This was definitely a thing just back in the 2000s. You had guys like melo, tmac, Paul pierce, wade, Dwight ect all decline in this age range or way before. People always mentioned lebron still being so good when he was 33. At first that seemed like an anomaly. Now, you have guys like curry, kd, kawhi, dame, lebron still(lol) jimmy butler, all still being in their prime at 33+. Is it an advancement in technology and medicine? Something else?
People were having this conversation in the NFL a few years ago when Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and Tom Brady were all effective into their late 30’s and even 40’s. Everyone thought it was going to be the new normal until a bunch of other QB’s fell off and retired right on schedule.
Turns out it was just a little group of extreme outliers who by random coincidence were all playing at the same time, and human beings still age like human beings. LeBron playing at this level at his age doesn’t mean the universe has shifted any more than Jordan or Kareem still balling when they were 39-40 did. Some dudes really are just built different, and top stars usually play longer because they are falling off from a higher peak.
NFL rules shifted between the 90’s and early 2000’s that provided a significant advantage to the passing game with stricter enforcement of pass interference rules, tackling rules, and handling of the quarterback. Comparing what Steve Young and Brett Favre played through to Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady faced is almost apples to oranges.
I think to a degree they all pushed each other to go that long. Always helps to have companions when pushing yourself. Sure they competed and were super competitive against each other but they were also peers.
I think the QBs is more you can’t hit them anywhere near as much anymore. I suspect Mahomes and QBs who can figure out how to not take as many hits will play longer too. For the NBA I’d say the game is more about shooting 3s relative to getting to the basket than ever, which generally means less getting hit. In addition to all the advances in medicine, conditioning, load restrictions, etc.
Bron is definitely the biggest outlier.
You can’t only look at age with him .
At 18 years old, he was playing against NBA competition 40 mins a night for years while guys were playing a very light college schedule.
His 38 years are not the same as most other guys.
Agree with everything else.