Those four players belong to the best players of the 2010‘s. All of them won the MVP award. They are the same age (born 1988-1989).
But only Durant & Curry still are among the best players in the league. Why did they decline so much less than Harden and Westbrook?
Westbrook relied a lot on his athleticism and was never the best jump shooter (with exception to that pull-up middy that he now tends to back rim)
Like AI, Harden’s affinity for partying it up has aged him/ affected his conditioning, especially after the hammy in 2021
They are more efficient jump shooters and can get off their shots in a more variety of ways.
For Durant specifically, it’s hard to contest his shot because he’s so tall.
For Steph specifically, it’s hard to contest his shot because of the conditioning needed to guard him, (not a sprinter but a marathon runner), and how far out you have to defend him.
James Harden is still good.
You have literally no proof that he’s significantly regressed.
If you watched Harden in Houston, there’s no way you’d be saying this.
He’s regressed significantly with his percentages in the paint.
Part of the reason the Celtics were able to get back into that series vs. the 76ers is that the C’s would often leave the lane wide open for Harden to drive, electing instead to make sure Embiid was covered on his mid range jumper.
Harden could no punish them for it.
Westbrook’s athleticism is declining and he can’t shoot, Durant’s athleticism is declining but it’s peak was nowhere near Westbrook’s and he can shoot. Curry is a historically great shooter with insane cardio, Harden is a foul baiter with a gut