Basketball Reference Blog

The Oldest Active NBA Players in 2022-23 Season

Posted by Vivek Singh on June 22, 2023

The NBA is a league dominated by young athletes, but that doesn’t mean older veterans don’t have an important part to play in the game. There is a multitude of NBA players who, despite being past their athletic prime, have a major impact on their team. So, we are going to have a look at the top 10 oldest active NBA players.

Photo of Udonis Haslem

Udonis Haslem

Pronunciation: \yoo-DAH-nihs HAZ-lehm\

Udonis Johneal Haslem Twitter: ThisIsUD ▪ Instagram: ud40

(U.D.)

Position: Power Forward and Center ▪ Shoots: Right

6-8235lb (203cm, 106kg)

Born: June 9, 1980 (Age: 43-011d) in Miami, Florida us

College: Florida

High School: Miami Senior in Miami, Florida

Recruiting Rank: 1998 (72)

NBA Debut: October 28, 2003

Experience: 20 years

SUMMARY

2022-23

Career

G

7

879

PTS

3.9

7.5

TRB

1.6

6.6

AST

0.0

0.8

FG%

34.5

48.9

FG3%

33.3

12.7

FT%

80.0

75.6

eFG%

39.7

48.9

PER

6.2

12.9

WS

0.0

50.9

Udonis Haslem is a power forward/center who has spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the Miami Heat. Despite going undrafted in 2002, Haslem has become a beloved figure in Miami and a key contributor to the Heat’s success over the years. He won three NBA championships with the team and has been a leader both on and off the court. Haslem is known for his physical style of play and his ability to defend the post. He has also been praised for his mentorship of younger players and his commitment to the Miami community.


Photo of Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala

Pronunciation: \ig-uh-DAH-luh\

Andre Tyler Iguodala Twitter: andre ▪ Instagram: andre

(Iggy, AI2, Dolla Billz)

Position: Small Forward, Shooting Guard, and Power Forward ▪ Shoots: Right

6-6215lb (198cm, 97kg)

Born: January 28, 1984 (Age: 39-143d) in Springfield, Illinois us

College: Arizona

High School: Lanphier in Springfield, Illinois

Recruiting Rank: 2002 (27)

Draft: Philadelphia 76ers, 1st round (9th pick, 9th overall), 2004 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: November 3, 2004

Experience: 19 years

SUMMARY

2022-23

Career

G

8

1231

PTS

2.1

11.3

TRB

2.1

4.9

AST

2.4

4.2

FG%

46.7

46.3

FG3%

11.1

33.0

FT%

66.7

70.9

eFG%

50.0

51.2

PER

7.3

15.4

WS

0.1

100.4

Andre Iguodala is currently a member of the Golden State Warriors. Born on January 28, 1984, in Springfield, Illinois, he played college basketball for the University of Arizona before being selected ninth overall in the 2004 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He spent eight seasons with the 76ers before being traded to the Denver Nuggets in 2012. In 2013, he was traded to the Golden State Warriors, where he played a key role in the team’s championship runs in 2015, 2017, and 2018. Iguodala is known for his exceptional defense, versatility, and ability to make clutch plays in critical moments. He has also been named to the NBA All-Defensive Team twice and won the NBA Finals MVP award in 2015.


Photo of LeBron James

LeBron James

LeBron Raymone James Twitter: KingJames ▪ Instagram: kingjames

(King James, LBJ, Chosen One, Bron-Bron, The Little Emperor, The Akron Hammer, L-Train, Benjamin Buckets)

Position: Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard ▪ Shoots: Right

6-9250lb (206cm, 113kg)

Born: December 30, 1984 (Age: 38-172d) in Akron, Ohio us

High School: St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron, Ohio

Recruiting Rank: 2003 (1)

Draft: Cleveland Cavaliers, 1st round (1st pick, 1st overall), 2003 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: October 29, 2003

Experience: 20 years

SUMMARY

2022-23

Career

G

55

1421

PTS

28.9

27.2

TRB

8.3

7.5

AST

6.8

7.3

FG%

50.0

50.5

FG3%

32.1

34.5

FT%

76.8

73.5

eFG%

54.9

54.5

PER

23.9

27.2

WS

5.6

255.1

LeBron James needs no introduction. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest players of all time. He was born in Akron, Ohio, in 1984, and was already a standout athlete in high school. James was drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA draft, and quickly established himself as a dominant force on the court.

Throughout his career, James has earned numerous accolades, including four NBA championships, four NBA MVP awards, and two Olympic gold medals. He has been named to the NBA All-Star team 19 times and is widely regarded as one of the most versatile players in NBA history.

James is known for his incredible athleticism, his ability to play multiple positions on the court, and his clutch performances in big games. He has also been recognized for his leadership both on and off the court, serving as a role model for young athletes and using his platform to advocate for social justice and other important causes.

Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his career, including criticism from fans and media, James has remained focused and dedicated to the game. He continues to be a dominant force in the NBA and a true legend of the sport.


Photo of Chris Paul

Chris Paul

Christopher Emmanuel Paul Twitter: CP3 ▪ Instagram: cp3

(CP3, The Point God, The Skate Instructor)

Position: Point Guard ▪ Shoots: Right

6-0175lb (183cm, 79kg)

Born: May 6, 1985 (Age: 38-045d) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina us

College: Wake Forest

High School: West Forsyth in Clemmons, North Carolina

Recruiting Rank: 2003 (6)

Draft: New Orleans Hornets, 1st round (4th pick, 4th overall), 2005 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: November 1, 2005

Experience: 18 years

SUMMARY

2022-23

Career

G

59

1214

PTS

13.9

17.9

TRB

4.3

4.5

AST

8.9

9.5

FG%

44.0

47.2

FG3%

37.5

36.9

FT%

83.1

87.0

eFG%

51.3

52.2

PER

17.7

24.3

WS

6.2

205.1

Chris Paul is currently the starting PG of the Phoenix Suns and has earned a reputation as one of the greatest point guards of all time. He was born in 1985 in North Carolina and went on to play college basketball at Wake Forest University before being drafted fourth overall in the 2005 NBA draft.

Throughout his career, Paul has played for multiple teams including the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, and Phoenix Suns. He has been selected to the NBA All-Star team 12 times and has been named to the All-NBA team 11 times.

Paul’s career achievements also include being named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2006, leading the league in assists five times, and being a two-time Olympic gold medalist with the United States men’s basketball team.


Photo of P.J. Tucker

P.J. Tucker

Anthony Leon Tucker ▪ Instagram: pjtucker

(P.J. stands for nickname Pops Junior)

(Tuck Wagon)

Position: Power Forward, Small Forward, and Shooting Guard ▪ Shoots: Right

6-5245lb (196cm, 111kg)

Born: May 5, 1985 (Age: 38-046d) in Raleigh, North Carolina us

College: Texas

High School: Enloe in Raleigh, North Carolina

Recruiting Rank: 2003 (79)

Draft: Toronto Raptors, 2nd round (5th pick, 35th overall), 2006 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: November 1, 2006

Experience: 12 years

SUMMARY

2022-23

Career

G

75

852

PTS

3.5

6.8

TRB

3.9

5.5

AST

0.8

1.4

FG%

42.7

42.5

FG3%

39.3

36.6

FT%

82.6

74.9

eFG%

54.9

51.2

PER

5.7

10.0

WS

2.5

42.6

PJ Tucker is a versatile and gritty NBA veteran, known for his tough defense and tenacity on the court. Standing at just 6’5″, Tucker has made a career out of guarding some of the league’s best players, using his physicality and relentless energy to make an impact on both ends of the floor. He has played for several teams over the years, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets, and Milwaukee Bucks, and has become a fan favorite for his hard-nosed style of play. While not a prolific scorer, Tucker’s contributions on defense and his ability to hit clutch shots make him a valuable asset to any team.


Photo of Taj Gibson

Taj Gibson

Taj Jami Gibson Twitter: TajGibson ▪ Instagram: tajgibson

(Hard Hat, Lunch Pail)

Position: Power Forward and Center ▪ Shoots: Right

6-9232lb (206cm, 105kg)

Born: June 24, 1985 (Age: 37-361d) in Brooklyn, New York us

College: USC

High School: Calvary Christian in San Fernando, California

Recruiting Rank: 2006 (46)

Draft: Chicago Bulls, 1st round (26th pick, 26th overall), 2009 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: October 29, 2009

Experience: 14 years

SUMMARY

2022-23

Career

G

49

945

PTS

3.4

8.7

TRB

1.9

5.9

AST

0.7

1.0

FG%

52.0

51.8

FG3%

33.3

26.7

FT%

71.4

71.3

eFG%

55.2

52.2

PER

11.4

15.3

WS

0.8

59.7

Taj Gibson is a veteran power forward, currently playing for the Washington Wizards. He was born on June 24, 1985, in Brooklyn, New York, and attended the University of Southern California before being selected 26th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2009 NBA draft.

Gibson is known for his tough and physical style of play, as well as his ability to defend multiple positions and rebound the basketball. He has played for several teams throughout his career, including the Bulls, Thunder, Timberwolves, and the Knicks.

In addition to his on-court contributions, Gibson is also respected for his leadership and professionalism in the locker room. He has been a mentor to many younger players, and his work ethic and dedication to the game are well known.


Photo of Goran Dragić

Goran Dragić

Pronunciation: \GORE-on DROG-ich\

Goran Dragić Twitter: Goran_Dragic ▪ Instagram: the_1_dragon

(The Dragon)

Position: Point Guard and Shooting Guard ▪ Shoots: Left

6-3190lb (190cm, 86kg)

Born: May 6, 1986 (Age: 37-045d) in Ljubljana, Slovenia si

Relatives: Brother Zoran Dragić

Draft: San Antonio Spurs, 2nd round (15th pick, 45th overall), 2008 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: October 29, 2008

Experience: 15 years

SUMMARY

2022-23

Career

G

58

946

PTS

6.3

13.3

TRB

1.4

3.0

AST

2.6

4.7

FG%

42.1

45.9

FG3%

35.9

36.2

FT%

68.9

76.6

eFG%

49.9

51.7

PER

10.3

16.5

WS

0.4

56.7

Goran Dragic played for the Bulls and the Bucks this season. Over his career, Dragic has since played for several teams including the Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, and Toronto Raptors. He has earned All-NBA honors and was named an All-Star in 2018. Known for his speed and ability to attack the basket, Dragic has been a valuable player on both ends of the court throughout his NBA career. Off the court, he is known for his charitable work in Slovenia. 


Photo of George Hill

George Hill

George Jesse Hill Jr. Twitter: George_Hill3 ▪ Instagram: indianageorge3

Position: Point Guard and Shooting Guard ▪ Shoots: Right

6-4188lb (193cm, 85kg)

Born: May 4, 1986 (Age: 37-047d) in Indianapolis, Indiana us

College: IUPUI

High School: Broad Ripple in Indianapolis, Indiana

Draft: San Antonio Spurs, 1st round (26th pick, 26th overall), 2008 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: November 4, 2008

Experience: 15 years

SUMMARY

2022-23

Career

G

46

915

PTS

5.0

10.4

TRB

1.8

3.0

AST

2.4

3.1

FG%

47.0

45.7

FG3%

35.8

38.0

FT%

76.4

80.6

eFG%

57.2

52.9

PER

10.6

14.6

WS

1.9

71.0

George Hill was another point guard for the Milwaukee Bucks this season, before later being moved to Indiana. He has been in the league since 2008 and has played for several teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Hill is known for his steady play, strong defense, and ability to hit three-point shots. He has also been praised for his leadership on and off the court. Hill has made several appearances in the playoffs throughout his career and is considered to be a solid veteran presence in the locker room. 


Photo of Rudy Gay

Rudy Gay

Rudy Carlton Gay Jr. Twitter: RudyGay ▪ Instagram: rudygay

(The Great Rudini, Big Truck, Truck)

Position: Small Forward and Power Forward ▪ Shoots: Right

6-8250lb (203cm, 113kg)

Born: August 17, 1986 (Age: 36-307d) in Brooklyn, New York us

College: UConn

High School: Archbishop Spalding in Severn, Maryland

Recruiting Rank: 2004 (5)

Draft: Houston Rockets, 1st round (8th pick, 8th overall), 2006 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: November 1, 2006

Experience: 17 years

SUMMARY

2022-23

Career

G

56

1120

PTS

5.2

15.8

TRB

2.9

5.6

AST

1.0

2.0

FG%

38.0

45.2

FG3%

25.4

34.6

FT%

85.7

79.9

eFG%

43.7

49.2

PER

9.0

16.3

WS

0.3

61.0

Rudy Gay is a veteran forward known for his scoring ability and versatility on both ends of the court. He has played for multiple teams throughout his career, including the Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, and, currently, the Utah Jazz. Gay is a solid mid-range shooter who stretches the floor with his three-point range. He is also a capable defender and has been named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in the past. Off the court, Gay is known for his philanthropy and community involvement.


Photo of Jeff Green

Jeff Green

Jeffrey Lynn Green Twitter: unclejeffgreen ▪ Instagram: unclejeffgreen

(Uncle Jeff)

Position: Power Forward, Small Forward, and Center ▪ Shoots: Right

6-8235lb (203cm, 106kg)

Born: August 28, 1986 (Age: 36-296d) in Cheverly, Maryland us

College: Georgetown

High School: Northwestern in Hyattsville, Maryland

Draft: Boston Celtics, 1st round (5th pick, 5th overall), 2007 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: October 31, 2007

Experience: 15 years

SUMMARY

2022-23

Career

G

56

1107

PTS

7.8

12.4

TRB

2.6

4.2

AST

1.2

1.5

FG%

48.8

44.9

FG3%

28.8

33.7

FT%

74.4

80.3

eFG%

53.4

50.0

PER

11.0

13.1

WS

1.7

52.0

Jeff Green is a seasoned NBA veteran who has played for multiple teams throughout his career. The 6’8″ forward has proven to be a versatile player, capable of playing multiple positions and contributing in various ways. Green is known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and solid defense. He has played for teams such as the Seattle SuperSonics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets. Green is respected by his peers and has been a valuable addition to every team he has played for. He continues to be a productive player in the NBA and is playing a key role for the Denver Nuggets coming off the bench this season.


FAQs

Who are the oldest active nba players?

The oldest active player in the NBA in 2022-23 was Udonis Haslem, at age-42. Andre Iguodala, LeBron James, Chris Paul, and P.J. Tucker round out the top five.


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