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The top 5 old heads still dominating the NBA today

By Michael Shearer

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends against Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game Four of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Staples Center on May 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends against Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game Four of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Staples Center on May 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 03: Kyle Lowry #7 and P.J. Tucker #17 of the Miami Heat complains about a call in the second half of their game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on January 03, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The top 5 old heads still dominating the NBA today: 4. Al Horford, Boston Celtics

Al Horford has been rejuvenated in his second stint in Boston. After sitting out most of last season with the Thunder, Horford has been the two-way playmaking hub the Celtics desperately need.

The five-time All-Star is averaging a career-high 1.6 blocks per game (and briefly led the league in that category early on), despite being unable to jump over a dropped penny. His feel for the game on that end remains elite, and few have his sense of defensive timing.

That timing shows up on the offensive end, too, where Horford averages 3.9 assists per game. He’s in the 92nd percentile for assist percentage among all big men, and ranks in the 89th percentile for turnover rate.

With Boston’s lack of a true pass-first point guard, Horford’s ability to facilitate from the elbows and the post adds some much-needed creativity to the team’s sometimes-stagnant attack.

Although he hasn’t found his shot yet, he’s still averaging a robust 11.8 points per game and 7.9 rebounds. And the advanced stats paint a pretty picture. He’s above more prominent names like Luka Doncic and Karl Anthony-Towns in 538’s Wins Above Replacement, too.

Horford’s game is aging like some barrelled bourbon, and he will continue to be a solid contributor for years to come.

The top 5 old heads still dominating the NBA today: 3. Kyle Lowry, Miami Heat

Lowry might no longer be able to score 25 points at will, but he’s still the captain of a potent Miami Heat offense. His 8.3 assists per game would be the highest in Miami Heat history, and his ability to put Miami’s whirring offense into motion can’t be overstated.

Despite Miami’s revolving-door roster, which injuries and protocols have decimated, lineups with Lowry still outscore opponents by 3.7 points per 100 possessions. 538’s WAR pegs him as the 15th-best player in the entire NBA!

His court vision and full-court outlet passes are already the stuff of Heat legend:

https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1478212294022610945

Lowry’s lower-body strength means he’s a perfect fit in Miami’s switch-heavy defense, while his championship experience means he won’t be shaken in the tough playoff battles to come.