The All-Time Greatest NBA Players in Skill

What an NBA great can accomplish on the basketball court beyond physical supremacy is what is known as pure skill. Though many would contend that Kyrie Irving is the NBA’s most gifted player right now, where does he stand in terms of pure skill among all players?

It’s time to see where Kyrie Irving and the best players in the NBA rank all-time.

Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan

The greatest player of all time, Michael Jordan, is known for his incredible scoring ability. He is the all-time leader in career PPG (30.1) thanks to his ability to score from anywhere on the court, whether he is driving to the hoop with his explosive athleticism or pulling up for his signature mid-range shot. He was able to finish with finesse by navigating between defenses with his footwork and body control. In addition to being a prolific scorer, Jordan was a superb defender. His outstanding anticipation, lateral quickness, and unwavering intensity earned him a consistent spot on the NBA All-Defensive Team. Jordan’s ability to shut down opponents, obstruct passes, and produce steals frequently gave his team opportunities to transition. All things considered, Jordan was theJordan

Michael and Kobe Bryant

The all-time great Michael Jordan is known for his incredible ability to score points. His unstoppable skill set allowed him to score from wherever on the court, be it driving to the basket with his explosive athleticism or pulling up for his signature mid-range jumper. As a result, he leads all lifetime PPG scorers with a 30.1% clip. He was able to finish deftly by sidestepping defenses because to his body control and footwork. Jordan was a superb defender in addition to being a prolific scorer. He was a consistent choice for the NBA All-Defensive Team because of his extraordinary lateral agility, anticipation, and unwavering intensity. Transition opportunities were frequently created for his team by Jordan’s ability to shut down opponents, obstruct passing lanes, and produce steals. In every way, Jordan was thebest player of all time, and there’s a reason he’s considered the GOAT when you consider his exceptional athleticism as well.

In terms of skill, Kobe Bryant is right there with Jordan, having a comparable playing style and competitive drive. Bryant’s career statistics of 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game demonstrate his exceptional skill set. He is a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant was a prolific scorer renowned for his adaptability and toolkit. With his flawless footwork, he could open up space and finish shots even against the most formidable opponents. Bryant could attack the rim with his athleticism, pull up from mid-range, or trademark fadeaway shot to foil any defensive strategy. Without a doubt, Bryant’s skill set was unmatched, and he was the player who most closely resembled Michael Jordan in  that regard.

Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, and Allen Iverson

“The Answer,” Allen Iverson, changed the combo guard position with his lightning-fast speed, superb ball handling abilities, and fearless scoring ability. Iverson’s ability to generate offense (26.7 PPG) helped alter the game despite his small stature of 6’0″ and 165 pounds. He possessed an excellent mid-range game, was great off the dribble, and could shoot threes when necessary. Iverson was one of the greatest players of all time when you saw him consistently finish near the rim, beat defenses off the dribble, and draw fouls.

Kyrie Irving has become one of the most proficient point guards in NBA history thanks to his amazing dribbling abilities and deft finishing near the rim. Arguably the best ball handler of all time, Irving can make a beautiful jumper in traffic. Irving is exceptional because he finishes at the rim so frequently that neither a guard nor a forward has been able to replicate his feat. With a lifetime three-point percentage of 39.3%, Irving has no offensive weaknesses.

Stephen Curry’s extraordinary long-range shooting skill completely changed the game and the way basketball is played. His historic seasons—he broke the single-season three-point record in 2015–16 with 402 made threes—confirmed his place as the most dominant player of his era and the greatest shooter of all time, even surpassing Ray Allen and Reggie Miller in that regard. Curry can score easily because he is a skillful player rather than a big man, and he possesses some of the best handles ever.

Lastly, the NBA has been ruled by Kevin Durant, a guard-like player who is nearly seven feet tall and with unmatched scoring ability. Considering that he is 6’11” and weighs 240 pounds with long arms, Durant may have the best scoring talent of all time. He has four different ways to score: in the post, over defenders, from three (38.7%), and from mid-range. He is automatic (88.4%) at the stripe. Using physicality and power to disorient Durant is the only way to respond to him.