NBA's Top 5 Most Skilled Players Ever
Join us as we explore the greatest talents in NBA history, inviting fans to share their thoughts in our comment section.
1. Kyrie Irving
Check Out this YouTube and Watch as Kyrie Embarrasses Tayshaun Prince in
Kyrie’s a complete wizard with the basketball, has the best handle of anybody who has ever attempted to dribble a basketball in the national basketball Association EVER. Kyrie Irving is widely regarded as the greatest ball handler in NBA history, and for good reason. His ability to dribble isn’t just flashy—it’s surgical, calculated, and almost impossible to defend. Let’s break down what makes Kyrie’s handle so legendary:
Why Kyrie Irving Has the Best Handles Ever
Complete Control Like a Video Game
Kyrie doesn’t just dribble the ball—he manipulates it like a yo-yo. Whether he's at full speed, in tight spaces, or changing directions mid-air, the ball looks like it's on a string.
Impact: Defenders can't anticipate his next move because even he doesn’t commit too early—he reacts in real-time.
Ambidexterity & Footwork
Kyrie’s left hand is just as deadly as his right, and he combines it with elite footwork—pivots, spin moves, and jabs that freeze defenders in place.
Watch any isolation play, and you'll see a masterclass in balance, angles, and timing.
Unpredictable Rhythm
He doesn’t dribble in predictable patterns. He’ll go from slow to fast, hesitation to explosion, stutter step to spin—like a jazz musician improvising in real time.
Impact: This makes him unguardable 1-on-1, especially in clutch moments.
Best Handle in the Tightest Spaces
While many great ball handlers thrive in the open court, Kyrie is at his most dangerous in a crowd—in the paint, against double teams, or along the baseline. He finds escape routes no one else even sees.
Style AND Substance
It’s not just about looking pretty—his handles get him buckets. From slithering through defenses to creating separation for his silky jumper or a creative layup, Kyrie's dribble always leads to something meaningful.
Summary:
Kyrie Irving’s handle is the perfect storm of skill, creativity, and control. He doesn’t just break ankles—he breaks defensive schemes, and he does it with an artistry that no one else in the game has ever matched.
Kyrie Irving’s Off-the-Dribble Shooting Breakdown
1. Elite Shot Creation
Kyrie is a master at creating his own shot. His handles are so advanced that he doesn’t need a screen—he can get separation with:
Crossovers
Hesitations
Step-backs
Spins
Jab steps
Result: He can get a clean look from mid-range or deep even with elite defenders draped all over him.
2. Efficiency
Kyrie consistently ranks among the best in pull-up shooting efficiency:
Pull-Up FG% (last few seasons): 45–48% (elite for off-the-dribble)
Pull-Up 3PT%: Often hovers around 37–40%, which is incredible for off-the-dribble threes
By comparison, many players shoot low 30s on pull-up threes.
🔥 3. Mid-Range Maestro
Kyrie’s mid-range pull-up game is elite.
He uses tight dribble combos to get into rhythm jumpers from 12 to 20 feet.
Can go left or right, off one leg or both, even fading away.
He makes tough mid-range shots look routine, similar to Kobe or MJ in terms of fluidity and confidence.
4. Balance + Body Control
What makes his off-the-dribble shooting special:
Perfect footwork out of his dribble moves
Elite balance even when fading or stepping back
High release point that helps him shoot over defenders
No matter the angle or momentum, Kyrie stays squared to the rim better than almost anyone.
What Legends Say:
Kevin Durant: “Kyrie’s the best ball handler of all time.”
Allen Iverson: “He’s got the best handles I’ve ever seen.”
LeBron James: “His handles are out of this world.”
Kyrie’s careee numbers
Points per Game: 23.7
Rebounds per Game: 4.1
Assists per Game: 5.6
Steals per Game: 1.3
Blocks per Game: 0.4
Field Goal Percentage: 47.4%
3‑Point Percentage: 39.4%
Free Throw Percentage: 88.8%
2.Steph Curry
There is no argument that he is the greatest shooter of all time. ——-He became the first player in NBA history to join the 30–50–40–90 club:
30+ PPG
50+% FG
40+% 3P
90+%
Has a great handle on top those numbers I just gave. How Steph Curry Changed the Game with His Shooting
🔥 Unlimited Range Became Normal
Before Curry, most players shot 3-pointers just behind the arc. Steph started pulling up from 30+ feet—often off the dribble, in transition, or with defenders right in his face. His consistency from deep range made defenses stretch fartherthan ever before.———
Impact: Defenders now guard players 30+ feet from the basket, creating more spacing and driving lanes. ——————————-Legacy in One Sentence:
Stephen Curry made the 3-pointer the most important weapon in basketball—and in doing so, reshaped the NBA's strategy, spacing, and style for generations. ——-Positionless Shooting Standards
Before Curry, it was rare for big men to shoot threes. Now every position, from point guard to center, is expected to be a threat from outside.
Impact: Stretch bigs are now standard, and even traditional centers shoot from beyond the arc. —————————————————————🏆 Stephen Curry: All-Time Shooting Legend
🔥 NBA Records
Most 3-pointers made in a single season: 402 (2015–16) — shattered his own previous record of 286.
Fastest to reach milestones:
2,000 3-pointers in just 597 games (previous record was 824 games).
3,000 career 3-pointers faster than anyone else.
Most career 3-pointers made: Surpassed Ray Allen’s record in December 2021 and continues to extend it. ——————————————-. Efficiency at a High Volume
Career averages (regular season):
FG%: ~47.5%
3P%: ~43.3%
FT%: ~90.9%
His combination of volume + efficiency is unheard of for a perimeter shooter.
3. Nikola Jokić.
The Most Skilled Big Man the Game Has Ever Seen?
When people talk about the “most skilled players” in NBA history, they often think of guards with flashy crossovers or wings with smooth jumpers. But if we’re being honest about pure, all-around basketball skill, Nikola Jokić belongs right at the top of the list — not just for big men, but for any position.
He’s a 7-foot center who plays like a point guard, thinks like a coach, passes like Magic Johnson, and scores with the efficiency of a machine.
🧠 BASKETBALL IQ & COURT VISION
Jokić has perhaps the highest basketball IQ in the modern NBA.
His court vision is legendary — he throws no-look dimes, touch passes, and behind-the-back feeds with the timing of a Hall of Fame quarterback.
He reads defenses in real time, often two steps ahead of everyone else on the floor.
🗣️ “He might be the best passer in the league… and he’s a center.” — LeBron James
🎯 ELITE PASSING (THE BEST EVER AT HIS POSITION)
Jokić is hands-down the best passing center in NBA history.
He averages over 7 assists per game for his career, and regularly finishes games with double-digit assists, including triple-doubles.
He can initiate the offense, run fast breaks, and operate as a point-center — something rarely seen before.
🎯 SCORING VERSATILITY
Jokić can score from anywhere on the floor:
Soft-touch floaters from the lane
Mid-range jumpers
Three-point range
Impeccable post moves, footwork, and counters
He doesn’t rely on athleticism. He beats defenders with patience, angles, timing, and craft.
💪 FUNDAMENTALS & FOOTWORK
He plays the game under control, rarely rushed, and uses his size and balance to his advantage.
His footwork in the post and face-up game is comparable to legends like Hakeem Olajuwon and Tim Duncan.
📊 INCREDIBLE EFFICIENCY
Career FG%: ~56%
Career 3P%: ~35%
Career FT%: ~83% (insane for a center)
Back-to-back MVP (2021, 2022) and Finals MVP (2023)
Regularly posts 30-point triple-doubles on 65% shooting — stuff that just shouldn't be possible for a 7-footer
🏆 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2× NBA MVP (2021, 2022)
1× NBA Finals MVP (2023)
2023 NBA Champion (led the Denver Nuggets to their first ever title)
6× NBA All-Star
5× All-NBA First or Second Team
One of only a few players in history to average a triple-double through an entire playoff run
📚 LEGACY & IMPACT
Nikola Jokić is changing the way basketball views the center position:
He’s not just a unicorn — he’s a new blueprint.
He plays the game like a 7-foot Steve Nash combined with Tim Duncan.
His unselfishness, creativity, and feel for the game are inspiring a new generation of big menwho don’t need to be rim-runners or shot blockers to dominate.
🎤 Final Word
Jokić is a basketball savant in a giant’s body. He makes the game look easy without ever needing to be flashy. He’s proof that pure skill, intelligence, and timing can dominate in an era obsessed with athleticism.
If skill means doing more with less, mastering all aspects of the game, and elevating everyone around you — Nikola Jokić isn’t just one of the most skilled big men ever. He’s one of the most skilled players in NBA history. Period.
The Greatest basketball player ever.
The Gold Standard of Basketball Greatness
When you talk about the most skilled basketball players of all time, Michael Jordan is a name that must be mentioned—and often at the very top. Nicknamed "Air Jordan" and "His Airness", he wasn’t just a dominant force in the NBA—he was a cultural icon who transformed the game globally.
🔥 SKILLS THAT DEFINED A GENERATION
Michael Jordan wasn’t just a scorer—he was the most complete perimeter player of his era:
Elite Scoring Ability: Jordan had an unstoppable offensive package. From slashing drives to acrobatic finishes, mid-range fadeaways, post-up footwork, and clutch jumpers—he had every tool in the bag. He led the NBA in scoring 10 times, an unmatched feat.
Footwork & Fundamentals: His post game was surgical. His fadeaway jumper became his signature move—almost impossible to defend.
Incredible Athleticism: With a reported 48-inch vertical leap, Jordan could glide through the air like no one before him. His dunks were not just highlights—they were statements.
Defensive Mastery: MJ wasn't just about offense. He was a 9-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection and the 1988 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, showing his commitment on both ends of the floor.
Clutch Gene: Jordan’s killer instinct is legendary. Whether it was “The Shot” over Craig Ehlo, the 1997 Flu Game, or his final dagger as a Bull in the 1998 Finals—he lived for the moment.
Work Ethic & Mental Toughness: What separated Jordan was his obsessive drive. His intense competitiveness raised the standard for what it meant to be a professional athlete.
CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS
6× NBA Champion (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
6× NBA Finals MVP
5× NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998)
10× Scoring Champion
14× NBA All-Star
10× All-NBA First Team
9× All-Defensive First Team
1985 NBA Rookie of the Year
1988 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
2× Olympic Gold Medalist (1984, 1992)
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009
CAREER STATS
Games Played: 1,072
Points: 32,292 (30.1 PPG — highest career average in NBA history)
Rebounds: 6,672 (6.2 RPG)
Assists: 5,633 (5.3 APG)
Steals: 2,514 (2.3 SPG)
FG%: 49.7%
3P%: 32.7%
FT%: 83.5%
🌍 LEGACY & IMPACT
Michael Jordan wasn’t just a great player—he redefined what greatness looked like in basketball.
He helped globalize the NBA, especially with the 1992 Dream Team.
His brand "Air Jordan" revolutionized athlete marketing and sneaker culture.
He inspired generations to chase perfection.
He brought a killer mentality and professionalism that changed how players trained and prepared mentally for the game.
Even in retirement, Jordan’s legacy lives on in every kid practicing a fadeaway in their driveway, every NBA player chasing championships, and every sneaker drop that sells out in seconds.
4. Michael Jordan
Take a look at Michael Jordan’s top 60 players in this YouTube video below
5. Joel Embiid
Take a look at Joel Embiid 70 point performance against the Spurs in 2024
Why Joel Embiid Is One of the Most Skilled Players in NBA History
When we think about “skill” in basketball, we often picture guards with slick handles or wings with smooth jumpers. But Joel Embiid has broken that mold completely. Standing 7 feet tall and weighing 280 pounds, Embiid has the body of a traditional center — but the skill set of a guard, the footwork of a ballet dancer, and the scoring touch of a shooting specialist. Simply put, he’s a once-in-a-generation talent who blends size, finesse, and intelligence like few players ever have.
🔥 Skillset Breakdown
🏹 Scoring Arsenal
Joel Embiid might be the most complete scorer at the center position since Hakeem Olajuwon. He can beat defenders:
* In the post with drop-steps, spin moves, and fadeaways
* Facing up from the elbow with jab steps and pull-ups
* From mid-range with a silky touch
* Behind the arc with a reliable three-point shot
* At the line, where he shoots 85%+ free throws, unheard of for a big man
He doesn’t just score — he scores how he wants, when he wants, and in every way possible.
🩰 Elite Footwork
One of Embiid’s most underrated traits is his elite footwork, which he credits to studying greats like Hakeem Olajuwon and Kobe Bryant. Whether he’s backing down a defender or isolating from the top of the key, his balance, poise, and timing are what allow him to create separation and hit tough shots.
🎯 Shooting Touch
* Embiid shoots like a wing, with natural lift and rotation on his jumper.
* He can execute turnaround fadeaways, step-backs, and face-up pull-ups that most guards would envy.
* His ability to hit difficult shots consistently makes him unguardable in one-on-one situations.
🎮 Handle & Shot Creation
* For his size, Embiid’s handle is extraordinary. He can initiate offense, attack closeouts, and bring the ball up the court.
* He’s one of the few centers in NBA history who can create his own shot from anywhere, including off the dribble — something typically reserved for guards.
🧠 IQ, Patience & Poise
* Embiid reads defenses extremely well, knowing when to attack, pass out of double-teams, or draw fouls.
* His free-throw drawing ability is elite — often leading the league in attempts, which puts opposing defenses in constant trouble.
* His composure, especially in the mid-post, allows him to slow the game down and dictate pace.
🛡️ Two-Way Dominance
* On defense, Embiid is a rim protector, shot blocker, and elite help defender.
* He anchors the paint, alters shots, and closes out possessions with tough rebounding and smart positioning.
* He’s consistently one of the best two-way players in the NBA.
🏆 Career Accomplishments (as of 2024)
* 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP)
* 2× NBA Scoring Champion (2022, 2023)
* 7× NBA All-Star
* 5× All-NBA Team (First or Second)
* 3× NBA All-Defensive Team
* Career averages:
* 27.9 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.6 BPG, 49.8% FG, 33.5% 3P, 85% FT
📚 Legacy & Impact
Joel Embiid is still in his prime, but he's already had a massive impact on the game:
* He's redefining the modern center position — proving that big men can shoot, dribble, pass, and carry teams offensively.
* He blends the dominance of Shaq, the finesse of Hakeem, and the footwork of a guard — in one body.
* His success has inspired a new generation of international players, especially from Africa, to pursue basketball with a focus on skill and versatility.
🎤 Final Word
In a league full of incredible athletes and scorers, Joel Embiid stands out not just because of his size or stats, but because of how skilled he is. He plays with the precision of a guard, the dominance of a traditional big, and the creativity of a scorer in his prime.
————-Whether he's hitting a fadeaway from the elbow, splitting a double-team with a euro step, or blocking a shot at the rim — Embiid is proof that skill comes in all sizes. And that’s why he deserves to be mentioned among the most skilled playersthe game has ever seen.———-shot 85.7% from the free throw line the year he won the MVP. ————-. Nothing he cant do well as a big man. He dropped 70 points, 18 rebounds and 5 assist in 2024 in a victory with the Spurs. Became the first player in NBA history to score at least 70 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists in a single game. When fully healthy, he is the most skilled big man ever.