The Los Angeles Clippers: A Historic Shift
The Los Angeles Clippers are poised to make NBA history by becoming the oldest team ever, with an anticipated average player age of 33.2 years for the 2025-26 season, as highlighted by Tom Haberstroh on “The Big Number” podcast from Yahoo Sports.
Comparative Age Records
To put this into perspective, the current record-holder for the oldest team since the NBA merger is the 2000-01 Utah Jazz at an average of 32 years. Other notable teams include the 1997-98 Houston Rockets and the Chicago Bulls, both also averaging 32 years.
Veteran Roster Highlights
The Clippers’ roster will feature veterans like:
- Chris Paul, who is 40
- James Harden at 37
- Brook Lopez, also 37
- Nicolas Batum (36)
- Kawhi Leonard (34)
- Bogdan Bogdanović (33)
- Bradley Beal (32)
- Kris Dunn (31)
Strategic Implications
This strategy reveals a distinct approach from the rest of the league, which has been trending towards younger, more dynamic teams. Last season’s NBA Finals, for example, saw an average player age of just 25.5 years, producing the youngest champion in recent times, with an average age of 24.7.
“Older teams have had more regular-season success over the last decade, but as we advance into playoffs, the teams tend to get younger. While this Clippers squad may excel in securing a top seed, their chances of taking home the championship could be more challenging.” – Tom Haberstroh
The decision to field an older lineup is certainly a bold gamble as the franchise prepares for the upcoming season.
