We seem to hear this expression a lot in basketball forums, but does it literally mean anybody 30+ (seems to most often be the case these days), or does the expression really mean 35+ (seems to be what the expression meant back in the day)? Or does it depend?

If we’re talking 30+, what are some examples of what it means to be “on the wrong side of 30”? For example, is it generally someone who is over-reliant on their athleticism? Is it a certain body type that is more likely to break down after 30 compared to before?

If we’re talking 35+, it seems more universal considering how few players manage to maintain an all-star shape into their late 30s? And it certainly feels like in general in life, a number of folks would say ages 25-34 is your physical/mental prime in many ways, and it feels like things start to go physically downhill a lil bit at some point between 35-39? Obviously speaking in general/anecdotally, which is not always aligned with the data.

Other thoughts/questions on the expression “the wrong side of 30”?