During a special Christmas edition of NBA Today, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry joined forces for an intriguing challenge: crafting the ultimate NBA player. Each superstar handpicked a defining skill from one of the others to assemble a basketball masterpiece.
- Scoring – Kevin Durant
- Passing – LeBron James
- Handles – Kyrie Irving
- Hustle – Alex Caruso
- Mentality – Anthony Edwards
- Basketball IQ – Nikola Jokic
- Shooting – Stephen Curry
- Defense – Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Finishing – Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Athleticism – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Clutch – Trae Young
- Footwork – Luka Doncic
- Height – Victor Wembanyama
- Strength – LeBron James
- Speed – De’Aaron Fox
LeBron chose Durant’s lethal hesitation pull-up jumper, Durant opted for Curry’s lightning-quick release, and Curry admired LeBron’s unparalleled basketball IQ. Together, their selections painted a picture of an extraordinary player, blending the best attributes of three of the game’s greatest.
To take it a step further, we have decided to create the perfect NBA player for the 2024-25 season based on all the key intangibles and skills a superstar should have. Combining offensive, defensive, physical, and mental traits, we have the perfect NBA player from start to finish, and let’s present him below.
Scoring – Kevin Durant
Nobody scores quite like Kevin Durant. The 2024-25 season has been another masterclass, with KD averaging a blistering 27.7 points per game on an eye-popping 64.0% true shooting. His stats are impressive but it is the fact that Durant has no weakness offensively that is why he is chosen in this category. A player with Durant’s combination of shooting touch and versatility makes him unguardable in any era. Whether it’s a silky pull-up jumper or an effortless finish at the rim, the perfect NBA player can turn every shot into a work of art as the league’s most feared scorer.
Passing – LeBron James
Even if he is days away from turning 40, LeBron James remains the league’s premier playmaker, orchestrating like a maestro with an average of 9.0 assists per game. The perfect NBA player’s court vision must be second to none, dissecting defenses with pinpoint passes in transition, off the pick-and-roll, or from the post. He’s not just making plays; he’s setting the gold standard for basketball IQ and creativity, ensuring his teammates always thrive.
Handles – Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving’s handles are pure poetry in motion, and this season he’s added another layer to his wizardry. Averaging 24.6 points with countless defenders left grasping at air, Kyrie’s crossovers, hesitations, and spins are legendary and the perfect NBA player has to inherit this gift. Every dribble is a statement that he’s in complete control, making defenders rethink their career choices on a nightly basis. Stephen Curry deserves a mention, but nobody touches Irving when it comes to inheriting handles.
Hustle – Alex Caruso
Alex Caruso defines grit and grind, leading the league in deflections per game (3.7) while diving for loose balls and taking charges like his life depends on it. He doesn’t fill the box score with flashy numbers, but his relentless energy and never-quit mentality are what every championship team needs. Caruso’s hustle is the heart of the Thunder’s defense which is why the perfect NBA player will have this talent.
Mentality – Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards has embraced the spotlight in 2024-25, with a fearless attitude and swagger that’s made him the face of the Timberwolves. Edwards attacks every game like it’s Game 7 of the Finals, and his trash talk is just as lethal as his dunks. The future of the league wears his mentality like a badge of honor, and the perfect NBA player needs a mix of Edwards’ natural and youthful cockiness.
Basketball IQ – Nikola Jokic
It might be easy to simply select LeBron James as Curry did in the interview, but we will give love to three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. The Serbian superstar might as well have a Ph.D. in basketball. The reigning MVP is putting up 9.5 assists per game, reading defenses like a chess grandmaster. From no-look passes to perfectly timed outlets, the perfect NBA player must see plays develop before anyone else even realizes they’re happening. His ability to think the game must transcend the stat sheet, making Jokic’s brain necessary for the perfect player.
Shooting – Stephen Curry
There’s no debate—Stephen Curry is the greatest shooter of all time, and this season he’s still torching the nets with a 40.6% from three on absurd volume. The perfect NBA player will be a threat as soon as he passes half-court. Whether it’s a pull-up from 35 feet, a step-back with a defender draped all over him, or a catch-and-shoot bomb, a player with Curry’s shooting ability is the definition of lethal. Every shot he takes will be a highlight.
Defense – Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a one-man defensive wrecking crew, and he is the chosen example of the perfect NBA player when it comes to guarding every position on the court. The perfect player’s combination of length, mobility, and timing will make him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Whether it’s a chase-down block or a perfectly timed steal, Giannis is the anchor every elite defense needs and that is why he will be chosen for this attribute.
Finishing – Giannis Antetokounmpo
There’s no stopping Giannis at the rim, as his 61.3% field goal percentage shows. A perfect NBA player will inherit Giannis’ Eurostep, spin moves, and pure power leaving defenders helpless. Whether he’s dunking over three players or finishing through contact, this player will make the paint his personal playground every night.
Athleticism – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s athleticism is more finesse than brute force, but it’s just as effective. The perfect NBA player will take SGA’s deceptive quickness and graceful explosiveness, making him unguardable in the open court. The ability to glide through traffic and finish with ease defines the modern versatile athlete.
Clutch – Trae Young
When the game’s on the line, give the ball to Trae Young this season. Destroying teams time and time this year (especially the New York Knicks), Young is thriving under pressure and the perfect NBA player will take this immediate attribute. Whether it’s sinking dagger threes or creating magic with his floater, the player’s confidence and execution in crunch time are what legends are made of.
Footwork – Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic’s footwork is a master class in patience and precision. Averaging 28.1 points per game this season, Luka’s ability to create space with pivots, fades, and step-backs is unmatched and he will be the template for the perfect NBA player. This particular superstar will move at his own pace, leaving defenders frustrated as he crafts shots out of seemingly impossible situations.
Height – Victor Wembanyama
At 7’4″, Victor Wembanyama’s height alone is a game-changer, but it’s his fluidity and skill that truly stand out. Blocking 4.0 shots per game, Wemby dominates defensively while still being a threat from the perimeter. His unprecedented combination of height and talent redefines what it means to be a big man and the perfect NBA player will stand 7’4” with all the attributes given to him.
Strength – LeBron James
Even in his 22nd season, LeBron James remains a physical marvel, bulldozing his way to the rim with ease. The perfect NBA player must have raw and natural strength that doesn’t prevent other areas of athleticism such as leaping, which is why The King’s physical strength is the right choice. Whether it’s posting up, driving, or defending, this type of physicality is still the gold standard.
Speed – De’Aaron Fox
De’Aaron Fox isn’t just fast—he’s a blur. Fox leaves defenders in the dust every time he puts his foot on the gas and the perfect NBA player will be the one to inherit this trait. His end-to-end speed and ability to change gears will make him the quickest player in the NBA, a nightmare for anyone trying to keep up with the greatest player of all time that we created.
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