The 2025-26 NBA season is almost here, and rosters across the league are filled with a mix of grizzled veterans and rising phenoms. Every team features one player holding it down with years of experience, and another just beginning their professional journey. From 40-year-old LeBron James still defying time in Los Angeles to an 18-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg trying to make his mark, the league’s generational contrast has never been sharper.
Here’s a look at the oldest and youngest players on every NBA team heading into the new season. We know that LeBron will be the elder statesman for the Lakers while his son is the youngest on the team, but how does the rest of the league look in terms of age discrepancy? Let’s find out.
Atlanta Hawks
Oldest Player: Kristaps Porzingis (30 Years, 72 Days)
Youngest Player: Asa Newell (20 Years, 8 Days)
Kristaps Porzingis brings much-needed size, shooting, and veteran savvy to an Atlanta team built around Trae Young. Though injuries have followed him throughout his career, his ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim gives the Hawks a valuable stabilizer in the frontcourt as he enters his early 30s.
The youngest Hawk, Asa Newell, represents the franchise’s developmental future. The 6’9″ forward brings athleticism and raw scoring potential, and learning under Porzingis could accelerate his defensive growth as Atlanta balances short-term goals with long-term promise. Having a big as the oldest and youngest on the team isn’t the worst scenario to be in for the Hawks right now.
Boston Celtics
Oldest Player: Chris Boucher (32 Years, 275 Days)
Youngest Player: Hugo Gonzalez (19 Years, 250 Days)
Boucher’s length, energy, and rim protection make him an ideal bench veteran for a title-contending Boston Celtics squad that is undergoing a rebuild year due to Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles. Though his role may fluctuate if the Celtics make moves during the season, his experience and ability to play both forward spots add depth to Boston’s front line.
At just 19, Gonzalez is a project pick for the future. The Spanish wing brings a fluid offensive game and international experience, giving Boston a young talent to mold behind its veteran core of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Hopefully, he can learn from some championship-winning players like the two stars and Derrick White.
Brooklyn Nets
Oldest Player: Terance Mann (28 Years, 360 Days)
Youngest Player: Nolan Traore (19 Years, 138 Days)
Nearly 29, Mann enters his prime as a two-way glue guy who can defend multiple positions and hit timely shots. His leadership and defensive versatility bring stability to a retooling Brooklyn Nets squad that is probably on the way to tanking very soon. Mann will likely start, or if not, act as a mentor off the bench.
The French guard, Traore, is Brooklyn’s youngest player and one of its most intriguing developmental pieces. Traore’s quickness, craft, and offensive instincts could make him a long-term backcourt fit if the Nets embrace a youth movement. Hopefully, the young guard gets his reps on the court to try out his shooting and playmaking skills in the NBA.
Charlotte Hornets
Oldest Player: Mason Plumlee (35 Days, 222 Days)
Youngest Player: Liam McNeeley (20 Years, 3 Days)
Returning as a veteran presence, Mason Plumlee’s role is clear: lead by example, rebound, and mentor the Hornets’ young bigs. His professionalism and steady play offer balance to a roster heavy on potential but light on experience. We don’t see Plumlee playing heavy minutes, however, because his time in the league is coming to an end soon.
McNeeley, the 20-year-old sharpshooter, enters Charlotte with elite spacing skills and a polished offensive feel. As LaMelo Ball’s newest perimeter partner, McNeeley could develop into a reliable secondary scorer over time, and we hope he gets a chance to let it fly and get his three-point shot going.
Chicago Bulls
Oldest Player: Nikola Vucevic (34 Years, 354 Days)
Youngest Player: Noa Essengue (18 Years, 299 Days)
Nikola Vucevic is the Bulls’ veteran anchor in the paint, capable of steady double-doubles and smart passing. While Chicago eyes a reset, his professionalism and experience provide structure through transition. However, the big man might not belong on a rebuilding team for much longer and should probably look for a trade elsewhere.
Barely 19, Essengue is one of the youngest players in the league and an upside swing for the Bulls. His length and athleticism make him an intriguing long-term project for a team shifting toward youth. At 6’9″, Essengue was taken No. 12 overall so the Bulls are hoping to see his talents come through quickly.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Oldest Player: Larry Nance Jr. (32 Years, 285 Days)
Youngest Player: Tyrese Proctor (21 Years, 195 Days)
Nance returns to Cleveland as a respected veteran with defensive versatility and leadership value. His locker-room presence and familiarity with the organization make him a stabilizing addition to a playoff-level roster, even if his minutes should wane with slightly more impactful players ahead of him on the depth chart for the Cavaliers.
Tyrese Proctor, an Australian guard, offers strong two-way potential and a high basketball IQ. At just 21, Proctor’s ability to play both guard spots could make him a key piece in Cleveland’s backcourt rotation. However, we don’t see him playing ahead of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland for obvious reasons.
Dallas Mavericks
Oldest Player: Klay Thompson (35 Years, 247 Days)
Youngest Player: Cooper Flagg (18 Years, 296 Days)
Klay Thompson’s presence marks a major statement for Dallas. The five-time All-Star may be past his prime. Still, his shooting, spacing, and championship pedigree make him an invaluable weapon alongside Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis (if they can both stay healthy). Thompson can still get hot from deep, so his presence can’t be understated just yet.
The Mavericks’ youngest player is also one of the most anticipated rookies in years. Cooper Flagg’s all-around game, competitive motor, and defensive instincts could make him the future face of the franchise, but the Mavs are actually hoping he can contribute to a playoff team as soon as possible. Flagg has a chance to run away with Rookie of the Year because the talent is clearly there to see.
Denver Nuggets
Oldest Player: Tim Hardaway Jr. (33 Years, 211 Days)
Youngest Player: Peyton Watson (23 Years, 32 Days)
The newly-acquired Hardaway brings a veteran scoring punch to Denver’s second unit. His perimeter shooting and playoff experience help round out a Nuggets roster chasing another title run behind Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. No doubt, Hardaway Jr. was a very solid pickup for the team, considering their bench was their weakness last season.
Peyton Watson continues his slow, steady development within Denver’s system. As the youngest player on the roster, his length and defensive upside could make him a valuable rotation piece in the near future, but he should get some important minutes during the regular season.
Detroit Pistons
Oldest Player: Tobias Harris (33 Years, 90 Days)
Youngest Player: Ron Holland (20 Years, 98 Days)
Tobias Harris continues in Detroit as the veteran leader for one of the league’s youngest and most interesting squads. His professionalism, scoring reliability, and locker-room steadiness are crucial for guiding the Pistons’ path to getting better on both ends of the court. Hopefully, Harris can improve his numbers a bit to help Cade Cunningham offensively.
Meanwhile, the 20-year-old forward headlines Detroit’s youthful talent pool. Known for his athleticism and defensive instincts, Holland represents the next wave of energy as the Pistons aim to start finding some more gems to place alongside Cunningham. We like the 6’8″ forward and what he can bring, so we expect him to play more than 15.6 MPG on average.
Golden State Warriors
Oldest Player: Al Horford (39 Years, 132 Days)
Youngest Player: Brandin Podziemski (22 Years, 230 Days)
Nearly 40, Al Horford is the ultimate professional presence on a Warriors team that still wants to go all-in during the Stephen Curry era. His leadership, defense, and basketball IQ remain invaluable despite declining minutes. We expect Horford to be a perfect player in the Warriors’ system alongside Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler.
Still just 22, Podziemski has emerged as a rotation mainstay and one of the most critical players on the Warriors’ next season. His shooting touch, playmaking, and confidence make him a building block for Golden State’s future, but also the present, because he can get hot from deep and is improving as a passer and defender.
Houston Rockets
Oldest Player: Jeff Green (39 Years, 46 Days)
Youngest Player: Reed Sheppard (21 Years, 111 Days)
At 39, Jeff Green remains one of the NBA’s ultimate professionals, offering leadership and perspective to a talented and developing Rockets team. His longevity and adaptability make him a respected voice in a youthful locker room chasing playoff consistency, and his chemistry with newcomer Kevin Durant means his role is very important.
Reed Sheppard, the second-year guard, brings elite shooting and quick decision-making to Houston’s high-tempo offense. At just 21, Sheppard’s feel for the game and competitive edge have to be in full effect to help the Rockets reach their goals. In the absence of Fred VanVleet due to an ACL injury, Sheppard has to be good very fast.
Indiana Pacers
Oldest Player: T.J. McConnell (33 Years, 202 Days)
Youngest Player: Johnny Furphy (20 Years, 309 Days)
T.J. McConnell’s leadership, hustle, and locker-room presence continue to define his impact in Indiana. He’s a coach’s dream: reliable, unselfish, and always ready, setting the tone for a fast-paced Pacers squad. With Tyrese Haliburton out, the oldest player on the team should be taking over the point guard spot.
The Australian Furphy brings the Pacers a versatile, athletic forward with real upside. Still raw but promising, Furphy’s ability to shoot and defend multiple positions makes him a long-term developmental project. We will probably see Furphy get his shots on the court with plenty of offense to spare in Haliburton’s absence.
Los Angeles Clippers
Oldest Player: Chris Paul (40 Years, 160 Days)
Youngest Player: Cam Christie (20 Years, 81 Days)
On a team filled with old guys, the ageless floor general Chris Paul is now the league’s oldest active point guard, still orchestrating offenses with precision. At 40, Paul’s basketball IQ and mentorship are just as valuable as his on-court contributions for a Clippers team managing a new era. Let’s see if Paul can use the final season of his career to try to win his first NBA championship.
The younger brother of Max Christie, Cam brings length, shooting, and quiet confidence to the Clippers’ bench. At 20, he’s in a perfect position to learn from one of the smartest point guards the game has ever seen, and at the very least, he can look over at James Harden and Bradley Beal to learn from them as well.
Los Angeles Lakers
Oldest Player: LeBron James (40 Years, 287 Days)
Youngest Player: Bronny James (21 Years, 7 Days)
Entering his 23rd season, LeBron James continues to defy age, producing at a level few could imagine at 40 and going at 41. His leadership and all-around excellence remain the foundation of the Lakers’ playoff hopes alongside Luka Doncic, and we can’t wait to see The King continue to break records once he gets healthy. Amazingly, a top-10 player in the world is also the oldest player in the NBA.
On the other end, the NBA’s most-watched rookie last season carries a little bit more weight on his shoulders than he should. Playing alongside his father, Bronny’s athleticism, defense, and maturity give him a chance to carve his own path in Los Angeles as the youngest on the team with a very raw game.
Memphis Grizzlies
Oldest Player: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (32 Years, 237 Days)
Youngest Player: GG Jackson II (20 Years, 231 Days)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope adds championship pedigree and perimeter defense to Memphis’ rotation. His experience and consistency complement Ja Morant’s high-octane playstyle while providing veteran guidance to a young backcourt. Even if he was originally acquired in a deal for Desmond Bane that brought back four first-round picks, KCP will have an important role to play.
GG Jackson II, one of the league’s youngest rising scorers, continues to flash star potential. His offensive growth and confidence make him a key piece of Memphis’ long-term plans alongside Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. We expect more hot shooting from the 6’9″ forward in the 2025-26 NBA season.
Miami Heat
Oldest Player: Norman Powell (32 Years, 141 Days)
Youngest Player: Kasparas Jakucionis (19 Years, 137 Days)
The newly-acquired Norman Powell brings scoring punch and playoff experience to a Heat team that thrives on toughness. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions fits perfectly within Miami’s hard-nosed culture, and the team believes they have a semblance of a “Big Three” with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
Kasparas Jakucionis, at 19, has intriguing long-term potential. His passing instincts and court vision make him a developmental gem in an organization known for maximizing hidden talent. Hopefully, the Luthanian can reward the Heat for taking him No. 20 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Milwaukee Bucks
Oldest Player: Thanasis Antetokounmpo (33 Years, 87 Days)
Youngest Player: Tyler Smith (20 Years, 345 Days)
The elder Antetokounmpo remains Milwaukee’s emotional heartbeat, providing energy, defense, and leadership from the bench. His chemistry with Giannis continues to define the team’s close-knit identity, and keeping the brother happy will be of absolute importance for the Bucks organization in turmoil right now.
Tyler Smith’s length, shooting ability, and fluid athleticism give Milwaukee a rare developmental piece for the future. As the Bucks balance a win-now core with youngsters for some confusing reason, Smith’s growth could shape their next era if he can get enough reps in on the court.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Oldest Player: Joe Ingles (38 Years, 11 Days)
Youngest Player: Joan Beringer (18 Years, 341 Days)
Joe Ingles brings steady shooting and veteran leadership to a Timberwolves roster on the rise. His court awareness and locker-room impact help keep Minnesota grounded as it pursues another deep playoff run. Ingles was brought in to provide veteran experience, and that’s what he will aim to do in limited minutes.
Meanwhile, at just 18, Beringer is Minnesota’s youngest and most unknown prospect. His combination of size and skill makes him an intriguing international project in a franchise that’s thriving under Anthony Edwards’ leadership. We still don’t know what to expect from the 6’10” center who went No. 17 overall.
New Orleans Pelicans
Oldest Player: Kevon Looney (29 Years, 249 Days)
Youngest Player: Jeremiah Fears (18 Years, 364 Days)
Former NBA champion Kevon Looney’s arrival gives New Orleans a championship-tested veteran who thrives in the dirty work. His rebounding and discipline complement Zion Williamson’s offensive firepower, providing needed interior stability. Hopefully, Zion can stay healthy to learn from the experienced center.
Nearly 19, Fears is a young point guard with advanced instincts and confidence. His development could set up the Pelicans for long-term backcourt success, because the franchise is riding high on their No. 7 overall pick. It will be interesting to see how the team plays Fears with Jordan Poole in the backcourt without giving up too much on defense as well.
New York Knicks
Oldest Player: P.J. Tucker (40 Years, 161 Days)
Youngest Player: Pacome Dadiet (20 Years, 78 Days)
The 40-year-old P.J. Tucker continues to embody toughness and defensive grit. Tucker’s leadership and championship experience make him the perfect mentor for a Knicks team with deep playoff aspirations. He won’t play much, but his sheer presence in limited minutes will be important as a former NBA champion
Pacome Dadiet, a 20-year-old French wing, adds size, shooting touch, and upside to New York’s young core. Still developing, Dadiet could benefit immensely from learning under veterans like Tucker, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oldest Player: Alex Caruso (31 Years, 227 Days)
Youngest Player: Thomas Sorber (19 Years, 292 Days)
All-Defensive Team stalwart Alex Caruso’s defensive intensity and championship experience are ideal fits for the Thunder’s championship-winning and competitive roster. His presence reinforces OKC’s identity as a team built on grit and accountability. One of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and an invaluable presence for the Thunder, Caruso is also the oldest player on a young team.
Thomas Sorber, the rookie center, gives the Thunder another athletic, defensive-minded big man to groom. At just 19, Sorber’s potential as a rim protector and rebounder makes him a valuable long-term investment with the hopes of learning the ropes from Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Orlando Magic
Oldest Player: Tyus Jones (29 Years, 156 Days)
Youngest Player: Jase Richardson (19 Years, 362 Days)
Still considered a relatively young player, Tyus Jones brings steady leadership and mistake-free basketball to a young Magic team on the rise. His veteran poise at point guard helps Orlando manage late-game situations and nurture its developing stars, including Jalen Suggs, who is still refining his passing game.
The son of former NBA dunk champion Jason Richardson, Jase enters the league with an athletic pedigree and energy. His explosive playstyle and work ethic fit perfectly into Orlando’s youth-driven culture. We think Jase has the potential to get hot offensively, so we hope he can provide that in limited spurts with the team.
Philadelphia 76ers
Oldest Player: Kyle Lowry (39 Years, 202 Days)
Youngest Player: VJ Edgecombe (20 Years, 75 Days)
Kyle Lowry, the Philly native, returns home to provide veteran leadership and championship experience. At 39, Lowry’s toughness and basketball IQ continue to make him a respected presence on and off the court. Unless the 76ers fail to make something of the season again, Lowry will look to make a difference behind Tyrese Maxey in the depth chart.
VJ Edgecombe, a high-flying Bahamian wing, brings energy, athleticism, and upside to the Sixers’ rotation. His development alongside Tyrese Maxey could shape the next phase of Philadelphia’s evolution that may or may not include Joel Embiid and Paul George. Edgecombe is one of the brightest prospects of the 2025 Draft, so there will be some pressure on him to perform.
Phoenix Suns
Oldest Player: Royce O’Neale (32 Years, 130 Days)
Youngest Player: Khaman Maluach (19 Years, 29 Days)
Royce O’Neale’s defensive versatility and reliable shooting make him a glue piece for Phoenix, if only the team had a contending roster for the upcoming season. His veteran poise complements the Suns’ lineup, especially in high-pressure playoff moments, but he doesn’t seem to fit into the roster at this moment. Other than Devin Booker, there aren’t any elite players on the roster, so O’Neale’s impact will be minimized.
Khaman Maluach was acquired with Houston’s No. 10 overall pick in the offseason for Kevin Durant, so the Suns were pretty big winners in that regard. The 7-foot Sudanese center is one of the league’s most promising teenage prospects. His combination of length, mobility, and raw potential could make him Phoenix’s future defensive anchor.
Portland Trail Blazers
Oldest Player: Jrue Holiday (35 Years, 123 Days)
Youngest Player: Yang Hansen (20 Years, 109 Days)
Jrue Holiday brings leadership, championship experience, and elite defense to a rebuilding Trail Blazers squad. His influence on young guards like Scoot Henderson could prove invaluable in shaping the team’s culture, especially as Damian Lillard rehabs his torn Achilles tendon with the hopes of returning in the 2026-27 campaign.
Meanwhile, the 7-foot Chinese center gives Portland a developmental frontcourt piece with intriguing mobility. At just 20, Hansen’s defensive instincts and touch around the rim make him a long-term project worth watching. Based on what we have seen from Hansen in the pre-season, there could be an interesting prospect alongside Donovan Clingan in the paint.
Sacramento Kings
Oldest Player: DeMar DeRozan (36 Years, 67 Days)
Youngest Player: Maxime Raynaud (22 Years, 189 Days)
DeMar DeRozan brings a veteran scoring punch and leadership to a Kings team looking to keep alive and make a postseason push. His midrange mastery and experience provide balance to the team’s fast-paced offense, even if he tends to be forgotten and disrespected by those who seem to look past an “old-school” style of play.
Maxime Raynaud, the French big man, offers intriguing size and perimeter skill. Though still raw, Raynaud’s shooting touch and feel for the game could eventually earn him a role in Sacramento’s evolving rotation, although breaking ahead of Domantas Sabonis won’t be the easiest thing for him.
San Antonio Spurs
Oldest Player: Kelly Olynyk (34 Years, 177 Days)
Youngest Player: Dylan Harper (19 Years, 225 Days)
Kelly Olynyk’s veteran savvy and offensive versatility make him an ideal mentor for Victor Wembanyama. His floor spacing and unselfish play help San Antonio’s young core develop chemistry, even if he won’t play major minutes, considering he is almost 35 years old.
Dylan Harper, one of the most exciting young guards in the league, brings dynamic scoring and playmaking potential to the Spurs. At just 19, he’s a key part of the team’s long-term backcourt vision, although he will have staunch competition from Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, and Devin Vassell.
Toronto Raptors
Oldest Player: Garrett Temple (39 Years, 158 Days)
Youngest Player: Collin Murray-Boyles (20 Years, 125 Days)
Temple is one of the league’s most respected veterans, offering leadership, professionalism, and defensive smarts. His mentorship is invaluable for a Toronto roster in transition from a tanking side to one with playoff hopes. He won’t play much, likely, but he has a roster spot at almost 40 years old.
Collin Murray-Boyles, the rookie forward, brings toughness, rebounding, and athleticism to the Raptors’ young rotation. His energy and defensive versatility align perfectly with Toronto’s identity for hustle and defensive prowess. The 6’7″ forward will get his reps on the court with the team, so he is in a good position right now.
Utah Jazz
Oldest Player: Kevin Love (37 Years, 36 Days)
Youngest Player: Ace Bailey (19 Years, 61 Days)
Kevin Love’s veteran leadership and shooting provide a steadying influence on Utah’s young locker room. Even if he plays limited minutes, his basketball IQ and mentorship will be valuable assets for player development. Of course, we aren’t even sure if Love will be on the team at all next season, but we have to wait and see.
Easily one of the most anticipated rookies in the 2025 class, Ace Bailey’s size, explosiveness, and shot creation give Utah a potential future star. His learning curve will be steep, but his ceiling is sky-high, and he will be one of the contenders for Rookie of the Year even if he didn’t originally want to end up in Utah.
Washington Wizards
Oldest Player: Khris Middleton (34 Years, 62 Days)
Youngest Player: Tre Johnson (19 Years, 220 Days)
Khris Middleton’s experience and championship background bring much-needed structure to Washington’s rebuilding project. His leadership and scoring efficiency help set a professional tone for the young roster that is raw and nowhere near ready to win. We hope Middleton can last as long as he can with the Wizards because the youngsters need to learn the ropes.
The young guard Tre Johnson is Washington’s cornerstone of the future. Known for his smooth scoring and confident playmaking, Johnson embodies the franchise’s long-term rebuilding vision, although he will have plenty of competition from Carlton Carrington, Cam Whitmore, and others in the backcourt.
