
The NBA has seen that getting older is not always the end of a player’s journey but a new chapter. This shift changes how teams are put together and how players plan their careers.
Learn more: Who is the NBA logo?
Keys to a Long NBA Career
Staying in the NBA for many years is more than being good at basketball. It’s also about how players train, eat, and look after their health.
Thanks to better training and advances in health science, the oldest NBA players are staying strong and fit for longer. This means they can play well into their late 30s and even early 40s, which used to be rare.
For example, LeBron James, the oldest NBA player right now, takes his health very seriously. His team includes a biochemist, recovery coach, personal chefs, and massage therapists. He’s even set up his house with a gym, tubs for ice and hot baths, and a special chamber to help him heal.
Tips for Older Basketball Players
Here’s how the oldest NBA players keep going strong:
- Training Smart – Long-lasting NBA players train wisely. They focus on getting stronger, staying flexible, and having good stamina. They also make sure to rest so their bodies can heal.
- Eating Right – Eating the right foods is crucial. Players choose meals that give them power and help them heal after playing or working out. Nutrition experts often advise them to eat the best foods for their needs.
- Medical Care – Quick and proper care for injuries is a must. Players work with doctors and therapists and use the latest health treatments to stay fit and prevent or recover from injuries.
- Adapting the Game – Older players adjust their playing style to keep being valuable to their teams. They might do more shooting or passing and less running or jumping.
- Mental Health – Taking care of the mind is as essential as the body. Players who stay in the NBA for a long time also work on their mental health.
All these things help players stay in the NBA longer. It’s not just about skill; it’s about taking good care of themselves.
You might also like: LeBron James and other NBA and WNBA greats offer inspiration with these basketball quotes.
FAQ
Who is the oldest active NBA player?
LeBron James is the oldest active NBA player as of the 2023-2024 season. He is 38 years old and plays for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Who is the longest player in the NBA?
Vince Carter holds the record for the longest NBA career, playing 22 seasons before retiring.
How old is LeBron James?
LeBron James was born on December 30, 1984, which makes him 38 years old as of the 2023-2024 NBA season.
Can you be 40 in the NBA?
Yes, you can be 40 years old and play in the NBA. Several players, like Vince Carter and Robert Parish, have played in the league at 40 or older.
Who is the oldest NBA player ever?
The oldest NBA player ever is Nat Hickey, who played at 45 years old for the Providence Steamrollers in 1948.
What age did the oldest NBA players retire?
Some of the oldest NBA players retired at different ages. Still, notable players like Kevin Willis and Robert Parish played until they were 44 and 43, respectively.
Who are some of the oldest NBA players to watch this season?
Besides LeBron James, other older NBA players to watch this season include P.J. Tucker, Chris Paul, Kyle Lowry, and Al Horford, all 37 years old or older.
All About NBA Players
Discover even more about the players that make up the world’s largest professional basketball league in our NBA Fan Guide.
