You’ve probably had moments when you suddenly discover the age of an NBA player and think, “Already? Didn’t he just join?” Or you recall a classic NBA moment, do the math, and realize years have flown by.
Your heart skips a beat, and there’s a tightness in your chest. It’s then you understand that time is moving faster than you’d like, and it’s unsettling.
In just a few weeks, the 2024/2025 NBA season begins. Here are nine facts that might make you feel old. But there’s something strangely satisfying in this. While these emotions may seem uncomfortable, we oddly crave them. Some of these facts might trigger memories, spark nostalgia, or give you a clearer sense of how quickly time is passing.
1. LeBron James Will Play With His Son Bronny
This is an obvious yet mind-blowing fact. Some of you might remember the 2003 NBA Draft. Now, imagine someone telling you back then that 21 years later, LeBron would play alongside his son—who wasn’t even born at that time.
Regardless of how Bronny’s career turns out, the moment when both take the court together will be monumental, not just for basketball but for team sports. But then, you might realize these are LeBron’s final years, and while it’s rational to accept, deep down, it’s hard to believe.
2. Players Born in 2005 Will Debut in the NBA
The 2024 NBA Draft saw many players born in 2005, like Zachary Reesacher and Alex Sarr. Think back to what you were doing that year. Maybe you were in school, college, or even working. Now, the same kids born then are set to play in the league.
It’s even possible that as you read this, somewhere, the next greatest player in NBA history has just been born. We’ll revisit that thought mid-century.
3. Stephen Curry Will Turn 37
This one stings a bit. Sure, we’ve viewed Curry as a veteran for a while now—a superstar and legend. But 37? He’s still got that youthful face and energy!
His birthday is March 14, 2025, so we’ve got some time to adjust. Curry has mentioned he’ll play until he’s 40, but after that, who knows? Still, many of us are convinced that even at 40 or 45, Steph will hit three-pointers better than anyone else.
4. Chris Paul’s 20th NBA Season
A 20-season career is remarkable. Only 10 players have done it, and now Chris Paul joins them. Oddly, it feels like this might not be his last season—unless injuries interfere.
Paul attributes his longevity to his switch to veganism, which has kept him healthier. But more than his health, his basketball IQ keeps him in demand. He’s expected to help Victor Wembanyama, who struggled last season with poor passing from teammates. Paul’s playmaking could turn Wembanyama into a superstar.
5. 15 Years Since Kobe’s Last Championship
Many fans will feel a pang of nostalgia at this one. Kobe’s final championship in 2009 was special, as it allowed him to surpass Shaquille O’Neal in rings.
Kobe was only 32 then, and there was hope for a sixth title to tie with Michael Jordan. But injuries and misfortune hit the Lakers, and soon after, Kobe’s own body gave out. During this season’s Finals, we’ll be marking the 15th anniversary of that championship. In that time, the future No. 1 draft pick of 2029 has already grown up and is tearing up school basketball.
6. Nine Years Since Cleveland’s 1-3 Finals Comeback
For many, this Finals is iconic. Some may have fallen in love with basketball during that series. Yet, an entire generation of NBA fans didn’t witness it live. Imagine that!
Initially, the series was dull, with blowouts on both sides. But when Draymond Green’s suspension shifted momentum, the series became legendary. The Game 7 is considered one of the best in NBA history. For Cleveland, a city long deprived of championships, that one title might as well have been ten.
7. 13 Years Since Oklahoma City Thunder’s Last Finals Appearance
When a team is rebuilding, time seems to slip away. But 13 years since OKC’s last Finals appearance? It feels like yesterday when young Durant, Westbrook, and Harden battled Miami’s Big Three.
During a media day, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was asked what season he was playing. He said his seventh, though it feels more like his third or fourth. It’s a reminder that time doesn’t wait. Shai is now considered a veteran—when did that happen?
8. Joe Mazzulla is 36
This one hits from a different angle. Joe Mazzulla, 36, is already an NBA championship-winning coach. It makes you reflect: What have you accomplished?
Mazzulla is part of a new wave of coaches focused on advanced analytics and tactics. This style is gaining traction across sports, but there’s still a need for old-school coaches who prioritize motivation and unlocking individual talent.
9. Russell Westbrook Will Play for His Sixth Team in Seven Years
Who would’ve thought a decade ago that Westbrook would become so undervalued? Yes, his flaws—poor shooting, bad decisions, and inconsistency—are well-known. But teams still take chances on him because of his raw talent and passion.
Five years ago, he was fiercely defended. Now, many critics undervalue him. Yet, Westbrook could still be a valuable sixth man. Teams like Denver need someone with his energy. But will he fit? Time will tell.
