Yet the NBA playoffs are in the midst of a radical rebirth. Younger stars such as Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Haliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are taking over the show, signaling perhaps a “changing of the guard.” These emerging talents are excelling on the court and reshaping the dynamics of the league, as veterans like Jrue Holiday and Kyrie Irving face uncertain futures.
At only 28 years old, Jalen Brunson has developed into a key contributor for his team. He’s sending that same, powerful message to the Boston Celtics—and their newly acquired, veteran leader, 34-year-old Jrue Holiday. Brunson’s star turn has forced the Celtics to take stock of their roster and go into full-fledged rebuild mode. This transition highlights the difficulty that established players have in keeping their jobs in the wake of this onslaught of young, new talent.
Tyrese Haliburton, only 25 years old himself, has been stealing the headlines this season. His court vision and playmaking ability already have him compared to some of the league’s all time greats. At 26, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to impress with his scoring and defensive skills, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the NBA. At the same time, 23-year-old Anthony Edwards has rapidly endeared himself to Minnesota fans, dazzling with his athleticism, scoring, and flash.
The NBA environment is changing, filled with young talent and wise-as-they-come veterans. Notably, Jayson Tatum, 27, and Donovan Mitchell, 28, continue to be significant contributors for their teams as they navigate the playoffs. This difficulty is compounded by the increasing participation of younger players. Today, these young people are proving they can hang with the very best.
As the playoffs continue, age becomes a very important factor. Kyrie Irving will be pushing 35 when he returns from his ACL tear. At the same time, 34-year-old Damian Lillard is in the middle of an Achilles tear rehab. These injuries lead one to question the durability of such a player in a league that is constantly changing. Today, 40 years old and all expectations notwithstanding, LeBron is still LeBron. He understands that he is a voice of his generation that is slowly but surely clearing the path for new blood.
It’s hard to believe, but at just 26 years old, Luka Doncic has already proven himself as one of the best players in the league. His skill set combined with the maturity level on the court renders him a nightmare for even the best veterans. Nikola Jokic, 30 now, still getting it done as a high-level performer. This leaves Petersen in stiff competition with the new generation, starving to stake their claim in the industry.
Watch Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, both in their mid-30s, and you see the resilience of age. Down their own distinct playoff paths, they go about their business with focus. In the process, they not only mentor the younger players, they showcase their own high-level skills.
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