Who Is The Oldest Player In The Nba
What is who is the oldest player in the nba?
Key facts
The oldest player ever to play in an NBA game is Nat Hickey, who was 45 years and 363 days old when he played for the Providence Steamrollers on January 28, 1948 [2]. The oldest active player is LeBron James, who is 41 years and 177 days old [1].
Context
The answer to who is the oldest player in the NBA depends on whether you mean all-time or currently active. Nat Hickey holds the all-time record at 45 years and 363 days, set on January 28, 1948, when he played for the Providence Steamrollers [2]. Hickey was also the team's coach and activated himself for that game, which was his final appearance as a player [2]. His record has never been surpassed [2]. For the active category, LeBron James is the oldest active player at 41 years and 177 days [1]. He took that title after Udonis Haslem and Andre Iguodala retired following the 2022–23 season [1]. The active-player answer shifts with each season, while the all-time record remains fixed [1][2].
Documented claims
- Hickey was the coach of the Providence Steamrollers when he activated himself as a player [2].
- Hickey's record has not been surpassed; no one has played in an NBA game at an older age since [2].
- Following the retirements of Udonis Haslem and Andre Iguodala after the 2022–23 NBA season, LeBron James became the oldest active player [1].
Questions and answers
Who is the oldest active NBA player?
LeBron James is the oldest active NBA player at 41 years and 177 days [1].
Has a 50 year old ever played in the NBA?
No. The oldest player ever was Nat Hickey at 45 years and 363 days, and no one has played at an older age since [2].
Who's older, Chris Paul or LeBron James?
LeBron James is older. He is the oldest active player at 41 years and 177 days [1].
Sources
- Who is the oldest NBA player ever? Reaching 45 years old — basketnews.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
- Ranking the Oldest NBA Players in 2026-27 — sports.betmgm.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)