Top 5 oldest NBA players to have taken to NBA court in history featuring Robert Parish, Vince Carter, and more
The NBA has seen its fair share of grizzled veterans who have played well into their forties. Four of the names on this list were former All-Stars who extended their playing careers by becoming role players.
As the league gets younger, many of these older statesmen of the game have become important pieces for a team. They may no longer have the skills they consistently displayed during their peak years, but their experience and voice have been no less impactful.
Here are 5 of the NBA’s remarkable veterans who continued to impact the game past the age of forty
#5 Dikembe Mutombo
The NBA family is keeping Dikembe Mutombo and his family in their thoughts and prayers as the Hall of Famer is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. Well past his retirement, “Deke” has never stopped caring for the game by becoming the league’s Global Ambassador for basketball.
Mutombo spent 18 years playing as a pro for six NBA teams. He had a very limited offensive game but was a giant on the defensive end. “Mt. Mutombo” led the league in blocks for three straight seasons from 1993-94 to 1995-96. His trademark finger wag has become one of the most iconic and identifiable moves in basketball history.
Join us in wishing a Happy 56th Birthday to 8x NBA All-Star, 4x Defensive Player of the Year and @Hoophall inductee, Dikembe Mutombo! #NBABDAY https://t.co/65fipZcGPc
Dikembe Mutombo is best known for winning four Defensive Player of the Year Awards, a record he shares with Ben Wallace. He played his last season with the Houston Rockets in 2009 at the age of 43. In 2015 he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
#4 Vince Carter
Vince Carter is considered by many to be the greatest dunker the NBA has ever seen. It’s a recognition that puts him above the likes of Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins, two of the greatest rim-rattlers in league history.
Half-man, half-amazing Carter played for 22 seasons as a pro basketball player. He was an icon in Toronto and was beloved by Raptors fans before he was traded to the New Jersey Nets. Carter was the 1998-99 Rookie of the Year and ended his career with eight All-Star selections.
Vince Carter in his 22 seasons:
— 25/5/4 as an All-Star
— 8x All-Star
— 2x All-NBA
— Slam Dunk Champ
— Most seasons played
— Top 3 in games played
The only player to play in 4 different decades. https://t.co/IbRu2aNGab
“Air Canada” was a big-time superstar in his prime who was usually the offensive hub of the teams he played on. Later in his career, he took on a supporting role as he extended his career.
Vince Carter played his last season just when the pandemic hit in 2020 with the Atlanta Hawks. He was 43 years old and the only player to play in four different decades when he hung up his jersey. “Vinsanity” is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2024.