Just last year, LeBron James, who has won four NBA championships and is a four-time MVP, was ranked number three on the list of the oldest active NBA players, behind Udonis Haslem and Andre Iguodala. However, with Haslem officially retiring in July 2023 and Iguodala remaining unsigned for the ‘23-’24 season, LeBron James added another title to his name by becoming the league’s oldest player.
Udonis Halem stepped away from the NBA after an illustrious career that spanned 20 seasons. He retired at the age of 43, and this news was officially announced on July 29 on his Instagram and Miami Heat’s X. The post included a picture of the Heat veteran holding a Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy as well as a note that summarized his career as a basketball player.
Miami Heat then captioned it with a three-letter phrase that epitomized what Haslem meant to the franchise: “Forever a #HEATLegend”
Forever a #HEATLegend ⚓️ pic.twitter.com/zb79Rm4bG4
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) July 28, 2023
On the other hand, Andre Iguodala has been elusive so far in the off-season, as he has remained unsigned by any team in the league. Back in September 2022, Iguodala had already considered retiring, but with his teammates, Coach and Golden State Warrior GM, convincing him to ride out the season with them for the last time, he eventually decided to resign with the Warriors. However, he also said back then on his podcast, “Point Forward”, that that would be the last time.
“I’m letting you know right now, Steph [Curry], this is the last one,” Iguodala said.
Iguodala is now 39 years old and has already played for 19 seasons in the NBA. But it seems the basketball veteran meant it when he said that the previous season would be his last one. Still, the Warriors haven’t lost hope and even reserved the final roster spot for Iguodala just in case he comes back, as per Basketball Insiders.
James is 39 this December
“We’ve communicated some this summer already,” GM Mike Dunleavy said to NBC sports. “We’ll see. We’re not going to close the door on anything. But my guess, and my belief, is that he won’t be back…
But with only a few days until the NBA ‘23-’24 kicks off, fans have guessed that Igduola has closed his doors for this season. And this had everyone thinking that with the two out of the equation, King LeBron James, who will turn 39 this December, would now hold the crown of being the oldest active NBA player.
Included in LA Lakers’ roster, James will play in his 21st season this October.
BasketNews even reported this on X, and said: “The end of an era approaches, LeBron James claims the throne as the oldest player in the NBA next season 👀👑”
The end of an era approaches, LeBron James claims the throne as the oldest player in the NBA next season 👀👑 pic.twitter.com/tcR7x0rONB
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) October 4, 2023
The photo above is from a Twitter screenshot