Opinion
As with nearly every sport, the NBA has been graced with so many superstars, including this century.
Here’s my greatest five of this century from the NBA.
Stephen Curry
Only just edging out two-time MVP Steve Nash, Steph Curry revolutionised the way point guards played with his unbelievable range and freakish shooting. Along with his three championships, he’s won two MVP awards, is part of the 50-40-90 club, and has a career average of 23.5 points per game. He also boasts a 43.6 per cent three-point percentage, and averages six assists per game, as well as 1.7 steals per game.
Kobe Bryant
This one was a really tough one between Bryant, James Harden and Allen Iverson. But the late, great Kobe Bryant wins this one. His defence as well as his offensive ability are just two of many reasons he’s in the GOAT argument. He averaged 25 points per game his whole career, along with 5.2 rebounds per game, 4.7 assists per game and 1.4 steals. He has five championships, two Finals MVPs, one MVP, four All Star Game MVPs, as well as two Olympic gold medals.
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
LeBron James
The man from Akron, Ohio has been a superstar all these years. And he’s been in the MVP debate as well as the GOAT debate for many years too. Over his entire career, he’s only missed 103 games and is still kicking in his 30s. He averages 27.2 points per game, 7.4 rebounds per game and 7.2 assists per game, as well as 1.6 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. Don’t forget his three championships, four MVPs, three Finals MVPs, and two Olympic golds.
Kevin Durant
A born scorer who keeps on improving every year, Durant has become an all-round superstar in the modern NBA. With a career average of 27 points per game, 7.1 rebounds per game and 4.1 assists per game, he’s also not too bad defensively, averaging 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. He also has one MVP, two finals MVPs, two championships and two Olympic golds.
Tim Duncan
It was tough one between Shaquille O’Neal and Duncan, but the two-time MVP edges out the big man. Not only was he a great defender, but he wasn’t a bad scorer, averaging 19 points per game, 10.8 rebounds per game and 3.0 assists per game, along with 2.2 blocks and 0.7 steals per game. He also has the five championships, is a three-time Finals MVP and also has an All Star Game MVP.
Sixth man: James Harden
Harden just edges out Iverson and Steve Nash. Harden, who is a former sixth man at Oklahoma City, has evolved into one of the greatest offensive threats in the NBA. Over these past three seasons including this season, he’s averaged 33.7 points per game, 7.9 assists per game, and 1.8 steals per game. He also has career averages of 24.3 points per game, 6.2 assists per game, and 1.6 steals per game, along with the 2018 MVP and one sixth man of the year award.
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