The best NBA player, right now, of every age

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The best 31-year-old: Stephen Curry

The 2019 Finals were Golden State’s fifth straight, a run of excellence only the Bill Russell Celtics ever achieved. Playing that deep every season means wear and tear. Two years ago in the Finals all that work took its toll, with both Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson succumbing to injuries. This year it was Steph Curry’s turn, lost to a broken hand just four games in. He returned for one night before the season went on hiatus. Fans hope Curry’s next return is a longer engagement. There is no player in the world like him, a scoring threat the moment he hits halfcourt. Is there another player in the league who draws fans to his pre-game routine? The NBA is full of stars. Stars exert gravity, but Steph’s a black hole, someone like George Mikan or Wilt Chamberlain who distorts the very shape of the game.

The best 32-year-old: Lou Williams

The league’s best 32-year-old at the start of last season wins that title because of his explosiveness and his consistency. Lou Williams has been a microwave scorer for six teams over 15 seasons and shows no signs of cooling off or slowing down. After never getting 40 in a game during his first decade in the league, he’s done so eight times the past five years, including a 50-piece against the Warriors when they were peak “the Warriors.” For his career, Sweet Lou’s shot 42 percent from the field, 35 percent from deep and 84 percent at the foul line. Last year? 42/36/86. The three-time Sixth Man of the Year may retire as the most celebrated bench bomber in league history.

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