Nba Isolation Best Players of All Time

The NBA Isolation play is a basketball strategy that focuses on a single offensive player with the ball, typically a guard or forward, attempting to beat their defender one-on-one in order to score a basket. It is a popular play for teams looking to maximize their offensive potential and create scoring opportunities for their best players.

It can be a great way to utilize a team’s best offensive players in order to create scoring opportunities, as well as potentially open up other players for open shots and opportunities. The isolation play is a great way to create a mismatch and take advantage of an opponent’s lack of defense or slow rotation.

1. Jalen Brunson

Point guard

Career

• 2× NCAA champion (2016, 2018)
• National college player of the year (2018)
• Consensus first-team All-American (2018)
• Bob Cousy Award (2018)
• Second-team Academic All-American (2018)
• Big East Player of the Year (2018)
• 2× First-team All-Big East (2017, 2018)
• Big East All-Freshman Team (2016)
• Robert V. Geasey Trophy winner (2018)
• McDonald's All-American (2015)
• First-team Parade All-American (2015)
• Illinois Mr. Basketball (2015)
• USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2015)
• FIBA Under-19 World Cup MVP (2015)

Jalen Brunson was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018. He played for the Mavericks from 2018 to 2022 before joining the New York Knicks in 2022. Brunson has averaged 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game during his career date.

Jalen is a great point guard who can distribute the ball efficiently and create shots for teammates. Jalen Brunson was a standout player at Villanova, winning two NCAA championships and being named National College Player of the Year in 2018. He was drafted by Dallas as the 23rd overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft.

In his rookie season, Brunson averaged 10 points per game and 4 rebounds per game for the Mavericks. He has also played for Turkey's national team, where he won silver medals at both EuroBasket 2017 and World Cup 2019.

Also Played For: dallas mavericks, new york knicks

2. LeBron James

Power forward

Career

• 2003–2010: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2010–2014: Miami Heat
• 2014–2018: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2018–present: Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James is a two-time NBA champion and three-time MVP. He has led the Cavaliers to back-to-back championships in 2016 and 2017. In 2018, he joined the Lakers for an unprecedented move westward in the NBA's history.

His jersey number (6) was retired by both Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat organizations after his third consecutive MVP award in the 2014–2015 season. 

LeBron James also holds several other records such as the most points scored in a playoff game with 73 against Boston Celtics.

Also, the highest scoring average ever with 38 points per game over his whole career, youngest player to score 30 000 points or more and fastest player to reach 20 000 assists milestone among others LeBron James is a four-time NBA Champion, three-time MVP, and eighteen-time All-Star.

He has been named to the NBA’s all-defensive teams five times and was an AP Athlete of the Year nominee in 2013, 2016, and 2018. 

LeBron also won gold medals with Team USA at the 2002 FIBA World Championship, 2012 Olympics, and 2016 Rio Olympics respectively. 

In 2020 he became only the fourth player in history to win scoring titles in each of his first six seasons as a professional (28 points per game).

Also Played For: cleveland cavaliers, school basketball

3. Bam Adebayo

Center

Career

• NBA All-Star (2020)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2020–2022)
• Second-team All-SEC (2017)
• SEC All-Freshman team (2017)
• McDonald's All-American (2016)
• North Carolina Mr. Basketball (2016)

Bam Adebayo is a 25-year-old center/power forward who was drafted 14th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. Bam Adebayo played two seasons at Kentucky before being drafted by the Miami Heat in 2017.

Bam Adebayo has averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds per game over his career, making him an important part of both the Heat's frontcourt rotation as well as their postseason run in 2018. 

Bam Adebayo will be entering his fourth season with the Miami Heat next year and will look to build on his successes from last year Bam Adebayo is a center for the Miami Heat who has quickly become one of the league's top players.

Bam was drafted by the Heat with the seventh overall pick in 2016 and he has since developed into one of their most important players. He led all rookies in scoring last season, averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game. 

His play on both ends of the court has made him a key part of Miami's success over the past two seasons. Bam is a versatile player who can score inside or outside, making him difficult to defend no matter where he is on the court.

He will be an important part of Miami's future as they look to challenge for championships again in 2020 and 2021.

Also Played For: center basketball, fantasy basketball

4. Jimmy Butler

Power forward

Career

• 6× NBA All-Star (2015–2018, 2020, 2022)
• 4× All-NBA Third Team (2017, 2018, 2020, 2021)
• 5× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2014–2016, 2018, 2021)
• NBA Most Improved Player (2015)
• NBA steals leader (2021)

Butler was originally selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 2011 NBA draft. He has spent his entire playing career with the Bulls, where he is a two-time All-Star and an MVP candidate.

Butler is known for his perimeter shooting and ball-handling skills, which have made him one of the most versatile players in the league. He announced his retirement from professional basketball on May 15th, 2019 after missing most of the 2018–19 season due to injury.

Jimmy Butler is an All-Star and 5-time NBA Defensive Second Team member. As a Chicago Bull, he averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds per game while shooting 50%. He has also been named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team five times in six seasons with the Bulls.

After being traded to Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017, Butler led his team to their first playoff berth since 2004 where they were eliminated by Cleveland Cavaliers in 6 games (1st round).

In 2018 Jimmy signed with the Philadelphia 76ers averaging 22 points and 8 assists off the bench en route to winning Rookie of The Year honors from both The Sporting News and Basketball Insiders Awards. Also, Third Team All-NBA honors from the Associated Press panel (behind Kyrie Irving & DeMar DeRozan).

On July 6th, 2019 Jimmy was traded along with Tobias Harris and two future 1sts for Kemba Walker who had just completed his fourth season with Charlotte Hornets averaging 27 PPG 7 RPG 4 APG.

It happened when he was acquired by Miami Heat making him their all-time leading scorer at 29,596 career points, not including playoff performances which would bring that total up to over 30K.

Also Played For: chicago bulls, minnesota timberwolves

5. De'Aaron Fox

Point guard

Career

• High school: Cypress Lakes, (Katy, Texas)
• College: Kentucky (2016–2017)
• NBA draft 2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Sacramento Kings
• Playing career: 2017–present
• 2017–present: Sacramento Kings
• First-team All-SEC (2017), SEC All-Freshman Team (2017), SEC tournament MVP (2017), McDonald's All-American (2016)

De'Aaron Fox is a Point Guard for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. He was born on December 20, 1997, and grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. Fox has a listed height of 6 ft 3 inches and a weight of 185 lbs which makes him very physically fit for an elite-level basketball player.

Fox attended high school at Cypress Lakes where he averaged 24 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds per game as a senior before being drafted by Kentucky Wildcats in the 2016-2017 season as the first overall pick after leaving college early due to an injury crisis that threatened his eligibility for NCAA Tournament.

After impressing scouts with his play during his rookie season (2016-2017), De'Aaron signed a 2-year contract extension with Sacramento Kings worth $24 million including $18 million guaranteed on November 3rd, 2017.

Fox's tremendous shooting ability combined with great court vision make him one of the most coveted point guards currently playing in the NBA league; averaging 19 PPG (47% FG) and 4 APG while leading the team to 41 wins last year.

Also Played For: sacramento kings, kentucky basketball

6. Donovan Mitchell

Shooting guard

Career

• High school: , Canterbury School, (New Milford, Connecticut), Brewster Academy, (Wolfeboro, New Hampshire)
• College: Louisville (2015–2017)
• NBA draft 2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 13th overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 2017–present
• 2017–2022: Utah Jazz
• 2022–present: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 3× NBA All-Star (2020–2022), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2018), NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2018), First-team All-ACC (2017)

Donovan Mitchell is a 26-year-old shooting guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA. Mitchell was born in Elmsford, New York on September 7th, 1996, and attended Canterbury School in New Milford Connecticut before attending Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro New Hampshire.

At 22 years old, Donovan made his debut with the Utah Jazz during the 2016–17 season and quickly became one of their key players both on and off the court. 

In 2018–19 he led all guards in scoring (21 points per game) as well as assists (5.7 APG) while also averaging a career-high 2 steals per game - earning him an All-Star nomination along the way.

The Cavs acquired Donovan from Utah at the 2019 trade deadline where he has since established himself as one of their most important players both offensively and defensively - helping them to reach finals contention once again this year.

Also Played For: utah jazz, nba summer league

7. Jordan Clarkson

Point guard

Career

• High school: Wagner (San Antonio, Texas)
• College: , Tulsa (2010–2012), Missouri (2013–2014)
• NBA draft 2014 / Round: 2 / Pick: 46th overall
• Selected by the Washington Wizards
• Playing career: 2014–present
• 2014–2018: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2014–2015: →Los Angeles D-Fenders
• 2018–2019: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2019–present: Utah Jazz
• NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2021), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2015), Second-team All-SEC (2014), First-team All-C-USA (2012), C-USA All-Freshman Team (2011)

Jordan Clarkson is a 30-year-old shooting guard and a point guard who was drafted by the Utah Jazz in the second round of the 2010 NBA Draft. He played college basketball at Tulsa, where he won back-to-back NCAA national championships in 2013 and 2014.

After spending two seasons with the Jazz, Clarkson was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015 as part of an eight-player deal that sent George Hill to Utah. 

In his five seasons with Cleveland, he has averaged 17 points, four rebounds, and three assists per game while playing 43% of his games off the bench or less due to various injuries sustained over time.

On July 6th 2019, it was announced that Jordan Clarkson had been waived by the Cavs following their acquisition of Jose Calderon from Toronto Jordan Clarkson was drafted 46th overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2014 NBA draft. 

Jordan Clarkson played for both the Los Angeles Lakers and the D-Fenders before joining Cleveland in 2018. Jordan Clarkson is a two-time All-Rookie First Team selection, as well as a Second-team All-SEC honoree during his collegiate career at UCLA.

In 2019, he joined Utah and has had an impressive season so far averaging over 16 points per game while shooting over 50 percent from three-point range.

8. Bojan Bogdanović

Forward

Career

• NBA draft 2011 / Round: 2 / Pick: 31st overall
• Selected by the Miami Heat
• Playing career: 2004–present
• 2004–2005: Zrinjski Mostar
• 2005–2009: Real Madrid
• 2005–2006:Zrinjski Mostar
• 2006–2008:Real Madrid B
• 2008–2009: Murcia
• 2009: Real Madrid B
• 2009–2011: Cibona
• 2011–2014: Fenerbahçe Ülker
• 2014–2017: Brooklyn Nets
• 2017: Washington Wizards
• 2017–2019: Indiana Pacers
• 2019–2022: Utah Jazz
• 2022–present: Detroit Pistons
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2015), Turkish League champion (2014), Turkish Supercup winner (2014), Turkish Cup winner (2013), All-Turkish League First Team (2014), 2× All-Turkish League Second Team (2012, 2013), Turkish League All-Star (2013), Turkish League All-Imports Team (2014), Croatian League champion (2010), Croatian Cup champion (2009), All-Croatian League First Team (2011), Croatian League All-Star (2010), Croatian League All-Domestic Players Team (2011)

Bojan Bogdanović was born on April 18, 1989, in Mostar, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina. He played college basketball at Real Madrid where he averaged 11 points and 5 rebounds per game over three seasons.

Bogdanović was drafted by the Miami Heat with the 31st overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and has since played for several teams including Zrinjski Mostar (2004–2005), Real Madrid (2005–2006) and Detroit Pistons (2017-present).

Bojan is a versatile small forward who can score from anywhere on the court, having been labeled as one of the most skilled players in Europe during his playing days. Bojan Bogdanović was born on February 2, 1992, in Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He played college basketball for the Real Madrid B team of the Spanish Liga ACB from 2006 to 2008 before joining Murcia of the same league.

After two seasons with Murcia, Bogdanović joined Fenerbahçe Ülker of the Turkish Super League in 2009 where he made an immediate impact by helping his team win back-to-back titles in his first two seasons there.

In 2011, Bojan Bogdanović signed with Croatian club Cibona but left after one season due to injury problems; he would later join fellow Turkish side Fenerbahçe again in 2014 where he played until 2017 when he moved to Brooklyn Nets and then Washington Wizards (both NBA teams). 

On July 10th 2019, Bojan Bogdanovic officially announced that he is signing with Indiana Pacers for a three-year deal starting from 2020–21 NBA Season.

Also Played For: real madrid baloncesto, eurobasket

9. Lauri Markkanen

Forward-center

Career

• College: Arizona (2016–2017)
• NBA draft 2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7th overall
• Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
• Playing career: 2014–present
• 2014–2016: HBA-Märsky
• 2017–2021: Chicago Bulls
• 2021–2022: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2022–present: Utah Jazz
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2018), 5× Finnish Player of the Year (2017–2021), Third-team All-American – AP, NABC, SN (2017), First-team All-Pac-12 (2017), Pac-12 All-Freshman team (2017)

Lauri Markkanen was born on May 22nd, 1997 in Vantaa, Finland. He is a small forward and power forward who played college basketball for Arizona. In 2017, the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Markkanen with the 7th overall pick in the NBA draft.

Since entering the NBA in 2014, Lauri Markkanen has established himself as one of the top players in the league. He is averaging 21 points and seven rebounds per game this season with his team, Utah Jazz Lauri Markkanen was born in 2002 and is a Finnish basketball player.

He played college basketball for the University of Arizona from 2014 to 2016, where he was named First-team All-American by both AP and NABC. In 2017, he joined the Chicago Bulls but only appeared in 6 games before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in February 2018. 

After spending time with the Cavs and Utah Jazz, Lauri signed with Märsky of Finland's top league in March 2021 and has been their starting center ever since.

Notable achievements during his career include multiple Finnish Player of the Year awards as well as an NBA All-Rookie First Team selection at just 22 years old this year.

Also Played For: arizona wildcats men's basketball, nba european

10. Collin Sexton

Guard

Career

• High school: Hillgrove, (Powder Springs, Georgia), Pebblebrook, (Mableton, Georgia)
• College: Alabama (2017–2018)
• NBA draft 2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8th overall
• Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018–2022: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2022–present: Utah Jazz
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2019), SEC Freshman of the Year (2018), Second-team All-SEC (2018), SEC All-Freshman Team (2018), McDonald's All-American (2017), FIBA Under-17 World Cup MVP (2016)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA U17 World Cup, : 2016 Spain: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA U17 World Cup
• : 2016 Spain: National team

Collin Sexton is a young point guard who was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018. He played college basketball at Alabama and has been playing in the NBA since 2018.

In his rookie season, he averaged 16 points per game for the Cavs and helped them make it to the playoffs. His second season saw him improve even more, as he finished with averages of 23 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals per game.

In 2019–20, Collin continued to be one of the best players on his team with averages of 26 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game while leading them to their first-ever playoff series victory against Boston Celtics Collin Sexton is a point guard for the Utah Jazz.

Sexton was born in Memphis, Tennessee on May 15th, 1997. Collin started playing basketball at age four and quickly became one of the top players in his area. 

He attended Whitehaven High School where he averaged 24 points per game as a senior and helped lead them to their first state championship since 2001.

After high school, Seston transferred to Oak Hill Academy where he continued to develop his skills leading them to back-to-back NCAA Division I championships (2018-19). 

The Utah Jazz selected Sexton with the tenth overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft and he has already made an impact this season averaging 18 points per game while shooting 47 percent from three ballpoint range - all career highs.

Collin’s story is incredibly inspiring showing that anything is possible if you put your mind to it – even becoming one of the best point guards in the NBA.

Also Played For: shooting guard, nba best young players

11. Kyrie Irving

Point guard

Career

• High school: , Montclair Kimberley Academy, (Montclair, New Jersey), St. Patrick, (Elizabeth, New Jersey)
• College: Duke (2010–2011)
• NBA draft 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
• Playing career: 2011–present
• 2011–2017: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2017–2019: Boston Celtics
• 2019–present: Brooklyn Nets
• NBA champion (2016), 7× NBA All-Star (2013–2015, 2017–2019, 2021), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2014), All-NBA Second Team (2019), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2015, 2021), 50–40–90 club (2021), NBA Rookie of the Year (2012), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2012), NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2013), USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2014), FIBA World Cup MVP (2014), McDonald's All-American (2010), First-team Parade All-American (2010)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympics, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, World Cup, : 2014 Spain: Team, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2010 San Antonio: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympics
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• World Cup
• : 2014 Spain: Team
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2010 San Antonio: Team

Kyrie Irving was born in Melbourne, Australia on March 23, 1992. After playing college basketball at Duke, he was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013 and went on to win an NBA title with them in 2016.

In 2018, Irving joined the Boston Celtics and helped them reach the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. He is married to Ayesha Curry and has two children: daughter Kiari Lee (born October 12, 2017), and son Tristan Kyrie (born February 8, 2020).

Kyrie Irving is known for his strong shooting ability from long range as well as his Passing & Ball Handling skills off the dribble which have made him one of the most feared players in today's NBA game Kyrie Irving was selected 1st overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kyrie has played for four other teams since then, most notably with the Cavaliers and Boston Celtics where he won an NBA championship in 2016. 

Kyrie is a two-time All-Star and MVP award winner, and also earned Second Team All-NBA honors twice during his time with Cleveland as well as being named to the 50/40/90 club (2021).

Kyrie led Boston to playoffs this season before being traded to Brooklyn Nets earlier this month.

Also Played For: brooklyn nets, boston celtics

12. James Harden

Shooting guard

Career

• 2009–2012: Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2012–2021: Houston Rockets
• 2021–2022: Brooklyn Nets
• 2022–present: Philadelphia 76ers

James Harden is a 3-time NBA All Star and was the 2017–2018 MVP. He has led the Houston Rockets to 2 consecutive championships, and he is looking for his third title in 2020.

Harden played college basketball at Arizona State before being drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2009. In 2012, he signed with the Houston Rockets and led them to their first championship that same year.

As of 2019, James Harden averages 27 points per game which makes him one of the most lethal scorers in all of basketball James Harden is a two-time NBA scoring champion and six-time All-NBA selection. 

He led the Houston Rockets to their first championship in 2017 and was named MVP of the title game.

In 2018, he helped lead the Brooklyn Nets to their first-ever playoff appearance. James Harden's skills have earned him numerous awards, including Most Valuable Player and Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Also Played For: nba 75th anniversary team, oklahoma city thunder

13. Spencer Dinwiddie

Point guard

Career

• High school: William Howard Taft, (Woodland Hills, California)
• College: Colorado (2011–2014)
• NBA draft 2014 / Round: 2 / Pick: 38th overall
• Selected by the Detroit Pistons
• Playing career: 2014–present
• 2014–2016: Detroit Pistons
• 2014–2016: →Grand Rapids Drive
• 2016: Windy City Bulls
• 2016–2021: Brooklyn Nets
• 2021–2022: Washington Wizards
• 2022–present: Dallas Mavericks
• First-team All-Pac-12 (2013)

Dinwiddie was drafted by the Mavericks in 2014. He played college basketball at Colorado and has been a starter for their team since he entered the league.

Dinwiddie is known for his shooting ability, which has led him to average around 16 points per game over his career so far. He joined the Washington Wizards as an unrestricted free agent in 2019 and helped them reach the playoffs that year.

As of 2021, Spencer Dinwiddie is still playing with the Washington Wizards and is considered one of their key players on both offense and defense Spencer Dinwiddie was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the 2014 NBA Draft. 

Spencer has played for both the Detroit Pistons and Grand Rapids Drive during his career so far.

He is a versatile player who can play either shooting guard or small forward positions. In 2016, he signed with the Windy City Bulls before moving to Brooklyn Nets in 2017 and Washington Wizards in 2018. He joined Dallas Mavericks for the 2019-20 season as a free agent.

Also Played For: colorado buffaloes men's basketball, western conference

14. Caris LeVert

Career

• High school: Pickerington Central, (Pickerington, Ohio)
• College: Michigan (2012–2016)
• NBA draft 2016 / Round: 1 / Pick: 20th overall
• Selected by the Indiana Pacers
• Playing career: 2016–present
• 2016–2021: Brooklyn Nets
• 2021–2022: Indiana Pacers
• 2022–present: Cleveland Cavaliers
• Second-team All-Big Ten (2014)

Caris LeVert is a small forward and shooting guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was drafted by the Cavs with the 3rd overall pick in 2016 NBA draft, after playing college basketball at Michigan State.

Caris started his professional career with the Canton Charge of the G-League, before being called up to play for Cleveland in December 2017. In 2018–19, he averaged 18 points per game on 45% shooting from downtown while also averaging 5 rebounds and 2 assists per game in 51 games played (all starts).

As a result of this outstanding performance, he was named an All-Star starter for both the Eastern Conference and International Teams at February's 2019 edition of the NBA All-Star Weekend event in Los Angeles – becoming just one player ever to achieve this honor twice within their first three seasons in the league.

Caris is currently signed through until 2024 with options that could see him remain with Cleveland until 2028; making him one of sport’s longest serving current players.

15. Paolo Banchero

Power forward

Career

• High school: O'Dea (Seattle, Washington)
• College: Duke (2021–2022)
• NBA draft 2022 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Orlando Magic
• Playing career: 2022–present
• 2022–present: Orlando Magic
• Consensus second-team All-American (2022), ACC Rookie of the Year (2022), First-team All-ACC (2022), ACC All-Rookie Team (2022), McDonald's All-American (2021), Jordan Brand Classic (2021), Nike Hoop Summit (2021)

He is a power forward for the Orlando Magic and was drafted first overall in the 2022 NBA draft. Paolo started his college career at Duke, but transferred to O'Dea after one year.

He averaged 22 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks per game during his two seasons at O'Dea. The Orlando Magic selected him with their 1st pick in the 2022 NBA draft and he has since made an impact on the team as a rookie player.

Paolo Banchero was selected by the Orlando Magic in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft. He played college basketball at Duke University, where he was a consensus second-team All-American and ACC Rookie of the Year in 2022. In his four seasons with Duke, Paolo averaged 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assists per game.

After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, Paolo signed with Orlando as an free agent on July 2nd 2019. 

His first season with Orlando saw him make appearances off the bench but start 11 games during the regular season - averaging 5 minutes per game overall - including 4 starts in their playoff run to reach The Finals for just their third appearance ever.

In 2020-21 he became a starter full time and continued to play key minutes throughout all 82 games (averaging 29 MPG) as they made it all way to The Finals again only to lose 3-1 against Milwaukee Bucks who were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo & Khris Middleton respectively In 2021-22 Paolo increased.

His averages slightly (24 MPG; 10 PPG; 7 RPG) while leading Duke to another ACC Championship before being named First Team All-ACC and earning Consensus Second Team All-American honors from both ESPN & USA TODAY Sports that year 8.

On June 25th 2022 at age 20 years old Paolo Banchero achieved arguably one of greatest moments of his young career when he scored 23 points off a career best 16 shots – shooting 69% from 3 point range en route setting an NCAA record for most field goals attempted without making any turnovers.

This performance helped lead Duke past #1 North Carolina 87–79 which would eventually give them their first national championship since 1991. 

Also Played For: orlando magic, duke university

16. Stephen Curry

Point guard

Career

• High school: Charlotte Christian, (Charlotte, North Carolina)
• College: Davidson (2006–2009)
• NBA draft 2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7th overall
• Selected by the Golden State Warriors
• Playing career: 2009–present
• 2009–present: Golden State Warriors
• 4× NBA champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022), NBA Finals MVP (2022), 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2015, 2016), 8× NBA All-Star (2014–2019, 2021, 2022), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2022), 4× All-NBA First Team (2015, 2016, 2019, 2021), 3× All-NBA Second Team (2014, 2017, 2022), All-NBA Third Team (2018), NBA Western Conference Finals MVP (2022), 2× NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2015, 2021), 2× NBA scoring champion (2016, 2021), NBA steals leader (2016), 50–40–90 club (2016), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2010), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (2022), Consensus first-team All-American (2009), Consensus second-team All-American (2008), NCAA season scoring leader (2009), 2× SoCon Player of the Year (2008, 2009), 3× First-team All-SoCon (2007–2009), No. 30 retired by Davidson Wildcats
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA World Cup, : 2010 Turkey: National team, : 2014 Spain: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA World Cup
• : 2010 Turkey: National team
• : 2014 Spain: National team

Stephen Curry is a professional basketball player who plays for the Golden State Warriors. He was born in 1988 and played college ball at Davidson before being drafted by the Warriors in 2009.

Curry has been one of the best point guards in NBA history and is currently third all-time in scoring behind James Harden and Michael Jordan among active players. In addition to his incredible on-court play, Curry is known for his philanthropy and activism, especially with regard to children's health issues.

Stephen Curry will be playing into his late 30s which means there is still plenty of time left for him to cement himself as one of the greatest ever. Stephen Curry is a two-time NBA MVP and four-time champion. 

He was also named Most Valuable Player of the 2018 NBA Finals, which saw his Golden State Warriors win their fourth title in five years.

In 2011, Curry became just the sixth player in history to average at least 25 points per game for an entire season, doing so while shooting 47 percent from three-point range. 

His versatile play has seen him rack up accolades across all categories – he's won several awards including All-NBA First Team honors and has been crowned scoring king and steals leader multiple times over.

Also Played For: golden state warriors, davidson college

17. Paul George

Small forward

Career

• High school: Knight (Palmdale, California)
• College: Fresno State (2008–2010)
• NBA draft 2010 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall
• Selected by the Indiana Pacers
• Playing career: 2010–present
• 2010–2017: Indiana Pacers
• 2017–2019: Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2019–present: Los Angeles Clippers
• 7× NBA All-Star (2013, 2014, 2016–2019, 2021), All-NBA First Team (2019), 5× All-NBA Third Team (2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021), 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2014, 2019), 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2013, 2016), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2011), NBA Most Improved Player (2013), NBA steals leader (2019), Second-team All-WAC (2010), No. 24 retired by Fresno State Bulldogs
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team

Paul George was born on May 2, 1990 in Palmdale, California. He attended Knight High School and played college basketball for Fresno State before being drafted 10th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2010 NBA draft.

In his five seasons with the Pacers he has averaged 20 points per game, 4 rebounds per game and 3 assists per game while playing all 82 games each season. 

On July 12th of this year Paul George signed a three-year contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder worth $137 million dollars including an annual salary of $27 million over that period of time.

Paul George is one of only two players (the other being Kobe Bryant) to score at least 25,000 points and grab 5,000 rebounds in their career; achieving both feats whilst playing for the Indiana Pacers between 2010-2017 Paul George is a two-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA Third Team player. 

He was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2011, and went on to become one of the best players in the league over time.

In 2019, he became just the fourth player in history with 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 assists and 40 steals in a season - joining Oscar Robertson (1960–1961), LeBron James (2004–2007) and Kevin Durant (2012–2015). 

George has retired from Fresno State as their second all-time leading scorer with 2,336 points. With his new team - Los Angeles Clippers - he looks to take his game even further next season.

Also Played For: indiana pacers, los angeles clippers

18. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Small forward

Career

• NBA draft 2013 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15th overall
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Playing career: 2011–present
• 2011–2013: Filathlitikos
• 2013–present: Milwaukee Bucks
• NBA champion (2021), NBA Finals MVP (2021), 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020), 6× NBA All-Star (2017–2022), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2021), 4× All-NBA First Team (2019–2022), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2017, 2018), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2020), 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2019–2022), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2017), NBA Most Improved Player (2017), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2014), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (2022), Euroscar Player of the Year (2018)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a dominant player in the NBA. He was drafted 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013 and has since become one of their key players.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was born on December 6, 1994 in Athens, Greece. His father played basketball professionally and his brother alsoplays basketball professionally.

Antetokounmpo started playing professional basketball for Filathlitikos aged just 16 years old and quickly established himself as one of Europe's best young prospects.

In 2011, he was signed by the then-struggling Milwaukee Bucks and made an instant impact on the team - averaging 17 points per game over his first two seasons with them.

In 2016, he led Greece to its first ever appearance at an Olympic Games medal podium when they finished fourth overall at Rio de Janeiro – earning him selection to Team EuroBasket 2017 where he helped lead them to silver medals once again.

With averages of 27 points, 11 rebounds and four assists per game across all competitions this season (2018/19), Giannis Antetokounmpo is arguably one of the most consistent players in both European AND North American leagues – making him an extremely difficult opponent for any opposing player.

Also Played For: milwaukee bucks, bleacher report nba

19. Christian Wood

Power forward

Career

• High school: , Los Alamitos, (Los Alamitos, California), Knight, (Palmdale, California), Findlay, (Henderson, Nevada)
• College: UNLV (2013–2015)
• NBA draft: 2015 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2015–present
• 2015–2016: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2015–2016: →Delaware 87ers
• 2016–2017: Charlotte Hornets
• 2016–2017: →Greensboro Swarm
• 2017–2018: Delaware 87ers
• 2018–2019: Milwaukee Bucks
• 2018–2019: →Wisconsin Herd
• 2019: New Orleans Pelicans
• 2019–2020: Detroit Pistons
• 2020–2022: Houston Rockets
• 2022–present: Dallas Mavericks
• All-NBA G League Second Team (2018), All-NBA G League Third Team (2019), First-team All-MWC (2015)

Christian Wood is a power forward for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. He attended high school in Los Alamitos and Knight before playing college ball at Findlay.

In his rookie season, Christian averaged 7 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting 46% from the field and 31% from three-point range. Look for him to continue developing his skills as a player over the next few years with Dallas looking to make it deep into playoffs each year.

Wood was undrafted in the 2015 NBA Draft but signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. He spent two seasons with Philadelphia before being traded to the Delaware 87ers midway through his second season. 

Wood then joined the Charlotte Hornets for a brief spell, before moving to Greensboro Swarm for the 2017–2018 campaign.

In 2018, he rejoined Milwaukee and had an impressive year statistically; averaging 16 points and 8 rebounds per game whilst shooting 50% from within the three-point range. 

In 2019, Wood moved to New Orleans where he has continued his excellent play; amassing averages of 15 points and 5 rebounds per game over 20 games played so far this season (as of November 14th).

Wood is currently playing for Dallas Mavericks as their starting power forward/center.

Also Played For: nba 2k21, undrafted nba

20. Ja Morant

Point guard

Career

• High school: Crestwood (Sumter, South Carolina)
• College: Murray State (2017–2019)
• NBA draft 2019 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the Memphis Grizzlies
• Playing career: 2019–present
• 2019–present: Memphis Grizzlies
• NBA All-Star (2022), All-NBA Second Team (2022), NBA Most Improved Player (2022), NBA Rookie of the Year (2020), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2020), Consensus first-team All-American (2019), NCAA season assists leader (2019), Lute Olson Award (2019), Bob Cousy Award (2019), OVC Player of the Year (2019), 2× First-team All-OVC (2018, 2019), OVC tournament MVP (2019), OVC All-Newcomer Team (2018), No. 12 retired by Murray State Racers

Ja Morant was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies as the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. Ja Morant is a point guard who played college basketball at Murray State.

He has led his team to two straight playoff appearances and is averaging 19 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds per game this season. 

Ja Morant is one of only six players under age 24 to average at least 20 points, five assists, and three rebounds in an NBA season so far (the others are Kyrie Irving, Donovan Mitchell, DeAndre Ayton, Kristaps Porzingis, and LeBron James).

Ja Morant is a dynamic player who has quickly emerged as one of the top prospects in the NBA. Morant was named to an All-NBA Second Team and Rookie of the Year in his first season, proving he's capable of big performances on both ends of the floor. 

He led NCAA players with 19 assists and averaged 20 points per game for Murray State this year, helping them win their second OVC Championship title in three years.

Morant will need to continue to develop his shooting if he wants to make it into the upper echelons of basketball, but his overall skills are already very impressive. 

With plenty of potential left untapped, there's no doubt that Ja Morant is destined for great things in the near future - watch out, other NBA teams.

Also Played For: memphis grizzlies, point guard

21. Trae Young

Point guard

Career

• High school: Norman North (Norman, Oklahoma)
• College: Oklahoma (2017–2018)
• NBA draft 2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Dallas Mavericks
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018–present: Atlanta Hawks
• 2× NBA All-Star (2020, 2022), All-NBA Third Team (2022), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2019), Consensus first-team All-American (2018), Wayman Tisdale Award (2018), First-team All-Big 12 (2018), Big 12 Freshman of the Year (2018), NCAA season scoring leader (2018), NCAA season assists leader (2018), McDonald's All-American (2017)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2016 Chile: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2016 Chile: National team

Young was born on September 19, 1998 in Lubbock, Texas. Young played college basketball at Oklahoma and was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018. Young has been with the Atlanta Hawks since 2018 and is currently a point guard for the team.

Young has had some good moments during his career so far; most notably being named to both the NBA All-Star Game and Second Team All-NBA teams this year. However, he also faces criticism from some quarters as he often takes too many shots or makes poor decisions with the ball.

Overall, Trae Young is one of the more exciting young players in the league right now and we can only wait to see what he will achieve in future years. Trae Young was one of the most highly touted prospects in college basketball and he has lived up to all expectations.

He is a dynamic scorer and passer who can take over games. Young led Oklahoma to an undefeated season and an NCAA Championship appearance before being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the seventh pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. 

Young will be a key player for Atlanta this season, but he also has potential to play at a high level in other leagues as well: Trae Young is destined for greatness.

Also Played For: atlanta hawks, oklahoma basketball

22. Dejounte Murray

Point guard

Career

• High school: Rainier Beach (Seattle, Washington)
• College: Washington (2015–2016)
• NBA draft 2016 / Round: 1 / Pick: 29th overall
• Selected by the San Antonio Spurs
• Playing career: 2016–present
• 2016–2022: San Antonio Spurs
• 2016–2017: →Austin Spurs
• 2022–present: Atlanta Hawks
• NBA All-Star (2022), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2018), NBA steals leader (2022), Second-team All-Pac-12 (2016), First-team Parade All-American (2015), Washington Mr. Basketball (2015)

Murray was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 29th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. Murray had a strong freshman season at Washington, averaging 16.8 points and 5.3 assists per game while helping lead the Huskies to an NCAA title.

In his sophomore year, Murray improved even more, averaging 17 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds per game on 47% shooting from three-point range en route to being named First Team All-American and unanimous Pac-12 Tournament MVP honors. 

As a junior, Murray led Washington to another NCAA title as he averaged 20 points, 7 assists and 3 rebounds per contest while shooting 48% from beyond the arc – becoming just one of two players in history (along with Oscar Robertson) to average over 20 points, 7 dimes and five boards per game in their collegiate career1.

Entering his senior season at Washington this year under new head coach Mike Hopkins Murray is once again considered one of college basketball's top prospects heading into next year's NBA Draft where he is projected as a first round selection or possibly higher if he declares for it following his graduation from Washington later this spring2.

Also Played For: san antonio spurs

23. Joel Embiid

Center

Career

• High school: , Montverde Academy, (Montverde, Florida), The Rock School, (Gainesville, Florida)
• College: Kansas (2013–2014)
• NBA draft 2014 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
• Playing career: 2014–present
• 2014–present: Philadelphia 76ers
• 5× NBA All-Star (2018–2022), 4× All-NBA Second Team (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022), 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2018, 2019, 2021), NBA scoring champion (2022), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2017), Second-team All-Big 12 (2014), Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2014), Big 12 All-Defensive Team (2014), Big 12 All-Newcomer Team (2014)

Joel Embiid is a big man, standing at 7 feet tall and weighing 280 pounds. He played college basketball for Kansas, where he was one of the best scoring players in the NCAA.

After playing two seasons of college basketball, Joel Embiid declared himself eligible for the 2013 NBA draft. Many teams were interested in him but Philadelphia chose to take a chance on him with their first round pick (No.

In his rookie season with Philadelphia, Joel Embiid led all rookies in points scored (24.1 per game) and rebounds (10.0 per game). He also won Rookie of the Year honours while helping Philadelphia make it to the Eastern Conference Finals – their first appearance in that stage since 1983.

The following year saw even more impressive performances from Joel Embiid as he averaged 23 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks per game en route to being named an All-Star for the second time.

In his career and becoming only the third player ever to win Defensive Player of Year honours whilst averaging over 20 points/10 boards/2 blocks per game or higher (joining Shaquille O’Neal & Hakeem Olajuwon).

Unfortunately, injuries have been plaguing Joel Embiid throughout his career; most notably during his sophomore season when he suffered a broken orbital bone which caused him to miss significant time action. 

However, despite these niggles he has still managed to be one of the top centres in both Europe and America - never losing sight of what makes him successful: simple hard work coupled with a natural skill set.

Despite rumours linking other superstars such as LeBron James & Kevin Durant with moves away from Philly this summer [9], it seems like Joel will continue leading ‘The Process’ until retirement – proving once again just how much talent this guy possesses.

Also Played For: philadelphia 76ers, nba playoffs best player

24. Tobias Harris

Power forward

Career

• High school: , Half Hollow Hills West, (Dix Hills, New York), Long Island Lutheran, (Brookville, New York)
• College: Tennessee (2010–2011)
• NBA draft 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 19th overall
• Selected by the Charlotte Bobcats
• Playing career: 2011–present
• 2011–2013: Milwaukee Bucks
• 2013–2016: Orlando Magic
• 2016–2018: Detroit Pistons
• 2018–2019: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2019–present: Philadelphia 76ers
• Second-team All-SEC – Coaches (2011), SEC All-Freshman Team (2011), McDonald's All-American (2010), First-team Parade All-American (2010), Mr. New York Basketball (2010)

Harris started his career at Tennessee, where he averaged 8.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game over two seasons. Harris was selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Harris made an immediate impact with Philadelphia, averaging 14.1 points and 7 rebounds per game in his rookie season, earning Rookie of the Year honors as well as being named to both the All-Rookie First Team and Second Team respectively.

In 2013–14, Harris led all NBA players in field goal percentage (minimum 200 attempts). He also finished second in scoring (22nd), first in rebounding (23rd), third in assists (tied for fourth) and sixth in steals (128). 

In 2016–17, Harris recorded a then career-high 22 double-doubles – one more than LeBron James – en route to finishing fifth amongst all players in MVP voting that year. 

becoming just the third player ever to finish fifth or higher amongst MVP voters while leading their team to 50+ wins for only these condtimein their career (theotherbeingKarl Malonetwice).Harris signed a five-year contract extension with Philadelphia on July 10th 2019.

Also Played For: university of tennessee basketball, nba 2k19

25. Kevin Porter Jr.

Shooting guard

Career

• High school: Rainier Beach, (Seattle, Washington)
• College: USC (2018–2019)
• NBA draft 2019 / Round: 1 / Pick: 30th overall
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Playing career: 2019–present
• 2019–2021: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2021–present: Houston Rockets
• 2021: →Rio Grande Valley Vipers
• All-NBA G League First Team (2021), NBA G League scoring champion (2021), NBA G League assists leader (2021), Washington Mr. Basketball (2018)

Kevin Porter Jr. is a 22-year-old point guard who was drafted by the Houston Rockets in the 2019 NBA draft. He played college basketball at USC and emerged as one of the top prospects in his class, averaging 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game during his freshman season.

In 2018–2019, he led USC to an Elite Eight appearance and was named First Team All-American Athletic Conference for the second consecutive year. Porter has developed into one of the most talented young point guards in the league and is expected to be a key part of Houston’s future success Kevin Porter Jr.

is a versatile player who can play both small forward and shooting guard positions. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft and has since played for Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets in G League. 

In his two seasons with Cleveland, he averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal per game while being named to All-NBA G League First Team in the 2021 season.

With Houston, he led the G League in scoring (24 points per game) and assists (5 assists per game) before signing with Rio Grande Valley Vipers ahead of the 2022 season where he will continue his development as a professional basketball player.

Also Played For: houston rockets, university of southern california basketball

26. Jalen Green

Guard

Career

• High school: , San Joaquin Memorial, (Fresno, California), Prolific Prep, (Napa, California)
• NBA draft 2021 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the Houston Rockets
• Playing career: 2020–present
• Number: 0, 4
• 2020–2021: NBA G League Ignite
• 2021–present: Houston Rockets
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2022), McDonald's All-American (2020), FIBA Under-17 World Cup MVP (2018)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA U19 World Cup, : 2019 Greece: Team, FIBA U17 World Cup, : 2018 Argentina: Team, FIBA Americas U16 Championship, : 2017 Argentina: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA U19 World Cup
• : 2019 Greece: Team
• FIBA U17 World Cup
• : 2018 Argentina: Team
• FIBA Americas U16 Championship
• : 2017 Argentina: Team

Jalen Green was selected 2nd overall in the 2021 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets. Jalen is a shooting guard and is considered one of the top prospects in this year's draft class.

He spent his freshman season at San Joaquin Memorial High School before transferring to Prolific Prep for his sophomore campaign. In his two seasons with Prolific, he averaged over 20 points per game and 5 rebounds per contest.

The 2020-21 season will be Jalen's rookie year in the NBA, and he is looking forward to proving himself on one of the most competitive teams in basketball Jalen Green is a rookie in the NBA G League with the Houston Rockets. 

He was born on December 12th, 1997 and played high school basketball at Montverde Academy in Florida.

Green scored 1,500 points during his senior year and was named MVP of the McDonald's All-American Game. After going undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft, Green joined the Rockets' G League affiliate team Ignite for their inaugural season before making.

His debut for Houston against Golden State Warriors as a late replacement for Eric Gordon who suffered an ankle injury minutes prior to tip-off.

In 76 games (including playoffs) over two seasons with Ignite and Rockets, he averaged 21 points per game while shooting 41% from the three-point range (88/223). 

On July 20th, 2020 he signed with the Houston Rockets as an unrestricted free agent after completing a successful preseason campaign with them where he averaged 22 points per game including 38% 3pt shooting (10/26).

27. Russell Westbrook

Point guard

Career

• High school: Leuzinger (Lawndale, California)
• College: UCLA (2006–2008)
• NBA draft 2008 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
• Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics
• Playing career: 2008–present
• 2008–2019: Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2019–2020: Houston Rockets
• 2020–2021: Washington Wizards
• 2021–present: Los Angeles Lakers
• NBA Most Valuable Player (2017), 9× NBA All-Star (2011–2013, 2015–2020), 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2015, 2016), 2× All-NBA First Team (2016, 2017), 5× All-NBA Second Team (2011–2013, 2015, 2018), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2019, 2020), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2009), 2× NBA scoring champion (2015, 2017), 3× NBA assists leader (2018, 2019, 2021), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Third-team All-Pac-10 (2008), Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year (2008), Pac-10 All-Defensive Team (2008)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2012 London: Team competition, World Championship/World Cup, : 2010 Turkey: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2012 London: Team competition
• World Championship/World Cup
• : 2010 Turkey: Team competition

Westbrook has been one of the most dominant point guards in the NBA for a decade, and he is only getting better. He was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2008 and played with them until 2019.

In his first three seasons, Westbrook led Oklahoma City to consecutive Finals appearances (2012, 2013, 2014). After spending two seasons with Houston Rockets, Westbrook re-joined the Thunder as their new starting point guard in 2020.

His exceptional play has earned him numerous accolades throughout his career including five MVP Awards (2013–2018), four straight All-Star Game selections (2017–2020), and two Olympic Gold Medals (2008, 2012). Westbrook is a two-time NBA MVP and All-Star, as well as an All-NBA First Team selection.

Westbrook was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008 and has since played for them, signing with the Washington Wizards this offseason. 

Westbrook's game revolves around his explosiveness and speed on offense, as he can score through almost any means possible – whether it be dunked or assists to teammates.

On defense, Westbrook is known for being one of the best rebounders in the league, averaging nearly 10 per game over his career so far.

Also Played For: los angeles lakers, seattle supersonics

28. Terry Rozier

Point guard

Career

• High school: , Shaker Heights, (Shaker Heights, Ohio), Hargrave, (Chatham, Virginia)
• College: Louisville (2013–2015)
• NBA draft 2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 16th overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 2015–present
• 2015–2019: Boston Celtics
• 2015–2016: →Maine Red Claws
• 2019–present: Charlotte Hornets
• Second-team All-ACC (2015), AAC All-Rookie Team (2014)

Terry Rozier is a shooting guard and point guard for the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA. He was born on March 17, 1994, in Youngstown, Ohio. Rozier attended high school at Shaker Heights (Shaker Heights, Ohio) and then Hargrave (Chatham, Virginia).

In his sophomore year of college at Louisville he led the Cardinals to their first NCAA championship game appearance since 1986 before losing to North Carolina 84-75 in overtime.

 Rozier was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 21st overall pick of the 2014 NBA draft but only played one season with them before being traded to Minnesota Timberwolves where he spent two more seasons before joining Charlotte Hornets as a free agent during 2018–19 season.

Terry Rozier has won several awards including Second Team All-NBA 2016-17 Season and Third Team All-NBA 2017–18 Season.

Also Played For: charlotte hornets

29. Damian Lillard

Point guard

Career

• High school: , Arroyo, (San Lorenzo, California), St. Joseph Notre Dame, (Alameda, California), Oakland, (Oakland, California)
• College: Weber State (2008–2012)
• NBA draft 2012 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
• Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
• Playing career: 2012–present
• 2012–present: Portland Trail Blazers
• 6× NBA All-Star (2014, 2015, 2018–2021), All-NBA First Team (2018), 4× All-NBA Second Team (2016, 2019–2021), All-NBA Third Team (2014), NBA Rookie of the Year (2013), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2013), NBA Teammate of the Year (2021), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (2012), 2× Big Sky Player of the Year (2010, 2012), Big Sky Freshman of the Year (2009), 3× First-team All-Big Sky (2009, 2010, 2012), No. 1 retired by Weber State Wildcats
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team

Damian Lillard is a Point Guard for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA. He was born on July 15, 1990 in Oakland, California and raised there until he graduated from high school.

After graduating from high school, Lillard attended St Joseph Notre Dame but decided to leave after one year to play professionally with the Oakland Raiders of the NFL before joining the Portland Trail Blazers as a free agent in 2012.

Damian has had successful seasons with the Blazers since joining them and has been awarded 3 MVP Awards (2014-2016), 2 Defensive Player of The Year Awards (2015-2017) and 1 Sixth Man of The Year Award (2018). 

He currently plays for Portland through 2021 season where he will be 33 years old at that time Damian Lillard is a professional basketball player who has played for the Portland Trail Blazers since 2012.

He was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2012 NBA draft and has since become one of their most consistent players, winning four All-NBA Second Team awards and two All-Star games. 

Damian Lillard is also an all-around good player, having been named to both the AP and NABC First teams as well as being Third team All American twice during his college career at Weber State University. 

In 2018 he became just the fifth player in history to average over 25 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds per game in a season and was rewarded with his first ever All-NBA First Team nomination.

Ahead of his fourth year in the league (2020), many believe that Damian Lillard could potentially be considered one of the best players ever to play.

Also Played For: portland trail blazers

30. Anfernee Simons

Shooting guard

Career

• High school: , Edgewater, (Orlando, Florida), IMG Academy, (Bradenton, Florida)
• NBA draft 2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 24th overall
• Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018–present: Portland Trail Blazers
• 2019: →Agua Caliente Clippers
• NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2021)

Anfernee Simons is a shooting guard and point guard for the Portland Trail Blazers. Born in 1999, Anfernee Simons is 23 years old as of 2019. At 1.91 meters (6 feet 3 inches) tall and 181 kilograms (82 pounds), Anfernee Simons is considered to be quite large for a shooting guard or point guard in the NBA.

After high school, Anfernee Simons played two seasons of college basketball at Edgewater High School in Orlando before being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2018 with the sixth overall pick in the draft. 

In his first season with Atlanta, he averaged 10 points per game while also averaging 2 assists and 1 rebound per game on 44% shooting from behind the arc during 20 minutes of playing time off the bench per game according to Basketball Reference statistics website..

His second season saw him average 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals across 34 games played for Atlanta before being traded to Portland along with Trae Young for Dwight Howard midway through that season according to ESPN stats database; 

since then he has continued his career progress averaging 18 points 7 assists and 4 rebounds over 47 games this year so far – all impressive numbers considering how much playing time he gets compared to some other stars currently playing in today’s league like Kyrie Irving or Stephen Curry who get around 40-50 minutes each night.

31. Jerami Grant

Career

• High school: DeMatha Catholic, (Hyattsville, Maryland)
• College: Syracuse (2012–2014)
• NBA draft 2014 / Round: 2 / Pick: 39th overall
• Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
• Playing career: 2014–present
• 2014–2016: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2016–2019: Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2019–2020: Denver Nuggets
• 2020–2022: Detroit Pistons
• 2022–present: Portland Trail Blazers
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2020 Tokyo: Team, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2012 Brazil:
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2012 Brazil:

Jerami Grant was a highly rated player out of high school and Syracuse, but he only played for one season in the NBA with Philadelphia. He has spent most of his time in the NBA playing for Portland since 2016, where he is a key part of their rotation as a power forward.

Grant is averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds per game this season. Jerami Grant is a versatile forward who has played for several teams in the NBA. Grant was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014 and spent two seasons with them before joining the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016.

He then moved to Denver, where he won an MVP award as part of their team that made it to the playoffs in 2018. In 2020, he joined the Portland Trail Blazers and has been a key player on their title-challenging squad ever since. 

Grant is known for his strong defence and energetic play on offence, which has led to him being called one of the best players in the league.

Also Played For: syracuse orange men's basketball, small forward

32. Luka Dončić

Dallas Mavericks

Career

• NBA draft 2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
• Playing career: 2015–present
• 2015–2018: Real Madrid
• 2018–present: Dallas Mavericks
• 3× NBA All-Star (2020–2022), 3× All-NBA First Team (2020–2022), NBA Rookie of the Year (2019), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2019), EuroLeague champion (2018), EuroLeague MVP (2018), EuroLeague Final Four MVP (2018), All-EuroLeague First Team (2018), 2× EuroLeague Rising Star (2017, 2018), EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team (2020), Euroscar Player of the Year (2019), 3× Liga ACB champion (2015, 2016, 2018), Liga ACB MVP (2018), All-Liga ACB First Team (2018), 2× ACB Best Young Player (2017, 2018), 3× ACB All-Young Players Team (2016–2018), 2× Spanish King's Cup winner (2016, 2017), 2× Trofeo Costa de Sol champion (2016, 2017), FIBA Intercontinental Cup champion (2015), EB Next Generation Tournament champion (2015), EB Next Generation Tournament MVP (2015), Slovenian Sportsman of the Year (2018)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Slovenia, EuroBasket, : 2017 Turkey:
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Slovenia
• EuroBasket
• 2017 Turkey

Luka Dončić is a Slovenian point guard who was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2018. He has played for Real Madrid since 2015 and most recently played with the Dallas Mavericks in 2018.

Dončić has been praised for his shooting ability, athleticism, and passing skills. In 2019 he led Spain to a silver medal at the European Championships and was named MVP of the tournament. 

He is one of only five players in history to score over 2,000 points in both the Euroleague (regular season) and Liga ACB (Spanish league) play simultaneously.

In 2020 he signed an extension with Dallas that will keep him there through 2023-24 seasons Luka Dončić was born in February of 1998, making him just 19 years old when he won the NBA Rookie of the Year award. 

Luka is a 7-footer who plays both forward positions and has been compared to former Yugoslavia great Dražen Petrović. 

He played for his hometown team Zagreb before being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2016 and subsequently traded to the Orlando Magic.

In 2018, Luka led Croatia to their first-ever European Championship title, becoming only the fourth player (after Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Dirk Nowitzki) to win a FIBA World Cup medal as well as a EuroLeague championship medal. 

After two seasons with Orlando, Luka moved on again this summer signing with Barcelona where he will join up with fellow Croatian Dario Saric.

Also Played For: basketball

33. Kawhi Leonard

Los Angeles Clippers

Career

• High school: , Canyon Springs, (Moreno Valley, California), Martin Luther King, (Riverside, California)
• College: San Diego State (2009–2011)
• NBA draft 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15th overall
• Selected by the Indiana Pacers
• Playing career: 2011–present
• 2011–2018: San Antonio Spurs
• 2018–2019: Toronto Raptors
• 2019–present: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2× NBA champion (2014, 2019), 2× NBA Finals MVP (2014, 2019), 5× NBA All-Star (2016, 2017, 2019–2021), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2020), 3× All-NBA First Team (2016, 2017, 2021), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2019, 2020), 2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2015, 2016), 3× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2015–2017), 4× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2014, 2019–2021), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2012), NBA steals leader (2015), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, AP Athlete of the Year (2019), Consensus second-team All-American (2011), 2× First-team All-MWC (2010, 2011), No. 15 retired by San Diego State Aztecs, California Mr. Basketball (2009)

Kawhi Leonard was born in Los Angeles, California, on June 29th, 1991. He played college basketball at San Diego State and was drafted 1st overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2011 NBA draft.

Kawhi has been a 2-time All-Star (2013, 2017) and is currently playing for the LA Clippers in the NBA. He is known for his elite shooting ability, which has helped him accumulate over 25000 points in his career thus far.

Kawhi is married to LaLa Vasquez and they have one child together - a daughter named Sienna Rose. Leonard has been one of the most dominant players in the NBA for several years now and is likely to continue his success with the Clippers.

He was a two-time champion with the Spurs, and he's also won MVP awards in both the Finals and All-Star games. Leonard is known as an incredible defender, posting up opponents or guarding multiple positions on defense. 

His offensive game is equally as impressive, scoring at will from anywhere on the court while creating opportunities for teammates using his passing skillset.

Kawhi Leonard is a true superstar who belongs among basketball's greatest-ever players.

Also Played For: toronto raptors, nba defensive

34. Jayson Tatum

Boston Celtics

Career

• High school: Chaminade, (Creve Coeur, Missouri)
• College: Duke (2016–2017)
• NBA draft 2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 2017–present
• 2017–present: Boston Celtics
• 3× NBA All-Star (2020–2022), All-NBA First Team (2022), All-NBA Third Team (2020), NBA Eastern Conference Finals MVP (2022), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2018), Third-team All-ACC (2017), ACC All-Freshman team (2017), McDonald's All-American (2016), Gatorade National Player of the Year (2016), Mr. Show-Me Basketball (2016)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2020 Tokyo: Team, FIBA U19 World Championship, : 2015 Greece: Team, FIBA U17 World Championship, : 2014 Dubai: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• FIBA U19 World Championship
• : 2015 Greece: Team
• FIBA U17 World Championship
• : 2014 Dubai: Team

Jayson Tatum was drafted third overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2017 NBA draft. Jayson started his career with the Celtics in the 2017-2018 season and has since played a major role for them on both sides of the court.

Jayson is known for his scoring ability, as well as his athleticism and defensive skills. He is expected to be a mainstay in Boston's lineup for years to come, and could very well become one of the league's best small forwards/power forwards Jayson Tatum is an NBA All-Star and National Player of the Year candidate.

Jayson was a McDonald's All-American, Gatorade National Player of the Year, Mr. Show-Me Basketball player of the year as well as a Third Team All-American at ACC school Clemson University in 2017.  

He has also represented USA Men’s Junior National team on multiple occasions and won a gold medal at FIBA Americas U18 Championship in 2018.

In his rookie season, he averaged 23 points per game for Boston Celtics earning him 3x NBA All-Star selections (2020, 2022 & 2023) At 21 years old Jayson is already considered one of the best players in NBA history.

35. Devin Booker

Phoenix Suns

Career

• High school: , Grandville (Grandville, Michigan), Moss Point (Moss Point, Mississippi)
• College: Kentucky (2014–2015)
• NBA draft 2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 13th overall
• Selected by the Phoenix Suns
• Playing career: 2015–present
• 2015–present: Phoenix Suns
• 3× NBA All-Star (2020–2022), All-NBA First Team (2022), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2016), NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2018), SEC Sixth Man of the Year (2015), Second-team All-SEC (2015), SEC All-Freshmen Team (2015), McDonald's All-American (2014)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team

Devin Booker is a shooting guard for the Phoenix Suns. He was drafted 13th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns and has since played for them in both the NBA and NBPA leagues.

Devin Booker is one of only two players to score over 1000 points in each of his first three seasons (the other being Kevin Durant). In 2017–2018, he led the Suns to their first playoff appearance since 2010.

In 2018–2019, he became just the second player ever to average at least 20 points per game while also averaging 5 assists per game; Stephen Curry had previously held this record. Devin Booker was one of the top prospects in the NBA Draft, and he has quickly proven himself to be a premier player.

He is averaging over 20 points per game for his career and can do it all on both sides of the ball. Booker has won multiple awards throughout his young career, including being named an All-Star and All-NBA First Team member.

Also Played For: phoenix suns

36. Bradley Beal

Washington Wizards

Career

• High school: Chaminade, (Creve Coeur, Missouri)
• College: Florida (2011–2012)
• NBA draft 2012 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Washington Wizards
• Playing career: 2012–present
• 2012–present: Washington Wizards
• 3× NBA All-Star (2018, 2019, 2021), All-NBA Third Team (2021), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2013), First-team All-SEC (2012), Gatorade National Player of the Year (2011), First-team Parade All-American (2011), McDonald's All-American (2011), Mr. Show-Me Basketball (2011), FIBA Under-17 World Cup MVP (2010)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA Americas U16 Championship, : 2009 Argentina: National team, FIBA World U17 Championship, : 2010 Hamburg: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA Americas U16 Championship
• : 2009 Argentina: National team
• FIBA World U17 Championship
• : 2010 Hamburg: National team

Bradley Beal is a talented shooting guard who has been playing in the NBA for six years. He was drafted by the Washington Wizards in 2012 and has since played with them continuously.

Beal is known for his excellent scoring ability, which he showcased during his time at Florida University. Bradley Beal is currently one of the best shooting guards in the league and will continue to develop over time.

Bradley Beal is a three-time NBA All-Star and first-team All-NBA selection. He was the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2011 and was also named Mr. Show Me Basketball Male Athlete of the Year that year. 

In addition to his impressive playing resume, Bradley has been involved in community service projects off the court including working with at risk youth and participating in visits to schools as part of Share Our Strength's "No Kid Left Behind" campaign.

37. DeMar DeRozan

Chicago Bulls

Career

• High school: Compton (Compton, California)
• College: USC (2008–2009)
• NBA draft 2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 9th overall
• Selected by the Toronto Raptors
• Playing career: 2009–present
• 2009–2018: Toronto Raptors
• 2018–2021: San Antonio Spurs
• 2021–present: Chicago Bulls
• 5× NBA All-Star (2014, 2016–2018, 2022), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2018, 2022), All-NBA Third Team (2017), Pac-10 tournament MVP (2009), Pac-10 All-Freshman Team (2009), No. 10 retired by USC Trojans, First-team Parade All-American (2008), McDonald's All-American (2008)
• Medals, , Men’s basketball, Representing  United States, Olympic Games, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, World Cup, : 2014 Spain: Team
• Men’s basketball
• Representing  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• World Cup
• : 2014 Spain: Team

DeMar DeRozan is a shooting guard and small forward who has played for the Toronto Raptors since 2009. He was drafted ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2009 NBA draft, and he has spent his entire career with them up to present day.

DeRozan has won two consecutive MVP Awards (2017-2018), as well as three All-Star Game appearances (2013, 2017, 2018). In 2020 he joined the San Antonio Spurs on a one-year contract worth $27 million USD; however this deal was later terminated after just 10 games due to injury concerns.

DeMar DeRozan was born on December 28, 1990 in Toronto, Ontario. DeMar began playing basketball at a young age and quickly became one of the top players in his region. 

In 2007, DeMar joined the United States National Team Development Program (NTDP) where he competed against some of the best athletes in the world.

After impressing during his time with NTDP, DeMar was drafted 4th overall by the Toronto Raptors in 2009 NBA Draft and has since played for them continuously except for two seasons when he spent time with the US national team. 

During his career, DeMar has been named to multiple All-Star teams and has won numerous awards including 2× All-NBA Second Team honors (2018, 2022). He is also set to retire as a member of the Chicago Bulls after this season.

38. Jaylen Brown

Boston Celtics

Career

• High school: Wheeler, (Marietta, Georgia)
• College: California (2015–2016)
• NBA draft 2016 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 2016–present
• 2016–present: Boston Celtics
• NBA All-Star (2021), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2017), First-team All-Pac-12 (2016), Pac-12 Freshman of the Year (2016), McDonald's All-American (2015), First-team Parade All-American (2015), Mr. Georgia Basketball (2015)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2014 United States: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2014 United States: National team

Brown was born in Atlanta, Georgia on October 24th 1996. He attended Wheeler High School and played for the varsity basketball team as a freshman before transferring to California after his sophomore season.

Brown led Cal to back-to-back Pac-12 titles while averaging 17 points, five rebounds and three assists per game during his two years with the Golden Bears. 

As a junior, he averaged 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists whilst leading Cal to their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2004.

Brown was drafted third overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA draft and made his debut with them later that year against the Philadelphia 76ers - scoring 12 points off the bench in 21 minutes of play. 

In 2017–2018, Brown started all 82 games for Boston coming off the bench averaging 11 point 4 rebounds 2 assists 1 steal PER 36 minutes played which placed him 3rd among all rookies behind only Ben Simmons (21 PPG 8 RPG 4 APG 2 SPG) & DeMarcus Cousins (24 PPG 10 RPG 5 APG 1 BSPG).

After starting all 82 games once again in 2018–2019 JaylenBrown’s numbers dipped slightly dropping averages across most categories but still putting up 14PPG 5RPG 3APG on 46MPG over 38GP.

good enough for 13th place amongst shooting guards/small forwards according to ESPN’s RealGM player rankings at time of writing this article.

39. Zach LaVine

Chicago Bulls

Career

• High school: Bothell, (Bothell, Washington)
• College: UCLA (2013–2014)
• NBA draft 2014 / Round: 1 / Pick: 13th overall
• Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
• Playing career: 2014–present
• 2014–2017: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 2017–present: Chicago Bulls
• 2× NBA All-Star (2021, 2022), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2015), 2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2015, 2016), Pac-12 All-Freshman Team (2014), First-team Parade All-American (2013), AP Washington Player of the Year (2013), Washington Mr. Basketball (2013)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team

Zach LaVine is a 27-year old shooting guard and small forward for the Chicago Bulls. He was born in Renton, Washington, on March 10th 1995. LaVine attended high school at Bothell in Washington before going to UCLA where he played from 2013 to 2014.

He was drafted 13th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2014 NBA draft but never made it onto their roster due to injury problems that plagued him throughout his career up until now (2017). 

In 2017, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers on a one-year deal but again failed to make an impact during his time there and ended up being waived just four months into his contract; this ultimately led him back to Chicago where he signed with them on February 8th 2018.

Zach LaVine has averaged 17 points per game over the course of his 7 year professional career so far, which places him amongst some of the best scoring shooting guards in history;

 furthermore, as mentioned earlier he is also considered one of if not THE best rebounders at his position having grabbed almost 12 rebounds per game throughout all seven years of play.

40. Zion Williamson

Duke Blue Devils men's basketball

Career

• 2019–present: New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Williamson is a very talented player and he has shown that throughout his career. He was drafted first overall in the 2019 NBA draft by the New Orleans Pelicans and has since started playing for them.

Zion Williamson is known for being one of the best young players in the NBA, and he will continue to be successful long into his career.

 He is 6'6'' tall and weighs 284 pounds, which makes him incredibly strong and able to play at an extremely high level.

Zion Williamson's skills are simply incredible; he can do things with a basketball that most people cannot even dream of doing. His height combined with his strength make him a force to be reckoned with on the court, both offensively and defensively. 

There is no doubt that Zion Williamson will have a very successful professional basketball career - he already seems like a true superstar.

Thanks go out to him for proving himself time after time as one of the greatest young players in history.

Also Played For: new orleans pelicans

41. Pascal Siakam

Toronto Raptors

Career

• High school: God's Academy (Lewisville, Texas)
• College: New Mexico State (2014–2016)
• NBA draft 2016 / Round: 1 / Pick: 27th overall
• Selected by the Toronto Raptors
• Playing career: 2016–present
• 2016–present: Toronto Raptors
• 2017: →Raptors 905
• NBA champion (2019), NBA All-Star (2020), All-NBA Second Team (2020), All-NBA Third Team (2022), NBA Most Improved Player (2019), NBA D-League champion (2017), NBA D-League Finals MVP (2017), AP Honorable mention All-American (2016), WAC Player of the Year (2016), WAC Freshman of the Year (2015)

Pascal Siakam was born on April 2nd, 1994 in Douala, Cameroon. He attended God's Academy where he played basketball for the school team and then at Lewisville High School in Texas before going to New Mexico State.

Siakam was drafted by the Toronto Raptors with Pick 27th overall in 2016 after playing a year of college ball at New Mexico State. 

In his rookie season with the Raptors, he averaged 14 points (on 49% shooting from 3-point range) and 7 rebounds per game while starting all 82 games that he appeared in during the regular season.

His performances earned him an All-Rookie First Team selection as well as being named to both NBA Eastern Conference All Star Team and 2018 Rising Stars Challenge rosters despite not appearing either game due to injurY. 

Pascal Siakam is a versatile 7-foot forward who has carved out a role for himself in the Toronto Raptors' rotation.

He was drafted by the Raptors with the 45th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, and made his professional debut that season with their G League affiliate, the Erie BayHawks. 

In 2017–18, he spent time on assignment with both Toronto's main squad and their D-League team before becoming an integral part of coach Dwane Casey's rotation down the stretch.

Siakam averaged 12 minutes per game over 66 appearances during 2018–19, helping Toronto to their first championship since 1993 while earning All-NBA Second Team recognition along the way. The Cameroonian international continued his strong play into 2019–20 as he led all players.

in scoring (24 points per game) and rebounds (10 boards per contest) while appearing in all 82 games for Toronto – a feat which earned him MVP honors at the NBA D-League Finals where they defeated Milwaukee comprehensively 4 games to 1.

Also Played For: nba

42. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Oklahoma City Thunder

Career

• High school: , St. Thomas More (Hamilton, Ontario), Sir Allan MacNab (Hamilton, Ontario), Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
• College: Kentucky (2017–2018)
• NBA draft 2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11th overall
• Selected by the Charlotte Hornets
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018–2019: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2019–present: Oklahoma City Thunder
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2019), Second-team All-SEC (2018), SEC All-Freshman Team (2018), SEC tournament MVP (2018)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Canada, FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship, : 2016 Chile: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Canada
• FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship
• : 2016 Chile: National team

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was born on July 12, 1998, in Toronto, Ontario. He starred at both high school and college levels before being drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 2018.

Gilgeous-Alexander is a versatile shooting guard and a point guard who can play either off the ball or as part of an attacking unit. In his rookie season with the Hornets, he averaged 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association (NBA). 

The 20-year-old was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. Shai Gilgeous Alexander played college ball at Kentucky, where he averaged 17.8 points and 7 assists per game as a freshman before declaring for the 2017 NBA Draft following his sophomore season.

In his rookie year, Shai led all rookies in scoring (17.4 ppg) and assists (7 APG), while also ranking second in steals (1 SPG) and third in rebounds (5 RPG). 

He was an All-Rookie Second Team selection by both CBS Sports and TNT, as well as earning voting honors from Sporting News, Bleacher Report, ESPN’s Marc Stein, NBC’s Billy Kennedy, and Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee amongst others.

Also Played For: fiba basketball world cup

43. Anthony Edwards

Minnesota Timberwolves

Career

• High school: , Therrell (Atlanta, Georgia), Holy Spirit Prep (Atlanta, Georgia)
• College: Georgia (2019–2020)
• NBA draft 2020 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
• Playing career: 2020–present
• 2020–present: Minnesota Timberwolves
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2021), Second-team All-SEC (2020), SEC Rookie of the Year (2020), McDonald's All-American (2019)

Anthony Edwards is a talented shooting guard who was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2021 NBA Draft. Anthony Edwards has great size for a shooting guard and can shoot from anywhere on the court.

Anthony Edwards will be an integral part of the Timberwolves' future, and he is expected to make an impact right away. Anthony Edwards is dedicated to his sport and works hard every day to improve his skillset.

Anthony Edwards represents everything that is good about basketball, and we are excited to see what he will accomplish in years to come. Edwards was selected with the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Edwards is a versatile player who can play both guard positions and small forward. He finished second-team All-SEC as a freshman at Georgia in 2020, averaging 17.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game on 47 percent shooting from three point range.

Edwards has had an outstanding rookie season with the Timberwolves, averaging 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game while shooting 43 percent from three point range - making him one of the most consistent players in the league so far this year.

44. Darius Garland

Cleveland Cavaliers

Career

• High school: Brentwood Academy, (Brentwood, Tennessee)
• College: Vanderbilt (2018–2019)
• NBA draft 2019 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
• Playing career: 2019–present
• 2019–present: Cleveland Cavaliers
• NBA All-Star (2022), McDonald's All-American (2018), 3× Tennessee Mr. Basketball (2016–2018)

Darius Garland was born on January 26, 2000 in Gary, Indiana. He played high school basketball at Brentwood Academy in Tennessee and led the team to a state championship as a senior in 2018.

After graduating from high school, he decided to attend Vanderbilt University where he played for the Vanderbilt Commodores men's basketball team from 2019-2022. 

As a junior at Vanderbilt, Garland averaged 14 points per game and 4 assists while leading his team to an appearance in the NCAA Tournament where they lost to Kentucky by 2 points (65-63).

In his final season with Vanderbilt (2023), Garland averaged 16 points per game and 5 assists which earned him First Team All American honors as well as SEC Player of the Year accolades and National Player of the Year recognition from numerous publications including ESPN and Sports Illustrated . 

On June 20th, 2022, Darius Garland was drafted 10th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers after being one of their top priorities during free agency that year.

He made his debut with the Cavs on October 17th against Philadelphia averaging 12 minutes offthe bench while recording 3 rebounds & 1 assist in 34 minutes played.

45. Marcus Morris Sr.

Power forward

Career

• High school: , Prep Charter, (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), APEX Academy, (Pennsauken, New Jersey)
• College: Kansas (2008–2011)
• NBA draft 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 14th overall
• Selected by the Houston Rockets
• Playing career: 2011–present
• 2011–2013: Houston Rockets
• 2012: →Rio Grande Valley Vipers
• 2013–2015: Phoenix Suns
• 2015–2017: Detroit Pistons
• 2017–2019: Boston Celtics
• 2019–2020: New York Knicks
• 2020–present: Los Angeles Clippers
• Consensus second-team All-American (2011), Big 12 Player of the Year (2011), First-team All-Big 12 (2011), Big 12 All-Rookie Team (2009), No. 22 jersey retired by Kansas Jayhawks

Marcus Morris Sr. was born on September 2, 1989 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and played college basketball at Kansas where he was a First-Team All-Big 12 selection as a junior and senior.

He entered the 2011 NBA draft but was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the 14th overall pick. In his rookie season (2011–12) he averaged 7.5 points and 5 rebounds per game while starting all 82 games for the Clippers.

The following season (2012–13), Morris improved his averages to 13 points and 6 rebounds per game while starting all 66 games for LAC; helping them make it to their first ever playoffs appearance that year before being eliminated by eventual champions Golden State Warriors in six games.

In 2014–15, Marcus Morris led both teams in scoring with 24 points per game as LA won 56 games en route to their second consecutive championship; becoming just the third player in league history to win back-to-back titles joining Garnett & Duncan. 

Morris continued playing extremely well during 2017–18 despite coming off an Achilles tendon injury which caused him miss over 20% of total team action; averaging 23 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block per contest while leading LAC once again to another playoff berth. 

 On July 9th 2018, Marcus signed a four year deal with Boston Celtics worth $124 million dollars．

Also Played For: detroit pistons

46. Dennis Schröder

Los Angeles Lakers

Career

• NBA draft 2013 / Round: 1 / Pick: 17th overall
• Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
• Playing career: 2010–present
• 2010–2013: Phantoms Braunschweig
• 2010–2012: →SG Braunschweig
• 2013–2018: Atlanta Hawks
• 2013: →Bakersfield Jam
• 2018–2020: Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2020–2021: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2021–2022: Boston Celtics
• 2022: Houston Rockets
• 2022–present: Los Angeles Lakers
• BBL Most Improved Player (2013), BBL Best German Young Player (2013)
• Medals, , EuroBasket, : 2022 Germany:
• EuroBasket
• : 2022 Germany:

Dennis Schröder is a 29-year-old German point guard who was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2013. Schröder has spent most of his career with the Atlanta Hawks, appearing in over 500 games and averaging 15.8 points per game during that time.

In 2018, Schröder signed with the Los Angeles Lakers and is currently playing for them in the NBA season. Dennis Schröder's skills as a player have earned him numerous accolades over the course of his career, including an All-Star appearance and two MVP awards (2015 and 2017).

He is also considered one of the best passers in basketball history, having averaged 7 assists per game throughout his career to date. Dennis Schröder is a professional basketball player who played for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

He was drafted by the Thunder with the fifth overall pick of the 2013 NBA draft. In his rookie season, he averaged 10.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3 assists per game while shooting 43 percent from three-point range. 

The following year, Schröder continued to produce impressive statistics as he averaged 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game on 45 percent shooting from three-point range en route to being named MVP.

The Bakersfield Jam tournament at age 20 years old - making him one of only two players ever to win an MVP award playing in a developmental league (the other being Allen Iverson).

He sustained a torn ACL during Game 7 of their first round playoff series against Russell Westbrook's OKC Thunder in 2016 but returned midway through 2017–18season and helped lead Laker back into postseason contention before sustaining another knee injury that ended.

His season prematurely once again; however this time it was not considered career-threatening so he has since resumed training full time ahead of schedule.

Also Played For: rockets lakers basketball

47. Scottie Barnes

Toronto Raptors

Career

• High school: , Cardinal Newman, (West Palm Beach, Florida), NSU University School, (Fort Lauderdale, Florida), Montverde Academy, (Montverde, Florida)
• College: Florida State (2020–2021)
• NBA draft 2021 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
• Selected by the Toronto Raptors
• Playing career: 2021–present
• 2021–present: Toronto Raptors
• NBA Rookie of the Year (2022), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2022), Third-team All-ACC (2021), ACC Sixth Man of the Year (2021), ACC Freshman of the Year (2021), McDonald's All-American (2020)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA Under-19 World Cup, : 2019 Greece: Team, FIBA Under-17 World Cup, : 2018 Argentina: Team, FIBA Americas U16 Championship, : 2017 Argentina: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA Under-19 World Cup
• : 2019 Greece: Team
• FIBA Under-17 World Cup
• : 2018 Argentina: Team
• FIBA Americas U16 Championship
• : 2017 Argentina: Team

Barnes is a 21-year old power forward for the Toronto Raptors. He attended Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach, Florida and then played college basketball at NSU University School and Montverde Academy.

Barnes was drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the fourth pick of the 2021 NBA draft. In his rookie season, he averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting 50% from three point range. 

Barnes has expressed interest in playing overseas after completing his rookie contract with the Raptors, but no decision has been made yet about.

Where he will play next season or beyond that Barnes was a key player on the Florida State Seminoles and helped lead them to an ACC championship in his freshman season.

Barnes is one of just two players in NBA history to record over 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in their rookie campaign. 

After being drafted by the Toronto Raptors, Barnes has continued to be a valuable part of their team both on and off the court - most recently winning Rookie of the Year honours.

Also Played For: florida state university basketball

48. Julius Randle

New York Knicks

Career

• 2014–2018: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2018–2019: New Orleans Pelicans
• 2019–present: New York Knicks

Julius Randle was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1994. He attended high school at Prestonwood Christian in Plano, Texas. Randle played college basketball for Kentucky.

Randle was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2014 NBA draft and has since played for the team. Randle is known for his explosiveness and scoring ability in the paint.

Randle has been a key player for the Lakers over the past two seasons. Randle is expected to be a cornerstone of the Lakers' future. Randle has been married to his wife, Tanaya, since 2016.

Randle is an American citizen. Julius Randle is a former McDonald's All-American who has played for the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. Randle has been a part of the Pelicans and Lakers teams that have both made the playoffs.

Randle is a versatile player who can score inside and outside the paint. Randle is a two-time All-Star and was named an All-NBA Second Team player in 2021.

Randle is a strong defender who is always hustling on the court. Randle is currently a member of the New York Knicks.

Final Words

The NBA Isolation play is a basketball strategy that focuses on a single offensive player with the goal of creating isolation opportunities for that player.

Some of the best players in NBA history have relied on this strategy to help them win games, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.