Of the many marks of excellence in the NBA, longevity is among the most impressive. Sustained excellence in the NBA does not come by accident and each year, there is a group of seasoned veterans who serve as examples.
In the past, many of the league's elder statesmen were not necessarily relied upon for their play on the court, but rather their impact as leaders in the locker room. In recent years, that has changed thanks in large part to LeBron James, who in his 21st season is still expected to perform at an All-NBA level for a Lakers team with championship aspirations.
James, who will turn 39 during the 2023-24 season, rises to the top of the list of the NBA's oldest players, a leap facilitated by the retirement of Udonis Haslem and the uncertain future of Andre Iguodala, who has not formally retired but has not re-signed with the Warriors.
Here is a list of the oldest players in the 2023-24 season, sorted by their age on opening night.
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Who are the oldest players in the NBA?
LeBron James is the oldest player in the 2023-24 NBA season. James, who was born on Dec. 30, 1984, will turn 39 years old during the season.
In addition to James, Warriors guard Chris Paul, 76ers forward P.J. Tucker and Wizards forward Taj Gibson all enter the 2023-24 season at 38 years old. Gibson, Paul and Tucker were all born in 1985.
| Name | Team | Age* | DOB |
| LeBron James | Lakers | 38 | 12/30/1984 |
| P.J. Tucker | 76ers | 38 | 5/5/1985 |
| Chris Paul | Warriors | 38 | 5/6/1985 |
| Taj Gibson | Wizards | 38 | 6/24/1985 |
| Kyle Lowry | Heat | 37 | 3/25/1986 |
| Garrett Temple | Raptors | 37 | 5/8/1986 |
| Al Horford | Celtics | 37 | 6/3/1986 |
| Jeff Green | Rockets | 37 | 8/28/1986 |
| Wesley Matthews | Hawks | 37 | 10/14/1986 |
| Danny Green | 76ers | 36 | 6/22/1987 |
| Joe Ingles | Magic | 36 | 10/2/1987 |
| Mike Conley | Timberwolves | 36 | 10/11/1987 |
*Age as of Oct. 24, 2023.
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. Wills, who was born on Sept. 6, 1962, enjoyed 21 seasons in the NBA and played in his final game at the age of 44 on April 18, 2007.
Willis is one of seven players aged 41 or older to appear in an NBA game. The list is largely comprised of Hall of Famers including Robert Parish, Dikembe Mutumbo, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bob Cousy. Vince Carter, who made his last NBA appearance at the age of 43, becomes Hall of Fame eligible in 2024.
| Name | Age | Season |
| Kevin Willis | 44 | 2006-07 |
| Robert Parish | 43 | 1996-97 |
| Vince Carter | 43 | 2019-20 |
| Udonis Haslem | 42 | 2022-23 |
| Dikembe Mutombo | 42 | 2008-09 |
| Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 41 | 1988-89 |
| Bob Cousy | 41 | 1969-70 |
Nat Hickey, who played for the Providence Steamrollers, was 46 when he appeared in two games during the 1947-48 BAA season.
