Ranking The 30 Best NBA Players Over 30 Years Old

As the 2023 season wraps up, we got a good, hard look at what having a youthful core can get you in the NBA. The Denver Nuggets’ core of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. all fall under the 30-year-old threshold. After winning their first NBA championship, keeping this core together could result in much more success down the road for Denver as they move into the future. Although youth is a major factor in today’s game, there are still those over the age of 30 playing at a high enough level to be contributing factors to winning teams. 

I remember the days when turning 30 meant that a player’s days in the NBA were numbered. With medicine and technology advancing at a rapid pace, that hasn’t been the case for basketball players in quite some time. I am not only speaking about the player defying the laws of aging like LeBron James has, but the other players who are still elite or have adapted to their age and can still be effective on the basketball court. In other words, 30 may not be the new 20 when it comes to basketball, but it certainly doesn’t mean a player’s time in the league is almost up anymore.

These are the 30 best NBA players over the age of 30.

30. Bogdan Bogdanovic – 30 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 14.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG

We kick our list off with one of the more talented bench players in the game today, Bogdan Bogdanovic of the Atlanta Hawks. Bogdanovic appeared in just 54 games in 2022-23 as he recovered from an injury but still proved to be effective whenever he saw the court. Despite his sometimes streaky play, Bogdanovic was still an over 40.0% three-point shooter and double-digit scorer for the Hawks this season.

Bogdanovic’s size and strength are just a small part of his game, but he uses them perfectly to create for himself on the court. What most would consider tough shots, Bogdanovic makes look easy with a quick release and pure jumper. Lacking a mid-range game of note, he is still able to produce and take opponents off the dribble for easy attempts at the rim or can make a play for one of his teammates using his exceptional basketball IQ.

29. Mike Conley – 35 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 11.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Mike Conley Jr. may be getting up there in age, but that hasn’t stopped him from being a highly-effective veteran wherever he goes. Conley is incredibly smart when it comes to his decisions on the basketball court as both a playmaker and defender. He doesn’t force any issue on the offensive side of the ball and is always willing to create the easiest situation possible for his teammates. He can still knock down his outside shots when the opportunity arises but is much more effective as a ball-handler and defender than he is a scorer.

In 2022-23, Conley spent the first part of the season with the Utah Jazz, where he had spent the previous three seasons as well. In 43 games, he averaged 10.7 PPG, 7.7 APG, and 1.0 SPG. After being traded to Minnesota, his play actually improved to where he averaged 14.0 PPG, 5.0 APG, and 1.2 SPG. He would even add 12.0 PPG and 6.4 APG in Minnesota’s first-round loss to the Nuggets in the NBA playoffs. With one year left on his deal, I expect there to be a solid trade market for him as the Timberwolves look to get younger heading into the 2023-24 season.

28. Seth Curry – 32 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 9.2 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Seth Curry isn’t one of the overwhelmingly elite NBA players over 30 right now, but possessing the Curry gene means something in 2023. The ninth-year sharpshooter was just breaking into the NBA as his elder brother was gearing up to go on a torrid run with the Golden State Warriors. While the younger Curry never reached the levels that Stephen did, Seth has done a tremendous job in fighting back from a tibia injury that cost him the entire 2017-18 season earlier in his career.

In 2021-22, Curry averaged a career-high 15.0 PPG while shooting 42.2% from three and 48.5% overall. In 2022-23, those numbers dipped slightly as he dealt with a diminished role and slight injuries amid a complete rebuild in Brooklyn. Curry is an unrestricted free agent heading into this offseason but I expect the market to move quickly for a proven three-point sniper and role player off the bench.

27. Norman Powell – 30 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 17.0 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Over the last few seasons, we have gotten a glimpse of Norman Powell as one of the best mid-level scoring guards in the NBA. Since 2020, Powell has averaged 17.6 PPG on 47.8% shooting and 40.7% from three. The issue for Powell has been health as he has played in over 65 games once since 2020 and was limited to 60 games in 2022-23.

Despite the limited action, Powell was key for the Clippers this season, especially in the NBA playoffs. In the absence of both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in Los Angeles’ first-round matchup against the Suns, Powell averaged 21.8 PPG on 40.6% shooting from three. The Clippers would fall to the Suns but Powell had proven he could be an asset to any high-octane offense and could be a key part of what the team tries to accomplish in the future.

26. Al Horford – 37 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 9.8 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.0 BPG

There has to be something said for the way Al Horford was able to anchor a playoff defense at 37 years old in the 2023 playoffs. Despite a regular season that looked as if he was slowing down, Horford once again reached into his bag of tricks and pulled out a youth potion for the NBA playoffs. At times during Boston’s second-round series with the Sixers, Horford completely baffled the MVP Joel Embiid and led the Celtics’ defense as they won the series in seven games.

Any team would gladly take a declining regular season in exchange for a veteran leader who doesn’t command but has earned the respect of the entire Boston locker room. Horford is a player who may be succumbing to Mother Nature’s Ways but slowly, as he proved in the NBA playoffs. The one thing that did seem to slip away from him in the playoffs was his efficient three-point shooting. During the regular season, Horford shot 44.6% from three on 5.2 attempts. In 20 playoff games, he shot 29.8% from three on 4.7 attempts.

25. Bojan Bogdanovic – 34 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 21.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Just before the start of the 2022-23 season, the Detroit Pistons made a splash and acquired Bojan Bogdanovic from the Utah Jazz. The ninth-year forward was supposed to be a big part of their projected improvement in 2022-23 alongside star second-year player Cade Cunningham. What they couldn’t predict was Cunningham going down after 12 games for the rest of the season. Bogdanovic became the Pistons’ best offensive weapon and it was reflected in his production.

Bogdanovic averaged just over 21.5 PPG on 48.8% shooting from the field this season and over 41.0% from three. He recorded eight 30-point games on the season and a season-high 38 points in a December matchup with the Lakers. Bogdanovic was rumored to be shopped by the Pistons at the trade deadline this season but with new coach Monty Williams coming in, he may just stick around. Bogdanovic is the type of high-effort player that Williams could get the most out of, which will be a great example for a young Detroit team in 2023-24.

24. Buddy Hield – 30 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 16.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Ranking slightly ahead of Bogdanovic at this point is Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers. If we were talking about the Hield from his days with the Kings in Sacramento, I would have Bogdanovic still ranked slightly ahead. However, Since coming over to the Indiana Pacers, we have seen a completely different Hield which is a refreshing sight to see for Indiana and coach Rick Carlisle.

Hield has become a much more well-rounded player in Indiana and a bit less reliant on his three-point shot. He has become more aggressive as a shot-creator and taking advantage of his soft touch as a shooter by taking more mid-range shots as well. In 2022-23, Hield took 8.5 three-point attempts and hit on 42.5% of them, the third-highest three-point percentage of his career. Hield, along with a bunch of other young guards, looks to get Indiana into postseason play. After all, Hield has yet to compete in a playoff atmosphere.

23. Malcolm Brogdon – 30 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 14.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG

When the Boston Celtics traded for Malcolm Brogdon last off-season, they knew they were getting a solid piece for their bench that could possibly help them in a long playoff run. What they got was the best bench player in the NBA, as Brogdon went on to have a fantastic season and earn the 2022-23 Sixth Man of the Year award.

Brogdon was a big reason why the Celtics were able to secure the second-best record in the Eastern Conference in 2022-23 as the third-leading scorer behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. During the NBA playoffs, Brogdon dealt with health issues that he tried to fight through in the Eastern Conference Finals. His production dipped a bit to 11.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, and 2.9 APG but he was effective as a shooter hitting on 38.0% of his three-point attempts. All in all, Brogon was and will be a major part of any success Boston has as they continue their quest for an NBA championship.

22. Jonas Valanciunas – 31 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 14.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Over the last few seasons, Jonas Valanciunas has been the most underrated big man in the NBA. The 2022-23 season was his second with the Pelicans after coming over in a trade with the Grizzlies in 2021. Valanciunas averaged a double-double for the season with 14.1 PPG and 10.0 RPG in 79 games played, his second straight season with over 70 games.

Where Valanciunas really made an impact for the Pelicans was the work he did on the glass rebounding the ball. In 2022-23, he registered 11 games with at least 15 rebounds and 48 games with at least 10. He even added 16 20-point games, nearly matching his total of 22 from last year. Valanciunas is the type of center who isn’t going to back down from a physical challenge and fight for his team on every possession.

21. Nikola Vucevic – 32 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 17.6 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Nikola Vucevic enjoyed an eerily similar season to the one he had in 2021-22 in 2022-23 for the Chicago Bulls. There were some hiccups along the way, such as mindless defensive errors that he soon cleaned up as the season progressed. Vucevic averaged the same exact points, rebounds, and assists as he did in 2022 which was a disappointment for some and a win for others.

Many expected Vucevic to drop off in production a bit for Chicago but he played so well while starting all 82 games, he may have earned an extension to stay there. Vucevic recorded 32 20-point games this season for Chicago and was among the NBA’s leaders in rebounds with 52 games of at least 10 or more. The season did not go as planned for the Bulls, as they finished under .500 and missed the playoffs entirely. If they want to get back to competing in 2023-24, Vucevic will still be a big part of their plans, as it seems right now.

20. Khris Middleton – 31 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 15.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG

If this were any other season over the last five years, Khris Middleton would be a member of the top 15 with ease. In 2022-23, however, Middleton experienced a season he would like to forget which has raised some questions about his future with the Milwaukee Bucks. After a stellar 2020-2021 that saw him help the Bucks win their first championship since 1971, Middleton suffered an injury that lingered into the playoffs and the 2022-23 season.

The injury would limit Middleton to just 33 games with the Bucks in 2022-23, only 19 of which came as a starter. Middleton struggled to find his place again in the lineup as he shot a career-low 43.6% from the field and 31.5% from three. He began to find his rhythm again in the playoffs with five games averaging 23.5 PPG, but before he could get going for good, the season was over at the hands of the Miami Heat. Middleton’s future is unclear with Milwaukee as he heads into a season in which he is set to make north of $40 million.

19. CJ McCollum – 31 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 20.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 5.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG

As CJ McCollum headed into his first full season with the New Orleans Pelicans, expectations were high for him and the franchise. The Pelicans had just come off a promising 2021-22 season that saw them earn a playoff berth and nearly knock off the Phoenix Suns in the playoffs. Things looked great to begin the campaign as McCollum and Zion Williamson led the way, and the Pelicans found themselves just one game out of first on January 1. 

However, injuries to Williamson and Brandon Ingram were soon too much of a burden on McCollum and New Orleans fizzled out in the play-in tournament. McCollum gave New Orleans reasons to be excited about the team’s potential heading into the future, though. He recorded 46 games with at least 20 points on the year which included two 40-point performances as well. McCollum also found his way as a playmaker with 49 games of at least 5 assists.

18. Rudy Gobert – 30 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 13.4 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.4 BPG

I will admit that for a while, I was leading the charge on the whole “Rudy Gobert is overrated” train. Over the last two years, my stance has changed a lot on him mainly because of the disrespect he gets due to what he lacks on offense. Over the first nine seasons of his career with the Jazz, he wasn’t asked to be a viable offensive option with them but to be a defensive anchor. Yet, in his first year with Minnesota, everybody expected him to be something he has never been.

Gobert was still able to average a double-double with Minnesota and handle some of the offensive load at times with over 13.0 PPG and 11.6 RPG. In 70 games this season, Gobert recorded 46 games with at least 10 rebounds and 51 games with at least 1 block, showing he is still elite as a defender and rebounder despite the dropoff on offense. I still believe in Gobet moving forward and I think fans should be open to believing as well.

17. Brook Lopez – 35 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 15.9 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.5 BPG

Many will argue that Brook Lopez should be higher on this list based on the amazing defensive year he had. Lopez was one of the best defenders in the game this season and a finalist for the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award with 2.5 BPG and a league-leading 193 total blocks. After winning a championship in 2021 with the Bucks, many thought the steep decline was coming for Lopez as he approached 35 and missed all but 13 games in 2022. They couldn’t have been more wrong.

Lopez would have his best scoring season since 2017 with the Bucks in 2022-23, averaging 15.9 PPG and recording 26 games with at least 20 points. He also added 34 games with at least 3 blocks as he helped anchor a Milwaukee defense that earned the best record in the NBA. Lopez is due for another decline, but if this past year taught us anything, don’t expect Lopez to go down without a fight.

16. Draymond Green – 33 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 8.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Draymond Green is coming off possibly the weirdest season of his career. It all began back in training camp when he and teammate Jordan Poole engaged in one of the worst teammate fights in NBA history. The fight clearly had an impact on the Warriors who struggled out of the gates and on the road all season long. As opposed to years past, the Warriors did not look like the same team geared for an NBA championship run, leading to questions about Green’s future with the team.

Obviously, Green’s buddy-buddy relationship with Lakers star LeBron James didn’t help dispel the rumors. However, just like veterans do, Green rallied his troops to make a late push toward the NBA playoffs and earn a first-round win over the Kings in the playoffs. The run stopped there, but Green did his best to continue to be the ultimate glue guy for Golden State and keep them fighting until the very last possession. Green still provides immense value as a leader and all-around player who can still play at a high level when asked.

15. Russell Westbrook – 34 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 15.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 7.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Heading into the 2022-23 season, Russell Westbrook was one of the most hated men on the planet, especially by Lakers fans. Westbrook had taken the brunt of the blame for the Lakers’ issues in 2022 and that carried over into 2023 when the team started 2-10 on the season. When Darvin Ham moved Westbrook to the bench, he began to thrive in his new role and began playing much better basketball up until he was traded mid-season to the Utah Jazz. He was eventually waived by Utah and picked up by the Clippers for their late-season run and playoff push.

Westbrook quickly adapted to his new role with the Clippers and averaged 15.8 PPG and 7.6 APG over his final 21 games of the season. In the NBA playoffs, Westbrook was asked to take over the offense as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George both went down with injuries. In the five-game series with the Suns in the first round, he averaged 23.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 7.4 APG on 41.0% shooting despite the loss. Now, the Clippers would love to bring him back on a veteran’s minimum deal, which would be a bargain for what he can be should he be given the freedom to do so.

14. Chris Paul – 38 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 13.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 8.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG

There is no denying that Chris Paul did not look like the version of himself that we NBA fans have grown accustomed to in 2022-23. He looked much less efficient than in years past and averaged a career-low 13.9 PPG. He missed 23 games due to injury and rest this season but still remained one of the better two-way players in the game with 8.9 APG and 1.5 SPG.

In the NBA playoffs, Paul suffered another injury seven games into Phoenix’s run. When he went down, it was clear that Phoenix’s rhythm was completely off, relying on Devin Booker and Kevin Durant to be their primary playmakers. This spoke volumes about the impact that Paul has on the court as both a player and a leader. Wherever he goes, this offseason will be getting one of the best veteran options at point guard in the NBA.

13. Jrue Holiday – 33 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 19.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 7.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Jrue Holiday had one of the best seasons of his career for the Bucks in 2022-23. Holiday earned his first All-Star selection in 10 years this season as he took on a larger role offensively than he has ever been asked to in Milwaukee. Holiday averaged the second-highest PPG of his career with 19.3 while shooting 47.9% overall and 38.4% from three.

Holiday was the Robin to Giannis’ Batman this season in the absence of Khris Middleton and did a great job in handling those responsibilities. He became overwhelmed by Playoff Jimmy in the NBA playoffs, which many will penalize him for, but to be fair, nobody did a great job of handling Butler in these playoffs. Holiday will continue to be a two-way star in Milwaukee when used in this manner and be a large part of their continued pursuit of a second NBA title.

12. DeMar DeRozan – 33 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 24.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG

In his first season with the Chicago Bulls in 2021-22, DeMar DeRozan was a borderline MVP candidate that helped lead the Bulls to the playoffs. While he failed to reach higher expectations on both an individual and team level in 2022-23, he was still one of the better small forwards in the NBA. DeRozan still averaged 24.5 PPG this season while shooting 50.4 % from the floor, mostly on mid-range shots.

As he did in 2021-22, he attempted less than 2.0 three-point attempts per game, which is unheard of from a scorer of his caliber in the game today. DeRozan will likely be the piece out of him and star teammate Zach LaVine that the Bulls continue into the future with unless they decide to rebuild and move them both. If they decide to keep him aboard, I have no doubt that DeRozan can help Chicago win a lot of games with his ability to deliver in the clutch and relentless attacks on the basket.

11. Klay Thompson – 33 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 21.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.4 BPG

One of 2021-22’s greatest stories was how Klay Thomspon returned to the basketball court after 900-plus days away due to two lower-leg injuries. He helped the Warriors capture their fourth NBA title in eight seasons and had no problem reminding people of this all season long. In 2022-23, Thompson proved he was still the same old Klay, averaging 21.9 PPG and helping the Warriors stay afloat while Stephen Curry was sidelined with an injury.

Klay had the best scoring season he has had since 2017, averaging 21.9 PPG and shooting 41.2% from three after watching his efficiency fall in 2021-22. In the NBA playoffs, Thomspon struggled a bit, averaging 18.5 PPG while shooting just 36.8% from three. I find it funny that when we say Klay struggled, a normal NBA player would consider that a good year. With the Warriors having to answer a lot of questions this offseason, Klay will still be a big part of their plans for the future to instill his championship wisdom and play for years to come.

10. Paul George – 33 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 23.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG

The 2022-23 season ended in disappointing fashion for Paul George and the Los Angeles Clippers when George was unavailable for them in the playoffs and they fell in the first round. George missed 27 games this season which was an improvement on his 31 games in 2021-22 but not enough to satisfy Clippers fans, who are hungry for their first NBA championship.

George had a great season when he was healthy, providing for the Clippers as their best scorer, playmaker, and at times, perimeter defender. He is still the craftiest shot-creator in the game with an array of moves that leave even the best defenders stunned. As one of the premier forwards in the game, George is still a highly valuable asset at just 33 years old and will be able to help the Clippers reach the pinnacle of the NBA one day. That is only if he and Kawhi can manage to stay healthy.

9. Kyrie Irving – 31 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 27.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.8 BPG

There is no denying still that Kyrie Irving is one of the most offensively gifted players in the game of basketball today. Irving’s handles are still the most mesmerizing part of his game which sets up his shots that he knocks down with high efficiency from all three levels of offense. In the first half of the season with the Nets, Irving averaged 27.4 PPG on 48.6% shooting from the field as they challenged for a top spot in the East.

Somewhere along the lines, he asked out and was granted his wish in a deal with the Dallas Mavericks back in February. With the Mavericks, Irving averaged over 27.0 PPG on 51.0% shooting, but Dallas fell apart and missed the playoffs altogether. With interest in him returning to Dallas as well as a few other spots in the league as he becomes a free agent, let’s just hope the negative media attention dies down and we can get back to appreciating his unbelievable talent.

8. Damian Lillard – 32 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 32.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 7.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG

As the 2023 offseason begins, it brings a ton of questions about Damian Lillard’s future with the Portland Trail Blazers to the surface. Lillard is coming off an impressive 2022-23 season on an individual scale, averaging 32.2 PPG on 46.3% shooting after injuries kept him out for most of 2022. Lillard put on a show with a pair of thrilling performances that included a 60-point game against the Jazz and an NBA season-high of 71 against the Rockets.

Lillard is still one of the NBA’s top point guards and wherever he goes, he will make them a contender. Portland seems like they want him to stay, but who wouldn’t when someone has meant so much to your franchise for so long? Lillard’s offensive arsenal and the threat he presents to space the floor will give one contender an elite offensive weapon to fight for a championship moving forward. If he stays in Portland, expect everyone but Lillard to be available for a trade.

7. James Harden – 33 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 21.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 10.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Trust me, I have watched all of the same basketball as you and have heard all of the noise. I know that James Harden is not the same player that he was when he was winning scoring titles with the Houston Rockets. Over the last two seasons, he hasn’t needed to be either, as he has had the likes of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Joel Embiid to share the ball with.

Still, in 2022-23, Harden was the NBA’s assists leader for the 76ers and helped lead them to the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. Harden is still highly valuable as a playmaker and passer despite his inconsistent play in the NBA playoffs this past season. As he weighs his options between the Rockets and Sixers for 2023-24, he is still very much one of the most valuable players over 30 in the NBA.

6. Kawhi Leonard – 31 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 23.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Every NBA fan across the world is getting tired of having to stick up for Kawhi Leonard as he continues to miss games due to injuries. However, I can’t penalize a player that I am sure wants to play but has been betrayed by his knees already. At his best, Kawhi Leonard is the number-one two-way player in basketball. At his worst, he is what we see now, a superstar-worthy labeled player who can barely stay on the court.

Putting the injury issues to the side for a moment, Kawhi averaged over 23.0 PPG this season and shot 51.2% from the field. He started to explode in the NBA playoffs with 34.5 PPG in two games against the Suns before he ultimately fell victim to another knee injury. This is the last straw for Leonard, though. Unless we see him remain healthy and really push the Clippers to playoff success, I cannot keep ranking him in the top 10.

5. Anthony Davis – 30 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 25.9 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.0 BPG

For the last two seasons, we have watched and ridiculed Anthony Davis as he suffered injury after injury and the Lakers lost a ton of games. Davis has always possessed top-five talent in his career but failed to reach those levels due to availability over the last three seasons. It’s no coincidence that the Lakers turned things around after making a few moves this season, but also the return of Davis to the lineup and his elite two-way play led to many wins as well.

That’s why he is ranked so high on this list in my eyes. When he is healthy, he is arguably the best player on the court at any given moment, given what he provides on both offense and defense. In 16 playoff games, as the Lakers advanced to the Western Conference Finals, Davis averaged 22.6 PPG, 14.1 RPG, 1.4 SPG, and 3.1 BPG. He was the anchor of an elite defensive unit that happened to run into the best player in the world at this point in time. Davis’ top-five talent came to shine in the NBA playoffs in 2023, and for that, he is back in my top five players over 30.

4. Jimmy Butler – 33 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 22.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG

By all accounts, Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat did not have a great regular season. The team would win 44 games and sneak into the NBA playoffs as a play-in team. The Heat would then go on an improbable run to the NBA Finals that ended with a five-game series loss to the Denver Nuggets. At the head of that charge to the NBA playoffs was Jimmy Butler, who switched gears from his regular season and led Miami to yet another Finals appearance.

In the NBA playoffs, Butler led the Heat past the Bucks, Knicks, and Celtics to reach their second NBA Finals since 2020. He averaged 26.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 5.9 APG for the Heat in 22 playoff games. Butler’s play on both sides of the court was stellar as the Heat kept on defying the odds and advanced to the Finals. I do not know if you are tired of denying Butler and the Miami Heat, but I sure am, which is a big reason why he ranks fourth on our list today.

3. Kevin Durant 

2022-23 Stats: 29.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.4 BPG

Anyone who denies Kevin Durant’s rightful spot at number three on our list is just a hater at this point. Durant is still arguably the most lethal offensive weapon in the game as a seven-footer with the skills of a point guard when it comes to handling the ball and creating shots for himself. He is also an underrated playmaker and defender who played elite team basketball in 2022-23 with both the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns.

In his first 39 games with the Nets, Durant averaged 29.7 PPG on 55.9% shooting, and in eight games with the Suns, he averaged 26.0 PPG on 57.0% shooting. In the end, it was one of the most efficient seasons in NBA history as the first player to shoot 55/40/90 from the field. Durant and the Suns may have fallen short in their playoff effort this season, but if Phoenix rebuilds around him and Devin Booker the correct way, they are in store for some big moments down the line.

2. Stephen Curry – 35 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 29.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 6.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors’ season did not end the way they had hoped with a successful defense of their 2022 championship. Curry was still one of the best point guards on the planet and the greatest three-point shooter that the league has ever seen. Despite the Warriors’ struggles on the road in the regular season and the abrupt end to their season in the playoffs, Curry was as good as ever, with a season reminiscent of his 2016 MVP campaign.

I know that may sound crazy because Curry was a unanimous MVP that season, but it’s true. Curry averaged over 29.0 PPG on 49.3% shooting overall and 42.7% from three on 11.4 attempts. Now, those averages were slightly below his 2016 MVP season, but to be that close to MVP-level play eight seasons later is impressive. In the playoffs, Curry helped carry the team to victory over the Kings in the first round but was unable to lift them over the Lakers in the second round. He averaged 30.5 PPG in 13 playoff games and proved why he is still the best point guard in the game.

1. LeBron James – 38 Years Old

2022-23 Stats: 28.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 6.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG

I can hear the hate comments piling on now. LeBron this, LeBron that. Regardless of how you feel about him, LeBron James is still the best player over 30 years old in the NBA. He keeps redefining the standard for “old age” in the NBA, continuously shattering records when it pertains to his age and playing winning basketball every time he steps on the court.

Of course, at 38 years old, his stamina and athleticism aren’t what it once was, yet flashes of it are still there. James helped lead the Lakers all the way to the Western Conference Finals in 2023 after a 2-10 start had many Lakers fans in doubt about the season. In the NBA playoffs, he averaged 24.5 PPG, 9.9 RPG, and 6.5 APG for Los Angeles as they defeated the Grizzlies and defending champion Warriors en route to their first Conference Finals since 2020. 

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