The NBA is a league built on youth, but a select few players have defied time, playing well into their 40s. Although the average retirement age is around 28, the oldest NBA players ever proved that experience and longevity can sometimes trump athleticism. Some of them remained productive deep into their careers, while others made history simply by stepping onto the court.

Karl Malone, the Hall of Fame power forward and two-time NBA MVP, has sold his incredible collection of memorabilia from the 1992 Dream Team, the legendary squad that won the gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics and changed the game of basketball forever.