Everyone in the NBA has a unique combination of sððūððs that has allowed them to elevate their game to the league and be among the top 1% of the best basketball players in the world.
Athleticism is one of the biggest gifts NBA athletes have. We have seen some all-time greats dominate with their athletic gifts, and fans were embroiled in ad debate trying to figure out who is the most athletic player of the last 20 years.
One fan went for prime LeBron James, but followed him up with Dwight Howard and Russell Westbrook.
One fan argued that Dwyane Wade was more athletic in his prime than Derrick Rose or Westbrook.
A fan threw in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s name along with LeBron and Westbrook.
One fan believes LeBron, Westbrook, and Ja Morant should be the picks.
One fan was upset about the lack of Derrick Rose love, saying that the fastest man in league history should get some credit.
Another fan named LeBron, Rose, and Westbrook.
One fan shouted out Blake Griffin alongside LeBron and Russ.
All these players have dazzled fans in the past and will do so in the future with their speed, sððūðð, and verticality. Naturally LeBron is a popular choice, who at his peak has often been considered the greatest athlete the sport has ever seen. There were a lot of mentions of Russell Westbrook as well, due to Westbrook’s peak sustaining over years as he put up mind-boggling numbers with his physical tools helping him.
Athleticism Can Backfire As Well
Players who were incredible athletes in their prime can often fall victim to injuries and have their relevance cut short. Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, Blake Griffin, and Dwight Howard enjoyed a relatively small peak with their athletic ability, as injuries piled up and slowed all of them down into shells of their former selves.
LeBron is the exception to almost everything, but his success provides a blueprint for the future players like Giannis Antetokoummpo. Westbrook is hoping to parlay his sððūððs into extending his career, bouncing back well with the Clippers after what looked like a career-ending stretch of poor play with the Lakers.
