- Jayson Tatum considers himself a top-skilled talent in the league
- Kyrie Irving is considered one of the most skilled players ever
- Trae Young and Donovan Mitchell barely missed out
Jayson Tatum, one of the NBA’s brightest stars, recently shared his insights on the league’s most skilled players, shining a spotlight on the talents that make these athletes stand out. Tatum’s selections, unveiled in an interview with Complex Sports, provide a glimpse into the elite company he believes exemplifies the pinnacle of skill in the NBA. The five players he singled out – Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Paul George, and Devin Booker – represent a convergence of extraordinary talent, finely tuned skills, and the ability to impact games in ways that leave fans and fellow players in awe.
Before we embark on our journey through the top 10 most skilled NBA players today, it’s only fitting to acknowledge the incredible abilities of Trae Young and Donovan Mitchell. While they didn’t quite make the full list, their skills are undeniable, and they are integral to their respective teams’ successes.
Young’s exceptional court vision, deep shooting range, and ball-handling wizardry have made him a marquee player for the Atlanta Hawks. Donovan Mitchell, on the other hand, is a scoring machine known for his athleticism, versatility, and ability to take over games with his dynamic style of play. These players, although just outside the top ten, are sure to be central figures in our discussion of the NBA’s most skilled individuals.
10. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, coming off the 2022-23 season with averages of 31.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, has been steadily improving his skills as a dynamic guard in the league.
His ball-handling is exceptional, allowing him to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. Shai’s court vision is equally impressive, making him a crucial playmaker for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He possesses the ability to score from various positions on the floor, whether it’s with a smooth mid-range jumper, driving to the rim, or knocking down three-pointers with precision. Shai’s versatility and high basketball IQ set the stage for his skillfulness.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hasn’t secured an NBA championship thus far, but his potential is undeniable as he was selected to his first All-Star Game last season, while he also got the nod to the All-NBA First Team for the first time in his career.
In the 2023-24 season, we expect Shai to continue his development into a well-rounded player. He will likely take on a more prominent leadership role for the Thunder, contributing not only with his scoring and playmaking but also by influencing the game on the defensive end and leading the Thunder to the playoffs.
9. Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum, fresh off a remarkable 2022-23 season where he averaged 30.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game, is celebrated for his versatility as a scorer.
Tatum’s scoring arsenal is second to none, and his ability to score from virtually anywhere on the floor makes him a constant threat. His footwork is a marvel, and it enables him to create space and get off his shot, while his deep three-point shooting and mid-range game set him apart as a multifaceted scorer. Jayson Tatum’s offensive creativity and consistency make him one of the league’s top talents and a cornerstone for the Boston Celtics.
Jayson Tatum has started to receive recognition for his skills with four NBA All-Star selections and 3 All-NBA Team appearances, one on the Third Team in 2020 and two All-NBA First Team selections in 2022 and 2023. He also was named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP in the 2021-22 season when the Celtics made the trip to the NBA Finals.
In the 2023-24 season, Tatum is expected to lead the Boston Celtics to a deep playoff run. His goal is not only to elevate his personal performance but also to contend for MVP honors. With his skill set and determination, he’s poised to be a force to be reckoned with.
8. Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard, who averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game in the 2022-23 season, is renowned for his incredible range, clutch shooting, and the ability to take over games in the most critical moments.
His handles are among the best in the league, and his ability to execute in pick-and-roll situations is exceptional. Lillard’s leadership, combined with his scoring prowess, makes him one of the most skilled guards in the NBA. He can navigate defenses effortlessly, and his deep three-pointers have earned him a reputation as one of the league’s top closers.
Damian Lillard has been a seven-time NBA All-Star and a seven-time All-NBA Team selection. He was named twice to the Third Team, four times to the Second Team, and was an All-NBA First Team member in 2018.
In the 2023-24 season, Lillard is expected to win his first-ever NBA championship as the newest member of the Milwaukee Bucks. He aims for playoff success while also looking to add more individual accolades to his impressive resume, only lacking that elusive ring that Giannis Antetokounmpo is poised to help him reach.
7. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is known for his scoring versatility, ball-handling, and size for a forward. In the 2022-23 season, he averaged 29.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game.
Durant’s ability to score from anywhere on the floor is unmatched, making him a match-up nightmare for defenders. His ability to create his shot off the dribble and finish with finesse at the rim is extraordinary. Moreover, Durant has become a complete player, showcasing his playmaking and defensive skills, making him one of the most skilled and impactful players in the league.
Durant has accumulated a wealth of individual awards, including four NBA scoring titles, two NBA championships, and two NBA Finals MVPs. He was an MVP winner in 2014, and he was selected for his 13th All-Star appearance last season, being also a six-time All-NBA First Team member, with four nominations for the All-NBA Second Team.
In the 2023-24 season, he is expected to maintain his status as one of the league’s premier players and will lead the Phoenix Suns along Devin Booker and Bradley Beal in their pursuit of an NBA championship, having one of the most impressive superteams of the last couple of seasons in the Western Conference.
6. Devin Booker
Devin Booker, coming off the 2022-23 season, where he averaged 27.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game, is celebrated for his refined offensive game.
Booker’s scoring ability is nothing short of remarkable, as he can score in a multitude of ways. His scoring repertoire includes a silky-smooth jump shot, crafty drives to the basket, and an innate ability to perform in clutch moments. He’s proven himself as a go-to scorer for the Phoenix Suns. Booker’s scoring isn’t just about volume; it’s about efficiency and reliability, making him a formidable offensive talent.
Despite his young age, Devin Booker has already earned a spot in the NBA All-Star Game three times, an achievement that showcases his growing recognition. Book also became an All-NBA First Team member in 2022, being his first appearance in an All-NBA team of his career.
In the 2023-24 season, Booker will remain an indispensable part of the Suns’ quest for an NBA championship. He’s expected to continue adding to his accolades and help lead his team to greater success with one of the best teams in the whole league, being a favorite to become champion at the end of the playoffs.
5. Paul George
Paul George, a versatile forward, averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game in the 2022-23 season.
George’s skills go beyond scoring; he’s a tremendous two-way player. His ball-handling, court vision, and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor make him a complete player. George’s scoring versatility, which includes three-point shooting, mid-range jumpers, and attacking the basket, is coupled with his tenacious perimeter defense. His ability to be a primary ball-handler and a key offensive contributor sets him apart as one of the NBA’s most skilled players.
Paul George is an eight-time NBA All-Star and has been named to the All-NBA Team multiple times. He’s been selected five times to the Third Team All-NBA, with one selection to the First Team. Also, George has made two appearances in the NBA’s second All-Defensive Team, with the other two on the First Team All-Defense.
In the 2023/24 season, he’ll be expected to maintain his high level of play for the Los Angeles Clippers and continue to be a vital part of their championship aspirations, which for now have not been fulfilled to the expectations when he arrived and joined Kawhi Leonard.
4. James Harden
James Harden, who averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 10.9 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game in the 2022-23 season, is known for his offensive wizardry. His scoring ability, especially from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line, is a signature of his game.
Harden’s ball-handling skills are extraordinary, allowing him to break down defenses and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Furthermore, his playmaking has developed to an elite level, making him one of the most versatile guards in the NBA.
Harden is a former NBA MVP and has consistently been selected to the All-NBA Team with 6 appearances in the First Team and one on the Third Team. Harden’s also been to 10 All-Star Games while being the 6MOTY in 2013 and a three-time scoring champion of the league.
In the 2023-24 season, James Harden is expected to play a crucial role for his new team, whether that’s with the Philadelphia 76ers or elsewhere. He will continue to be a dynamic scorer and a prolific playmaker.
3. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry, one of the most transcendent shooters in NBA history, averaged 29.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game in the 2022-23 season.
His three-point shooting is unparalleled, and it has changed the way the game is played. Curry’s dribbling skills and off-ball movement make him a constant threat on the court. His ability to shoot from virtually anywhere and his capacity to pull off incredible shots under pressure are what define his skill set.
Curry is a two-time NBA MVP, four-time NBA champion, and a scoring champion. Steph’s also been to the All-Star Game on 9 occasions, an All-NBA First Team member four times, with other four selections to the Second Team and one to the Third Team. Additionally, he is a Finals MVP winner and a Western Conference Finals MVP winner in 2022, when the Warriors won their fourth ring of the Curry Era.
In the 2023-24 season, he’s expected to continue his prolific scoring, carrying the Golden State Warriors on his back and seeking to add another championship to his illustrious career.
2. Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic, at just 24 years old, is already a standout in the league. In the 2022-23 season, he averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game.
His skills and basketball IQ are well beyond his years. Doncic’s playmaking is exceptional, and he has an uncanny ability to control the game’s tempo. His passing, vision, and scoring ability, whether it’s from long-range or driving to the hoop, make him a do-it-all player.
Luka Doncic has already earned 4 NBA All-Star selections and 4 All-NBA First Team selections as he continues to receive praise for his talents. Luka is also a Rookie of The Year winner and in five seasons, became one of the top-tier talents in the entire league.
In the 2023-24 season, he is poised to be a franchise player for the Dallas Mavericks, aiming to lead them to success and potentially collect more individual awards like the league MVP, where he is also in contention every season.
1. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving, with a 2022-23 that has seen him average 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game, stands as one of the most skilled players in the league.
His ball-handling skills are the stuff of legend, often leaving defenders helpless. His scoring abilities, whether it’s finishing acrobatically at the rim or draining difficult jump shots, are among the best in the NBA. In the 2022-23 season, Kyrie showcased his dazzling skills and leadership on the court, contributing significantly to his fame as the top-skilled player in the league.
Kyrie Irving boasts an impressive resume with multiple NBA All-Star selections and a crucial role in an NBA championship run.
As we look ahead to the 2023-24 season, fans can expect Kyrie Irving to maintain his status as one of the league’s premier players, leading the Brooklyn Nets on their quest for an NBA championship. His skills and versatility will remain a significant asset to the team.
