Per our yearly tradition, here’s a list of the 10 oldest NBA players heading into the 2019-2020 season, including 3 players from the Houston Rockets.
10th: JJ Redick, New Orleans Pelicans
35 years old, born June 24, 1984. The sharpshooting veteran is entering his 14th NBA season, making his 5th stop following his tenures in Orlando, Milwaukee, Los Angeles with the Clippers and Philadelphia in the last 2 seasons. Redick signed a 2-year deal with the Pelicans worth $26.5 million, following the best scoring season of his career, averaging 18.1 points per game in 2018-2019.
9th: Thabo Sefolosha, Houston Rockets
35 years old, born may 2, 1984. Entering his 14th NBA season, following stints with the Bulls, Thunder, Hawks and Jazz, the Swiss swingman will try and add some experience, shooting and defense to the championship-wannabes. Sefolosha is a on a vet’s minimum deal ($2.5 million). He played 50 games for the Jazz last season, averaging 3.8 points in 12 minutes a night.
8th: Andre Iguodala, Memphis Grizzlies
Born January 28, 1984, the 35-year old Iguodala might not play at all for the Grizzlies in the end. A 3-time champion with the Warriors, he probably prefers pursuing more championship opportunities than playing on a young, rebuilding team. It’s not easy trading Iguodala, who has over $17 million owed to him for next season, as he goes into year #16 in the NBA.
7th: Nene, Houston Rockets
Another Rockets player, Nene turned 37 on September 13. The Brazilian big man hasn’t been playing a lot of minutes in recent years, but the Rockets hang on to him, liking what he gives them in limited bursts. Last season it was 42 games, 13 minutes a night, for 3.6 points. He’s on a 2-year deal, but the second season only becomes guaranteed if he stays on the roster after February 15, 2020.
6th: Tyson Chandler, Houston Rockets
Rockets player #3 on this list. The 2011 MVP champion played on both the Suns and the Lakers last season, averaging 3.1 points and 5.6 rebounds, still providing valuable time on the court in the locker room for teams. Chandler turned 37 earlier this month (born October 2 1982). He’s signed on a 1-year, veteran’s minimum deal.
5th: Joe Johnson, Detroit Pistons
After taking a season off and starring in the Big3 (winning the MVP and the championship), the 38-year old Johnson is back in the NBA. Born June 29, 1981, Johnson last played in the league in 2017-2018, helping the Houston Rockets, averaging 6 points in 22 minutes a night. The 7-time All-Star signed a 1-year, veteran’s minimum deal with the Pistons.
4th: Kyle Korver, Milwaukee Bucks
The sharpshooting Korver is entering season number 17 in the league. Last season he left the Cleveland Cavaliers and returned to the Utah Jazz, scoring 9.1 points in 20 minutes a night. He signed a 1-year deal with the Bucks this summer, his 6th team in this league. Born on March 17, 1981, Korver will turn 39 later this season.
3rd: Pau Gasol, Portland Trail Blazers
The vagabond ways of the older Gasol brother continue this season, joining the Blazers, his 4th team since leaving the Lakers in 2014. The two-time champion averaged just 3.9 points last season playing for the Spurs and the Bucks. It’ll be interesting to see what he can still give a team for about 10-15 minutes a night, as he recently celebrated his 39th birthday (born July 6).
2nd: Udonis Haslem, Miami Heat
It’s another season for Haslem in Miami, the only team he’s ever played for, giving from his experience and being a reminder of the 3 championships won in 2006, 2012 and 2013. Haslem rarely plays these days, giving just 10 games and a total of 74 minutes last season. He has a total of just 40 games in the last 3 years. Haslem is 39, and will celebrate b-day number 40 in June.
1st: Vince Carter, Atlanta Hawks
Another year for Carter at the top of the charts, re-signing with the Hawks to begin what will be 22nd NBA season in a 4th NBA decade. Carter began his career back in 1998 (!!!). Six of his teammates were born that year or after. Born January 26, 1977, Carter will celebrate his 43rd birthday this season. Last season he appeared in 76 games (17.5 minutes a night, 7.4 points), playing quite a lot of time as a power forward. With the Hawks having loftier expectations than last season, it remains to be seen how involved will Carter be in all of it.