As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, several veteran stars find themselves at a critical juncture in their careers. For these players, time is running out to win an elusive NBA championship before they hang up their sneakers for good. With age, injuries, and uncertain futures looming over their heads, this might be the last chance for them to solidify their legacies with a title. These five future Hall of Famers have it all on the line in the upcoming season and we have them ranked.
1. Jimmy Butler
Age: 34 Years, 361 Days
Reason: Last Chance To Save His Career On The Title-Contending Heat
Jimmy Butler has been the heart and soul of the Miami Heat since his arrival, leading them to two NBA Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023. At nearly 35 years old, Butler’s window to win a championship is closing fast, and the 2024-25 season could be his last real opportunity.
Despite his undeniable talent and work ethic, Pat Riley has publicly challenged Butler, casting doubt on his future with the Heat if he fails to deliver a title. The stakes are high; if Miami cannot capitalize this season, Butler may find himself on a non-contending team like the Brooklyn Nets, where his chances of winning a championship would diminish significantly.
A six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA Team member, Butler has built a reputation for his clutch performances in the playoffs, particularly his “Playoff Jimmy” persona. However, as age and mileage accumulate, his efficiency and explosiveness have begun to wane. Butler’s scoring average dipped slightly last season to 20.8 points per game, and while his defense and leadership remain strong, Miami needs him to be at his absolute best. This season may well define whether Butler’s career will be remembered as that of a champion or as a great player who came close but never crossed the finish line.
2. James Harden
Age: 35 Years, 14 Days
Reason: Future In Los Angeles Isn’t Clear
James Harden’s career has been marked by incredible individual achievements, including an MVP award and multiple scoring titles, but a championship ring has always eluded him. Now at 35 years old and playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, Harden’s window is rapidly closing. His tenure with the Clippers remains uncertain, as he’s already worn out his welcome with three previous teams—the Rockets, Nets, and 76ers. If Harden fails to deliver and struggles with injuries or declining production this season, it could spell the end of his career with a contender and his last real chance at a title.
Harden’s legacy is already complex; he’s one of the most prolific scorers and playmakers of his generation, but his performances have often been inconsistent. Last season, Harden averaged 16.6 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds and shot just 42.8% from the field. The 2024-25 season will be a crucial test to see if Harden can adjust his game to fit alongside other stars like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George or if he will again find himself moving on from yet another team, this time perhaps without a championship to show for his illustrious career.
3. Russell Westbrook
Age: 35 Years, 302 Days
Reason: Nuggets Might Be The Last Contender To Give Him A Shot
Russell Westbrook, a former MVP and one of the most athletic point guards in NBA history is now looking at what might be his final chance to win a title. Westbrook, who turns 36 early next season, has played for multiple contenders, including the Lakers and the Clippers, but has yet to find the right fit to win a ring.
Now with the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook’s role has diminished to that of a backup point guard behind Jamal Murray. His ability to contribute valuable minutes off the bench in a limited role may be the key to extending his career, but if he falters, it could very well be the end of his journey with a contender.
Westbrook’s decline in athleticism and shooting efficiency has been well-documented, and his 2023-24 season stats reflected that, with averages of 11.1 points, 4.5 assists, and 5.0 rebounds on 27.3% shooting from three. His relentless energy and competitiveness remain his trademarks, but poor decision-making and shooting woes have made him a liability at times. This season, the Nuggets represent Westbrook’s last shot to redefine his narrative as more than just a stat-stuffing guard who couldn’t adapt to team basketball, and more as a veteran who can provide impactful minutes on a championship squad.
4. Chris Paul
Age: 39 Years, 126 Days
Reason: Will Turn 40 Years Old In The 2024-25 Season
At nearly 40 years old, Chris Paul finds himself in a position where a championship is almost out of reach. Joining the San Antonio Spurs, Paul has taken on the role of mentor to Victor Wembanyama, which suggests that his priority may no longer be chasing a title.
Having played for seven different teams throughout his career, Paul’s lack of a championship ring is the only blemish on an otherwise Hall of Fame resume. With age and injuries catching up to him, this season might be the last time Paul steps onto an NBA court with any hope, however faint, of capturing that elusive ring.
Paul’s career has been one of unparalleled playmaking and leadership, with averages of 17.5 points, 9.4 assists, and 1.2 steals over 19 seasons. But as he approaches his 40th birthday, his effectiveness has waned. Last season, Paul averaged 9.2 points and 6.8 assists but struggled with injuries that kept him off the floor during critical moments. While his experience and basketball IQ remain invaluable to a young Spurs team, the reality is that Paul’s days of leading a title-contending team are likely behind him, making this season a final, faint hope to cap off his storied career with a championship.
5. Derrick Rose
Age: 35 Years, 341 Days
Reason: Will Be 36 Years Old, Behind Ja Morant And Marcus Smart On Depth Chart
Derrick Rose, the youngest MVP in NBA history, has had a career defined by what could have been. Now at nearly 36 years old, Rose is facing the twilight of his career, playing behind Ja Morant and Marcus Smart on the Memphis Grizzlies’ depth chart. Despite his elite performances in his prime, injuries derailed Rose’s trajectory, and he’s since adapted to a bench role, providing veteran leadership and scoring off the bench. However, with his minutes likely to be limited, the 2024-25 season represents Rose’s last realistic shot at a championship.
Rose has transformed his game from an explosive MVP-caliber point guard to a savvy veteran who can still contribute in spurts. Last season, he averaged 8.0 points and 3.3 assists in just 16.6 minutes per game. While these numbers may not turn heads, Rose’s experience and ability to impact games in limited time could prove vital in a deep playoff run. Yet, with the Grizzlies focusing on the future with Morant and Smart leading the backcourt, this season might be Rose’s last opportunity to add a championship to his resume and finally cement his place among the game’s greats.
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