The 4 Most Skilled Basketball Players of All-Time

1. Michael Jordan

I mean, does this selection need much justification. It’s THE Michael Jordan. The GOAT (waiting for the angry comments). The Chicago Bulls legend is a 10 time All-NBA first team selection. He won 5 league MVP’s throughout an illustrious career that included 6 NBA Championships. Most of all, the Bulls star demonstrated a complex offensive and defensive skill-set that's still untouchable.

Jordan for a career shot almost 50% from the field and 51% from the 2-point area in particular. Jordan developed into an efficient mid-range shooter. He utilized spacing and an arsenal of dribble moves to secure open jumpers. That said, when Jordan got hot, the openness of the shot became irrelevant, much like the defender.

The mastery of fundamentals is also one of Jordan's greatest strengths. Jordan’s footwork in the post rivalled even the best big men. At the same time, he always produced the same level of lift on every jump shot by planting his feet. On defense, Jordan always used the correct hand in the passing lane.

Speaking of defense, Jordan's known as the "black cat" by former players for a reason. Jordan was "cat" quick, gliding back and forth between his man and another teammates man. Jordan shut down the man in front of him and anyone else who tried to create on his side of the court. Teams sometimes resorted to not evening running plays on Jordan's side of the court. Accomplishments wise, Jordan owns a Defensive Player of the Year Award. He made 9 All-Defensive First Team selections. He also led the league in steals in 3 separate seasons and recorded 8 or more steals per game, 11 times.

It's unnecessary to argue if Jordan was one of the most skilled players in basketball history. Jordan may be the best two-way player of all-time. Maybe the best offensive player and defensive player of all time. Enough said.

2. Kobe Bryant

Next up on the list: Kobe Bean Bryant. Bryant, almost a copy of MJ, built a compelling case as the most skilled basketball player ever. (again, not the best, most skilled, don’t hurt me please).

Bryant averaged 25 points per game on 45% shooting with 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Bryant also earned 15 All-NBA team selections, tied for the most all-time. He showcased the ability to excel at every aspect of basketball. Bryant’s career average of 4.7 assists per game is higher than the average shootings guards’ 2.7 assists per game. On a game-by-game basis, he showed above-average passing ability. I guess just not the passing desire...

Bryant also averaged 5.2 rebounds per game, notches above the average shootings guards. Despite playing the shooting guard position, he proved his rebounding capabilities. Nonetheless, Kobe Bryant became "KOBE!" through a one-of-a-kind scoring prowess.

Advanced statistics show most of Bryant's shot attempts came between 3 feet of the basket or 16+ feet away. Bryant used athleticism, quickness and an above average handle to get easy shots at the basket. Bryant favoured using footwork, handles and a jumper or a great fade away to get open shots when beyond 16 feet away. (who am I kidding, Kobe never open).

Bryant, much like Jordan, also possessed a post-up game. Yet, even Jordan's post-game paled in comparison to Bryant’s spectacular repertoire of moves. Bryant developed a vast collection of moves on the block, training with Hakeem Olajuwon. He developed a multi-directional post-up game due to already tremendous footwork. The Lakers star's hard work and discipline made him one of the most skilled post players in NBA history.

Finally, Bryant’s defensive tenacity allowed the Lakers guard to always remain an asset to any team. H received 12 All-NBA defense selections, second only to Tim Duncan with 15. 9 of those 12 times, he was 1st team defense, tying him for the most 1st team defense selections of all time.

Bryant always forced the best offensive player on the opposing team to work. He displayed fundamentals of defense by forcing offensive players to their weak side. He was athletic enough to move from side-to-side and crowd offensive players. Even if he couldn't stop you, there was never going to be any easy shots. Bryant does not come to mind immediately as a premier shooting guard defender in NBA history. Still, Bryant dominated on defense almost as much as on offense.

Whether it's his attention to defense and passing skills (yes, passing, I know who I'm talking about). Or whether it's rebounding, footwork and fundamentals. Or whether it's his post game and tough-shot-making capabilities. Bryant deserves the title of one of the most skilled basketball players of all time.

3. Hakeem Olajuwon

A person can only dream of playing as well as Hakeem Olajuwon. If the cheap pun didn’t register, you need to catch up on valuable basketball history. Hakeem “The Dream,” Olajuwon reigns as the most skilled big man to ever touch a basketball.

Hakeem Olajuwon, an undersized centre/power forward at 6’10, dominated the game on both ends of the court. In that sense, Olajuwon matched any other elite 7 foot, big men. Yet, Olajuwon separated himself from any other centre with freaky, never-before-seen skills.

For a career, Hakeem Olajuwon averaged 22 points per game on 51% from the field while grabbing 11 boards per game. “The Dream” chose to create shots between 3 and 16 feet of the basket. Olajuwon also displayed an ability to handle the ball on the perimeter. He could face up a slower-footed big man, crossover and get to the rim like a guard. His 48% shooting through 10 and 16 feet of the rim indicates he also shot the ball well. But, the patented phrase, ‘the Dream Shake’ did not come from facing-up and taking jumpers. On the contrary, Olajuwon utilized playing back-to-the-basket, a lost art in today's NBA.

Olajuwon's unpredictable use of post-moves made the centre impossible to guard. I mean, not to gas Olajuwon up all day but he did make a young Shaq look out of sorts and made an MVP David Robinson look silly.

Olajuwon could pivot off of either foot and could move to both sides. He could finish with both hands and fake. And as a fallback, he utilized the 'dream shake' to get past even the best defenders in the world.

Olajuwon produced even greater results on defense. Olajuwon averaged 3 blocks per game for a career. Olajuwon also ranks number 1 all-time in total blocks with 3830. Number two on the list is Dikembe Mutombo with 541 fewer blocks. Olajuwon also ranks 8th all-time in steals and 4th all-time in defensive win shares. Two defensive players of the year awards highlight his dominance on defense.

Olajuwon's sound footwork and movements allowed him to defend perimeter players and post-players. The big man was actually quick enough to keep up with guards on the perimeter. Yet, Olajuwon could still reposition within a moments notice, retreating back inside to contest a shot.

Olajuwon’s entire career involved remarkable plays and moments. Moreover, Olajuwon remains one of the most skilled players in NBA history. A player that other ballplayers can only dream (get it?) of catching.

4. LeBron James

LeBron JAMEEEESSS! The chosen one himself. LeBron could very well become the best, all-around basketball player to ever play and the GOAT as well. Thus, no real surprise that King James sits on the Mount Rushmore of the most skilled players in NBA history.

James has 14 All-NBA selections, four league MVP trophies, and six All-Defensive selections. James is the only player to average at least 27 points per game with seven rebounds and seven assists. James is also the only player to record at least 30 000+ points to go along with 8000 rebounds and 8000 assists. James fits into the top-10 in points and top-15 in assists, all-time. James is the only player…. you get the idea. The guy continues to set remarkable records every time he walks onto the court.

Statistics show James terrorizes opposition through a triple threat play style. James scores through barrelling to the basket with incredible ambidextrous finishing ability. On top of creating natural mismatches, the King continues developing on offense. The latest addition to James’ offensive repertoire is the fadeaway jump shot. He also still utilizes a solid post-up game down-low.

Yet, James’ greatest skill revolves around not scoring but distributing the basketball. In layman's terms, James’ passing gift rivals the best point guards in NBA history. His ability to dish to any corner of the floor from anywhere on the court makes him a 3-point shooter's dream. I should specify, anywhere on the court also includes behind the basket, in mid-air. Can't forgot those patented LeBron James beauties.

James also excels in the pick-and-roll, forcing mismatches and delivering thread-the-needle type passes. Also, don't forget all the fakes, no-looks, and flashy playmaking 'King James' produces.

Finally, defense. James’ combination of size and agility allows him to stay in front of smaller guards as well as forwards. He rarely guarded primary offensive threats in 2018 due to immense offensive loads. But, historical evidence proves he can dominate supreme offensive threats when required. For instance, Derrick Rose in the 2011 playoffs.

He also continues to devastate opposing offenses through immaculate team defense. James’ ability to contest shots at the rim is phenomenal. James changes outstanding amounts of shots every year and that doesn't show up in the box score.

LeBron James does more on the basketball court than any player that came before and will come after. The 'King’s' evolving offense, defense, and passing forces audiences to tune into every game. And when fans do tune in, they watch one of the greatest, most skilled players to ever step onto a basketball court.