It is time to dive into the silky-smooth side of the NBA as we name those special players who make the game look like a walk in the park, effortlessly gliding across the court. It’s not just about slam dunks and three-pointers; it’s an art form, a finesse game. Some of the greatest “smooth” players include the great Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, whose moves were simply beautiful to watch.
By looking at the NBA’s current players, there are 10 stars that the word “smooth” describes them best. While there are some stars in the league right now such as LeBron James who dominate the game in many aspects, he and others are not exactly smooth in their movements as this list belongs to a unique set of players who are truly in their own lanes.
1. Jayson Tatum
2023-24 Statistics: 27.5 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG
The superstar forward for the Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum is the essence of a complete player with a smooth playing style that reflects a combination of size, skill, and athleticism. In his prime, with the guidance of Kobe Bryant’s teachings and his refined offensive arsenal, Tatum has become one of the best scorers in the world.
Tatum’s smooth jumper is a hallmark of his game, with an innate ability to drain contested jumpers. His shooting mechanics, reminiscent of Kobe Bryant’s precision, showcase a level of finesse that makes him a reliable scoring option in various situations. Whether pulling up for mid-range shots or connecting from beyond the arc, Tatum’s scoring versatility remains at the top right now.
Beyond his jumper, Tatum has honed his three-point shooting, adding an extra dimension to his offensive repertoire as he is shooting 37.4% from three over his career. Tatum’s finishing ability at the rim is a reflection of his combination of size (6’8”) and athleticism.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Tatum’s game is his commitment to learning and incorporating elements from basketball legends like Kobe Bryant. As a superstar in his prime and top-five across the league, arguably, Tatum is the most smooth player in the league right now for the league-leading Boston Celtics.
2. Stephen Curry
2023-24 Statistics: 27.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG
A four-time NBA champion for the Golden State Warriors, Stephen Curry is a revolutionary force in the league, known for his transcendent shooting ability and unmatched ball-handling skills. His unique combination of shooting precision, offensive creativity, and humble leadership has made him one of the most exciting and smooth players to watch.
At the heart of Curry’s smooth playing style is his ability to be the best shooter we have ever seen. His ability to connect from well beyond the three-point arc has not only transformed the Warriors’ offensive strategy but has also influenced the entire landscape of modern basketball. The all-time three-point leader in NBA history (3,545 3PM), Curry is a threat as soon as he steps in front of half-court.
Curry’s ball-handling skills are another key element that adds to his smoothness on the court. His crossovers, behind-the-back dribbles, and hesitation moves are executed with a level of finesse that keeps defenders off balance. While Kyrie Irving and Allen Iverson are regarded as the best ball-handlers ever, Stephen Curry’s name should be mentioned more often because his skills are simply stunning.
3. Kevin Durant
2023-24 Statistics: 29.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 6.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.1 BPG
The 13-time NBA All-Star and future first-ballot Hall of Famer Kevin Durant epitomizes the combination of scoring prowess, versatility, and sheer smoothness on the basketball court. His unique blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him one of the most graceful and impactful players in the league.
With four scoring titles on his resume, Durant’s scoring ability is nothing short of remarkable, characterized by a silky-smooth jump shot and an uncanny ability to score from virtually anywhere on the court. Standing at 6’11” with a high release point, Durant’s shooting mechanics are virtually unguardable, allowing him to rise above defenders and drain shots with remarkable consistency.
Despite averaging over 27 points per game over his career, Durant’s natural jumper results in a career 50% shooting percentage from the field, 38.7% from three, and 88.5% from the stripe. His jumper is so smooth, that the ball often does not hit the rim when it goes in. A generational talent, Durant cannot be defended by any defender one-on-one and since he has added bulk to his frame, he can’t be pushed aside as one of the five greatest scorers ever.
4. Kyrie Irving
2023-24 Statistics: 23.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Kyrie Irving has always been renowned for his mesmerizing handles, scoring finesse, and a level of basketball artistry that sets him apart. His smooth playing style is a unique blend of creativity, skill, and a profound understanding of the game, making him one of the most captivating players in the NBA as he averages 23.4 points per game over his career.
As the best ball-handler ever, Irving’s crossovers, spins, and hesitation moves are executed with a level of precision that can leave defenders stumbling and fans in awe. Whether finishing acrobatically at the rim, pulling up for a mid-range jumper, or sinking shots from beyond the arc, his scoring versatility is a testament to his polished offensive skill set.
His ability to navigate through defenses with ease and finish in a variety of ways makes him a one-of-a-kind star. For a guard, Irving is literally dominant around the basket and his post-up game is also effective because he can back down smaller guards and shoot over them. Despite not making the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Irving is one of the smoothest players ever.
5. Paul George
2023-24 Statistics: 23.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Paul George, the versatile forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, is celebrated for his smooth playing style, combining athleticism, skill, and defensive prowess. George’s offensive repertoire is marked by a silky smooth jump shot, making him a consistent scoring threat from various spots on the court as he averages 40.8% from three and 92.4% from the free-throw line.
Beyond his scoring, George’s ball-handling skills are another facet of his smooth playing style. Whether navigating through defenses in isolation situations or initiating plays, his ability to control the ball with finesse allows him to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. This skill set adds a layer of unpredictability to his game, making him a dynamic offensive force.
Defensively, George’s smoothness is evident in his ability to guard multiple positions effectively. His lateral quickness, combined with a keen understanding of defensive rotations makes him a smooth operator on defense as well, with four All-Defensive Team selections. Even if George is not the best player on this list, he is one of the smoothest.
6. Kawhi Leonard
2023-24 Statistics: 24.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Often hailed as one of the most polished players in the NBA, Kawhi Leonard possesses a playing style that seamlessly combines precision, finesse, and strength. His elite mid-range game is a standout feature, reminiscent of the era when players like Michael Jordan thrived in that area. What sets Leonard apart is his unique ability to play at his own pace, reminiscent of the legendary Jordan.
He has an uncanny knack for controlling the tempo of the game, whether in a fast-break situation or during a half-court set. Kawhi is never in a rush and is in full control of his play and the tempo of a game. Leonard’s large hands contribute significantly to his exceptional ball control and the way he can pick the ball off the rim or handle it in the half-court is beautiful to watch.
Known for his shot selection, Leonard is a player who rarely takes bad shots. This disciplined approach to scoring, coupled with his ability to read defenses, results in high-percentage looks for himself and his teammates. In addition to his mid-range proficiency, Leonard is an excellent three-point shooter, and his strong and agile body allows him to score effectively inside. Whether he scores inside, outside, or defends with a high basketball IQ, Leonard is truly one of the smoothest players ever.
7. Devin Booker
2023-24 Statistics: 26.4 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 7.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG
A player who scored 70 points in a game in his second season, Devin Booker is one of the most captivating players to watch. Beyond the impressive scoring numbers he puts up, it’s Booker’s polished style of play that distinguishes him as a smooth operator on the hardwood. With a career scoring average of 24.1 points per game, he showcases a scoring repertoire that seamlessly blends mid-range jumpers, three-pointers, and acrobatic finishes at the rim.
His smooth shooting stroke and ability to create his own shot make him a constant scoring threat, keeping defenders on their heels and spectators on the edge of their seats. A defining (yet underrated) feature of Booker’s smoothness is his exceptional ball-handling. His crossovers and hesitation moves are executed with a level of precision that allows him to navigate through defenses effortlessly.
While mentioning a player in the same breath as Kobe Bryant is often foolish and wrong, Booker has some similarities to the Lakers legend in the way he attacks off the dribble, deals with double-teams with ease, and also makes tough shots. Booker is having a terrific regular season campaign so far by averaging 26.4 points and 7.9 assists per game, and hopefully, he can carry that into an anticipated playoff run with the Suns.
8. Joel Embiid
2023-24 Statistics: 34.6 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.0 BPG
Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers’ dominant center, exudes a compelling blend of power and finesse that defines his smooth playing style on the NBA stage. While his statistics, boasting averages of 30 points per game for three straight seasons so far, underscore his dominance, it’s the finesse within his power game that truly sets him apart.
One aspect that contributes to Embiid’s smoothness is his exceptional footwork in the post. The 7-footer displays a repertoire of moves that seamlessly combine power and grace, making him a matchup nightmare for opponents in the paint. His drop steps, spin moves, and adept use of the pivot create scoring opportunities that appear almost effortless, showcasing a finesse seldom associated with players of his size and strength.
Embiid’s finesse extends beyond the post, as he possesses a remarkably soft shooting touch for a big man. Right now, the center has to be the best mid-range scorer in the league. His one dribble pull-up is unstoppable and he is averaging over 53% from the field this season despite posting a career-high 34.6 points per game. Whether inside the post or the perimeter, Embiid is the top scorer in the league and his offense is a thing of beauty and has been for a few years.
9. Nikola Jokic
2023-24 Statistics: 25.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 9.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets‘ versatile center, brings an unparalleled smoothness to the NBA that is both intriguing and highly effective. His game revolves around an extraordinary combination of skill, vision, and finesse rarely seen in players of his position. Perhaps only Bill Walton and Arvydas Sabonis could historically pass the ball as well as Jokic, although they do not come even close.
Jokic’s passing ability is arguably his most distinctive feature, setting him apart from other big men in the league. The Serbian center operates as a point-center, threading needle-like passes with a level of finesse that is uncommon for a player of his size. His passes are incredibly smooth and whether it is a lob or bounce pass, the game looks so easy to him.
The smoothness in Jokic’s game is also evident in his scoring. Unlike traditional centers who rely on brute force, Jokic relies on finesse, utilizing a diverse set of post moves, crafty footwork, and an accurate outside shot. His scoring doesn’t scream athleticism, but it oozes finesse and basketball IQ, making it a joy to watch. How many times have we seen the reigning NBA champion finish at the rim with ease? Shooting 55.4% from the field over his career and 56.9% this season, Jokic is unstoppable inside the paint.
10. Damian Lillard
2023-24 Statistics: 25.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 6.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Damian Lillard, aka “Dame Time,” is a standout in the NBA, not just for his impressive stats but for the unparalleled smoothness he brings to the court. Averaging around 25.1 points per game this season, Lillard’s scoring prowess is highlighted by his deadly three-point shot, consistently connecting from well beyond the arc.
What truly sets Lillard apart is his clutch performance. Backed by a track record of game winners, he excels in high-pressure situations, showcasing a calm and collected demeanor in crunch time. His ability to smoothly take control of a game’s closing moments has become legendary, making him a go-to player when the stakes are high.
Beyond the stats, Lillard’s silky smooth ball-handling is a spectacle, leaving defenders in the dust and creating opportunities not only for himself but also for his teammates. Lillard’s consistency season after season further cements his status as a top-tier player. In many ways, Lillard’s smooth playing style isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s a fundamental aspect of his game.
