Nostalgia in the NBA
In the lead-up to the 2025-26 NBA season, a nostalgic wave is washing over the league, with franchises like the Golden State Warriors fully embracing seasoned veterans. The cultural phenomenon of nostalgia is more than just a trend; it is a testament to a society that is often looking back even while charging forward into new territories. This is evidenced by everything from fashion to music—where old hits resurface, and films capitalizing on past franchises dominate box offices.
Return to NBC
This year, the NBA is revisiting its past glory as well, with a high-profile return to NBC, featuring classic moments like John Tesh’s “Roundball Rock” and a throwback to the NBA Jam video game stylings. The network promoted its opening matchups meticulously, including the anticipated clash between the Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers, stoking memories of the league’s rich history and its larger-than-life stars.
Key Players to Watch
The players set to light up the court include icons like Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and LeBron James, as well as rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Notably, the spotlight will be on Durant as he faces his former team, the Warriors, during their opening night festivities—a poignant reminder of the dynasty he helped establish before his departure.
The Aging Core of the Warriors
The Warriors are particularly focused on their aging core, which includes Curry, Draymond Green, and new addition Jimmy Butler, all of whom will be in their mid to late 30s by opening night. With Curry recently turning 37 and showing no desire to slow down after an impressive All-NBA season, the Warriors are hopeful that their veteran leadership can guide them through another competitive campaign. Meanwhile, Green continues to perform at a high level despite his increasing years, finishing third in the Defensive Player of the Year race last season. Butler, who joined the team amid high expectations, faces the challenge of staying healthy, as he hasn’t exceeded 65 games in a season since before the pandemic.
Voices of Experience
Curry voices a sentiment that resonates across the league: while youth is undeniably influential in shaping the current NBA landscape, the experience and skills of established stars still command significant attention and performance potential.
He noted that the Warriors were among the last teams with a viable shot at success last season and believe they can compete once more by fine-tuning their roster.
Opening Night Highlights
The Warriors, along with the Lakers and the Rockets, have secured prominent spots on opening night, showcasing their allure even in a league that is seeing younger stars, like Luka Dončić and Anthony Edwards, begin to capture the spotlight. Last season, Dončić topped jersey sales—a feat not accomplished by an American player since 2013, illustrating a shift in the demographics of star power.
The Legacy of Current Stars
Despite the impending transformation ushered in by younger talents, the enduring legacy of Curry, Durant, and James solidifies their status as the faces of the league. The NBA aims to capitalize on this nostalgia by giving fans a chance to celebrate these legends while they still compete at an elite level. As the future beckons with fresh talents like Cooper Flagg ready to take the reins, the focus remains on preserving the magic created by the current luminaries of the sport as long as possible.
Looking Ahead
The excitement builds as the season approaches. The Warriors will participate in a franchise-record 34 nationally televised games, making them unavoidable to NBA fans everywhere, and it all begins with Steph Curry leading the charge.
Stay tuned for more updates, including the latest from the Dubs Talk Podcast, as the NBA gears up for another thrilling season.
