-
Anthony Gharib, ESPN
There’s an underlying storyline heading into the meeting between the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs on Friday (4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN) that includes two of the oldest players in the NBA: LeBron James (39) and Chris Paul (39).
The future Hall of Famers have combined for over 60,000 points and 32 All Star appearances. They are also one half of the memorable Banana Boat crew.
They are also the final active players from their respective NBA drafts.
The Cleveland Cavaliers selected James at No. 1 in 2003, while the then-New Orleans Hornets took Paul at No. 4 in 2005. Paul and James are their drafts’ leaders in games, minutes, points and assists.
Those two years aren’t the only ones without many players still active. Here’s a look at draft classes with the fewest players remaining in the league.
Year:
2006
Players:
Kyle Lowry (No. 24), P.J. Tucker (No. 35)
Lowry has played the most games from the group of players drafted. Currently with the Philadelphia 76ers, Lowry has suited up for five franchises. The Memphis Grizzlies selected him before he went to the Houston Rockets, then to the Toronto Raptors (where he won the 2019 NBA championship), Miami Heat and 76ers.
Tucker’s a champion too, playing a key role in the Milwaukee Bucks winning in 2021. Though the Raptors drafted him, he spent five seasons overseas after his rookie year before returning to the league. Tucker is part of the LA Clippers‘ roster but away from the team while the franchise looks to find him a “different situation.”
The 2006 NBA draft also included the selection of current Lakers head coach JJ Redick, Rajon Rondo, Lamarcus Aldridge and Rudy Gay, who recently retired.
Year:
2007
Players:
Kevin Durant (No. 2), Al Horford (No. 3), Mike Conley (No. 4), Jeff Green (No. 5)
All of the active players from this class were taken in the top five, proving those decisions paid off. Two of the four players are champions and made at least five All-Star appearances — Durant (14) and Horford (5). Green won his first ring with the Denver Nuggets in 2023.
Thaddeus Young, (pick No. 12), isn’t part of an NBA roster for the first time since being drafted, however he hasn’t officially retired.
Durant’s longevity stands out in this group. The Phoenix Suns star averaged 27.6 points before being sidelined by an injury.
Year:
2008
Players:
Russell Westbrook (No. 4), Kevin Love (No. 5), Eric Gordon (No. 7), Brook Lopez (No. 10), Nicolas Batum (No. 25), DeAndre Jordan (No. 35)
Over 15 years later, the 2008 class has found a way to still contribute in the league. Though Love and Jordan appear sparingly, the other four members have key roles on teams with high aspirations.
Westbrook is the group’s leader in minutes, games, points and assists. Jordan leads in rebounds and field goal percentage, eclipsing 60% for his career.
Year:
2010
Players:
Paul George (No. 10)
In a draft that was headlined by big names that include John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins, George held on the longest. Gordon Hayward’s retirement in the offseason ensured George’s status as the last man standing from the 2010 class.
He is nearing 30,000 minutes and 20,000 points, both the highest of any prospect drafted that year. A nine-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA player, the 76ers forward is still a key member of the NBA ecosystem.