In the fast-paced world of professional basketball, where youth and athleticism often reign supreme, a remarkable and enduring phenomenon exists: the oldest player in the NBA.
While the league has witnessed countless rising stars and legendary figures over the years, the story of these elder statesmen defying the relentless march of time to continue gracing the hardwood.
In this article, we will delve into the fascinating journey of the NBA’s oldest player. Exploring the trials, triumphs, and invaluable wisdom that come with age in a sport that seems forever dominated by the young.
Join us as we celebrate the remarkable individuals who have defied Father Time and etched their names into the annals of basketball history, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to the love of the game.
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Who are the Oldest Players in the NBA (Active)
- Udonis Haslem, 42 years old
- Andre Iguodala, 39 years old
- LeBron James, 38 years old
- P. J. Tucker, 37 years old
- Chris Paul, 37 years old
- Taj Gibson, 37 years old
- Kyle Lowry, 37 years old
- George Jesse Hill Jr., 36 years old
- Goran Dragić, 36 years old
- Garrett Temple, 36 years old
1. Udonis Haslem, 42 years old
He remains a notable figure, harkening back to his days as a formidable presence during the early 2010s with the Miami Heat’s famed “Big 3.” Remarkably, Haslem continues to don the Miami jersey, an association that has spanned two decades since his signing as an undrafted free agent in 2003.
However, Haslem’s on-court appearances have dwindled significantly over the past six years as he has effectively transitioned into an assistant coaching role in the twilight of his career. In the previous season, he participated in just 13 games, accumulating 32 points and 15 fouls across a total of 83 minutes of play.
2. Andre Iguodala, 39 years old
Born on January 28, 1984, Andre Iguodala, now 39 years old, boasts an extensive NBA career that has seen him don jerseys for the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat, and his recent return to the Golden State Warriors.
Iguodala’s journey in the world of professional basketball began in 2004, when he embraced the role of a shooting guard.
From a young age, he harboured a deep admiration for the legendary Michael Jordan, and this admiration ultimately fueled his determination to pursue a career in the sport. Iguodala’s basketball journey began in his formative years, when he thrived on high school and college courts.
3. LeBron James, 38 years old
LeBron James is one of his era’s most iconic NBA players. Born on December 30, 1984, this 38-year-old basketball legend is the most renowned among the league’s eldest players during the 2023–2024 season.
Moreover, he commands a place of honour among the pantheon of the greatest basketball players in the history of the sport.
LeBron’s basketball journey commenced during his fifth-grade years and progressed through his high school days. The pivotal moment arrived in 2003 when LeBron James, hailing from his hometown, the Cleveland Cavaliers, was chosen as the first overall pick in that year’s NBA draft.
His illustrious career is adorned with a plethora of achievements, including three NBA championships, four NBA Most Valuable Player Awards, three NBA Finals MVP Awards, and two Olympic gold medals. Furthermore, he clinched the NBA scoring title in 2008 and is the all-time leading scorer in NBA playoff history.
4. P. J. Tucker, 37 years old
Born on May 5, 1985, P.J. Tucker’s professional basketball journey commenced in 2006, when he was drafted into the league. Following a brief stint with the Toronto Raptors for a year, he ventured across the Atlantic to Europe, where he plied his trade with numerous teams over several seasons.
In 2012, Tucker made a triumphant return to the NBA, signing with the Phoenix Suns. Since then, his career has taken him to the Houston Rockets, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Miami Heat. He dons the jersey of the Philadelphia 76ers, having recently inked a lucrative three-year contract with the team.
5. Chris Paul, 37 years old
Chris Paul, a seasoned NBA veteran, entered the world on May 6, 1985. His athletic prowess shone brightly during his high school and college year, when he excelled in both football and basketball.
In a pivotal moment in 2005, while still in college, Paul declared his intention to pursue a professional basketball career and was swiftly drafted into the NBA that very year. His journey in the league began with the New Orleans Hornets.
He subsequently made his mark with the Los Angeles Clippers, the Houston Rockets, and a brief stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Chris Paul is a vital component of the Phoenix Suns, where he continues to make his mark on the NBA landscape.
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6. Taj Gibson, 37 years old
Taj Gibson, one of the elder statesmen of the NBA, came into the world on June 24, 1985. His journey in professional basketball began when the Chicago Bulls selected him in the 2009 NBA Draft, and he spent the majority of his career donning the Bulls’ jersey.
However, in early 2017, Gibson’s path took a different turn as he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. During that summer, he inked a two-season deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
As the year 2021 dawned, Gibson returned to the New York Knicks, re-signing with the team. Today, he plies his trade with the Washington Wizards, primarily occupying the power forward role.
7. Kyle Lowry, 37 years old
Kyle Lowry, aged 37, graced the world with his presence on March 25, 1986. Lowry embarked on his basketball journey with a two-season stint at Villanova University, where he showcased his talents as a college athlete. His professional career took flight when the Memphis Grizzlies selected him as the 24th overall pick in the 2006 NBA draft.
Starting in Memphis, Kyle Lowry then found his way to the Houston Rockets before eventually being traded to the Toronto Raptors. During his tenure with the Raptors, he played an instrumental role in their resurgence, guiding them to their first playoff appearance in seven years and securing an Atlantic Division title in the 2013–14 season.
8. George Jesse Hill Jr., 36 years old
George Hill, a product of the Indiana Pacers, came into the world on May 4, 1986. During his college basketball days at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), he amassed numerous accolades, including the prestigious Summit League Player of the Year title. He earned recognition as an Honourable All-American in his junior season.
George’s NBA journey began when the San Antonio Spurs selected him as the 26th overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft. Throughout his illustrious career, he has donned the jerseys of several renowned teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers.
On February 9, 2023, a homecoming occurred as George Hill made a triumphant return to the Indiana Pacers, marking a notable chapter in his enduring basketball story.
9. Goran Dragić, 36 years old
Hailing from Slovenia, the talented basketball player Goran Dragić currently graces the roster of the Milwaukee Bucks. Born on May 6, 1986, Goran’s journey in professional basketball began in his homeland before taking him to Spain, where he honed his skills, and eventually, in 2008, he made his mark in the NBA.
Goran Dragić’s impressive career boasts numerous awards and achievements, including the Slovenian League Rookie of the Year, the prestigious NBA Most Improved Player of the Year Award, and the coveted title of NBA All-Star.
10. Garrett Temple, 36 years old
Born on May 8, 1986, Garrett Temple emerged as a promising talent during his college basketball days, representing the LSU Tigers. Despite going undrafted in 2009, his determination and skill set proved invaluable as he embarked on his professional journey.
A significant moment came on August 8, 2021, when Temple’s path led him back to his hometown team, the New Orleans Pelicans, through a trade. With the versatility that spans the roles of a skilled shooting guard and small forward, Garrett Temple continues to make his mark in the world of basketball.
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Oldest Players in the NBA Ever. Nat Hickey, 45 years old
- Nat Hickey, 45 years old
- Kevin Willis, aged 44
- Robert Parish, 43 years old
- Vince Carter, 43 years old
- Dikembe Mutombo, 43 years old
1. Nat Hickey, 45 years old
The title of the NBA’s oldest player in history belongs to Nat Hickey, a figure from the distant past dating back to 1948. Hickey initially held the role of coach for the Providence Steamrollers during the 1947–48 season.
However, when the team struggled with a 4-25 start, he made a remarkable decision to place himself on the active roster. Just before celebrating his 46th birthday, Nat Hickey took the court for two games, etching his name into the annals of basketball history.
Despite the less-than-stellar statistics, scoring a mere two points, committing five fouls, and shooting a combined 0 for 6 from the field in two losses, Hickey’s mere presence on the hardwood set a record that endures to this day, more than 73 years later.
2. Kevin Willis, aged 44
Unlike Nat Hickey, Kevin Willis enjoyed a lengthy and illustrious NBA career before hanging up his sneakers at the age of 44 in 2007. Willis’ remarkable journey commenced in 1984, when he was chosen as the 11th overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks. For an impressive 11 seasons, he remained a stalwart in Atlanta, boasting averages of 14.1 points.
In 1992, Willis earned his sole All-Star Game appearance, a testament to his outstanding performance, as he averaged 18.3 points and 15.5 rebounds during that remarkable season. Following a trade to the Miami Heat in 1994, the latter half of his career saw him embrace the role of a dependable role player.
His basketball odyssey took him to various teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets (on two occasions), Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, a return to the Hawks, and finally, the Dallas Mavericks.
Notably, Willis achieved the pinnacle of success in 2003, capturing an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs. Even at the age of 40, he made valuable contributions off the bench, averaging 2.6 points in 18 playoff games during that championship-winning campaign.
3. Robert Parish, 43 years old
Robert Parish, renowned as “The Chief,” boasts a distinction unmatched by any NBA player enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame: retiring in 1997, just shy of his 44th birthday. Parish’s storied career kicked off with the Golden State Warriors, where he spent four solid seasons in the Bay Area.
A remarkable 14-year stint in Boston witnessed Parish’s ascent to greatness, amassing three championship titles and a staggering 14 All-Star selections. Alongside Larry Bird and Kevin McHale, Parish played a pivotal role in forging one of the earliest “Big 3” alliances in NBA history.
Parish transitioned to a backup role in his twilight years, offering his veteran presence to various teams. He wore the Charlotte Hornets jersey, serving as a reliable backup to Alonzo Mourning for two seasons before culminating his career during the 1996–97 season as a part of the star-studded Chicago Bulls, alongside icons like Michael Jordan.
In this memorable season, he made appearances in just two playoff games at the remarkable age of 43. Yet, the Bulls clinched the NBA Finals, bestowing upon Parish his fourth championship ring before he officially bid farewell to the game that summer. Robert Parish stands as the oldest player ever to capture an NBA championship.
4. Vince Carter, 43 years old
Over the course of his illustrious 22-year career, Vince Carter underwent a remarkable transformation. He first dazzled as a rising star with the Toronto Raptors, leaving an indelible mark with iconic performances in the Slam Dunk Contest and the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
However, after a turbulent departure from Toronto and a subsequent trade to the then-New Jersey Nets, Carter gradually transitioned from a basketball superstar to a valuable role player.
Carter’s journey took him through several NBA teams, including the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, and the Atlanta Hawks, where he ultimately decided to hang up his sneakers in 2020.
In a poignant moment amid the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, Carter stepped onto the court for what would be his final game in March 2020. In a fitting conclusion to his storied career, he buried a clutch 3-pointer during the closing moments of the Hawks’ unfortunate loss.
5. Dikembe Mutombo, 43 years old
Dikembe Mutombo, renowned not only for his incredible shot-blocking abilities but also for a memorable commercial, enjoyed a stellar NBA career that earned him a place in the Hall of Fame.
Drafted as the fourth overall pick by the Denver Nuggets in 1991, Mutombo spent five seasons in the Mile High City before making a significant move to the Atlanta Hawks in 1996.
Over his nine full seasons with both the Nuggets and Hawks, he averaged an impressive 12.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game, securing the title of Defensive Player of the Year on four occasions.
In 2001, Mutombo’s journey took an exciting turn as he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, joining the team just in time for their remarkable run to the 2001 NBA Finals. However, in the ensuing years, his performance began to decline due to injuries and the effects of ageing.
The final chapters of Mutombo’s storied career saw him don the jerseys of the New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets before retiring in 2009 at 43. His contributions to the sport were duly recognised when he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
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Conclusion
In the high-flying world of professional basketball, where youth and athleticism often take centre stage, the tales of the oldest NBA players stand as testaments to the enduring spirit of the game.
From legends like Robert Parish, who retired just before his 44th birthday, to Dikembe Mutombo, whose remarkable career continued into his early 40s, these individuals defied the relentless march of time to keep pursuing their passion for basketball.
As we reflect on the achievements and contributions of these elder statesmen, it becomes clear that age is but a number in the world of sports. The oldest NBA players not only served as sources of inspiration for fans and aspiring athletes alike but also left an indelible mark on the rich tapestry of basketball history.
Their longevity, resilience, and unwavering dedication serve as shining examples of what can be achieved when one’s love for the game knows no bounds.
In a sport that continually celebrates youth and athleticism, the stories of these players remind us that the heart of basketball beats strong regardless of age and that the pursuit of greatness knows no expiration date.
FAQs for Oldest Player in the NBA
Who was the oldest active NBA player?
Miami Heat’s Udonis Haslem is the oldest current NBA player
Who is the youngest NBA player ever?
Bynum, hailing from Joseph High School in Metuchen, New Jersey, etched his name into history as the youngest player ever to step onto an NBA court. Standing tall at 7 feet 1 inch, this centre marked his NBA debut on a memorable November night.
Who is the oldest player to win a title in the NBA?
The record belongs to Robert Parish, who did it at 43 years and 287 days of age in 1997.
Who made the first dunk in NBA history?
On December 5, 1936, Joe Fortenberry of the Harlem Globetrotters etched his name into the annals of NBA history by executing the inaugural documented dunk during a game against the New York Renaissance.
