As the 2024-25 NBA season gets underway, a select group of distinguished veterans will take the floor. These players are redefining the standard of longevity and have competed at a high level for decades.

Just last season, LeBron James earned his 20th All-NBA selection in his 21st NBA season and 17-year veteran Al Horford started in 15 of 19 games for the Celtics during their run to the 2024 NBA title.

James is now entering Year 22 and Horford will open his 18th season in a starting role as Boston begins its title defense. Chris Paul, who is entering Year 20, will look to have a Hall of Fame-level impact in his first year with the up-and-coming Spurs.

As evidenced by their years of service in the league, Horford, James and Paul are among the oldest players who will take the floor this season. Who is the oldest? Here is a list of the oldest players in the 2024-25 season, sorted by their age on opening night.

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Oldest NBA players in 2024

LeBron James is the oldest player in the 2024-25 NBA season, a title he’ll likely hold until he decides to retire. He was born on Dec. 30, 1984, and will turn 40 during the season.

James isn’t the only 39-year-old who will take the floor this season. Paul, LA’s P.J. Tucker (who is currently working on a resolution for his situation) and Charlotte’s Taj Gibson were all born in 1985.

*Age on Oct. 22, 2024.

NBA POSITIONAL RANKINGS: PG | SG | SF | PF | C

Who is the oldest player to play in an NBA game?

Kevin Willis is the oldest player to play in a game during the NBA era. Willis was born on Sept. 6, 1962, and enjoyed 21 seasons in the NBA. He was 44 years old in his final NBA game.

Including Willis, seven players aged 41 or older have appeared in an NBA regular season game. Six of the seven are in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Nat Hickey, who played for the Providence Steamrollers, was 46 when he appeared in two games during the 1947-48 BAA season.