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Who is the best 1 on 1 NBA Player?

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Who is the best 1 on 1 NBA player according to NBA fans?

A tricky question considering basketball is a team game where teams are rarely successful in a iso-heavy system (just see the James Harden Houston Rockets).

But nevertheless, here is our top 5 best 1 on 1 NBA players (in no particular order):

 

1. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant – Golden State Warriors Photo by: Curt Johnson Flickr

Kevin Durant has been torching the league since he was drafted No. 2 by the Seatle Supersonics in 2007. His ball handling skills are amongst the best all time for a player that is 6 ft 8 +. What makes KD so unstoppable is his ability to knock down what seems like 99% of his midrange shots. His length means that he can shoot over everyone which is why KD has to be on this list.

Why KD is on the list:

  • Ball handling skills for his size
  • Deadly midrange pull up which is near on unstoppable
  • Versatility – shooting, layups, dunks, lob threats, you name it
  • 3 point shooting – 38.4% from 3 (from a player that can play solid defence

 

2. James Harden

James Harden Photo by: The Celebs Fact Flickr

Fans are still unclear whether James Harden has taken a step down in his basketball ability or has been playing injured during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers. Either way, Harden is the NBA’s epitome of iso. During his Houston Rocket days, Mike D’Antoni implemented an iso heavy system that allowed Harden to rack up insane statistical numbers. He had a ferocious first step that left perimeter defenders for dust, and if met in the paint was such a good playmaker that he would lob it to his center for the easy dunk. James also has a leathal 3 pointer, one that would have resulted in at least 1 NBA Championships if he had not run into the Warriors dynasty (and missed 27 3 pointers in a row).

Why James Harden is on the list:

  • Lightning fast first step
  • 3 point shooting
  • Playmaking
  • Made centers look like prime Shaq

 

3. Ja Morant

Ja Morant – Photo by: Casino Connection Flickr

The 2021-2022 Most Improved Player of the Year has had an incredible 3rd season with the Memphis Grizzlies. He led his team to the NBA playoffs but unfortunatly suffered a knee injury and lost to the NBA finalists, Golden State.

Ja is very reminicent of Allen Iverson and young Derick Rose as he has unbelievable athleticism and can somehow contort his body making blocking his layups near on impossible. Ja is one of those players that believe he is the best in the league and holds himself like a winner. He relishes the big moments and rarely lets his fans down.

Why Ja Morant is on the list:

  • Incredible athleticism
  • Top dog mentality
  • Clutch
  • Shines in big moments

 

4. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry – Photo by: Casino Connection

Steph Curry is back on form this season after suffering a broken wrist and missing most of the 2019 season. Last season he won the scoring title, this season has won the All-Star MVP, the Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP and his team is ready to make a play in the NBA finals.

Curry is the greatest shooter of all time – something very few people can repute. His ability to hit 3’s from 30, 40, 50 feet away has baffled NBA analysts for years. Guarding Staph is a nightmare for this reason, but not this reason alone. He is a guard that consistantly covers the most ground during games. The Golden State motion offence sees Steph constantly running around set screens for the slightest bit of distance for a shot. He is incredibly difficult to guard. Not only this, but Steph might be the most unselfish player in the league. He is very happy passing to his team mate Klay so that he can beat his own 3 pointer record. The only person to stop Steph Curry seems to be Steph himself – as he’s known to go into a brief shooting slumps, something he very quickly pulls himself out of.

Why Steph Curry is on the list:

  • 3 pointers – this can’t be understated
  • Motion offence – constantly moving
  • Unselfish
  • Shooting

 

5. LeBron James

Lebron James – Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

LeBron is still the face of the NBA, although his team, the Los Angeles Lakers had an abysmal season. LeBron still manage to put up 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists in 56 games at the age of 38 – something nobody this age has got near to. LeBron’s ability to deny Father Time’s grip on him is truly impressive.

Despite his age, LeBron still seems to be able to get the rim at will. His athleticism is not what prime Cavs/Heat LeBron was but he’s adapted his game – put on more muscle, developed his 3 point shooting and learnt when best to coast and when to turn the jets on.

Why LeBron James is on the list:

  • Powerful bully-ball type plays
  • Clutch
  • Well developed offensive game
  • Ability to posterise and suck the will out of opposing team

 

Who would you add to the list?

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