NBA Exec on Older Rosters: 'I Don't Know If That Model Is Going to Work Anymore'

Even though the success in the NBA has typically been associated with older, veteran-laden rosters, there appears to be a bit of a shift toward younger teams this season.

One executive for an Eastern Conference team told ESPN's Tim Bontemps there's something to be said for having a roster with established chemistry and continuity rather than trying to force it with quick-fix additions.

"A lot of times, successful teams have been older ones," the executive said. "I think it's harder now to go out and create a team of older players without having chemistry and continuity. I don't know if that model is going to work anymore."

The franchise everyone is trying to model themselves after right now are the Oklahoma City Thunder. They have the fifth-youngest roster in the NBA this season with an average age of 24.7 years old and own the best record in the Western Conference (44-10).

On the other side of the equation, the two oldest teams in the NBA (the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns) are among the most disappointing clubs this season. The Bucks have at least climbed up to fifth in the East with a 30-24 record, but they don't look like a strong title contender given how much they've invested in this roster.

There are exceptions to every rule. The Boston Celtics, with an average age of 28.9 years old, are the fourth-oldest team and are among the favorites to win the NBA title for a second consecutive season.

It's not necessarily that the model of trying to add veteran players isn't going to work like it once did, so much as it is teams needing to be smarter about who they are bringing in.

The Suns adding Bradley Beal wasn't exactly celebrated in the moment. It just looks worse now because the team is currently outside of the play-in tournament, and they were unable to deal him prior to the trade deadline because of his no-trade clause.

There do seem to be more great players at a younger age than there has ever been. This year's All-Star roster had nine players aged 25 or younger, including Victor Wembanyama (21), Anthony Edwards (23), Jalen Williams (23) and Evan Mobley (23).