The NBA features some of the most talented athletes in the world. Given that their skills form the foundation for their performance in the league, former NBA player Kendrick Perkins shared his list of the top five individual skills on “NBA Today” recently.
He started his list with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s shot-making. He said:
“Averaged 30 over the last three seasons, shooting over 50% from the field. You know why? Because he brought the midrange shot back, and it is a skill, a high-level skill. [He’s] the best to do it, as far as being able to create space and be able to put the moves and get into his bag to shoot efficiently from the midrange spot.”
The Thunder star was truly special last season. With a league-high 32.7 points per game last season, he showcased why he was deserving of his spot on the list.
While acknowledging the reigning MVP’s skill at creating scoring opportunities, Perkins continued by listing Nikola Jokic‘s passing ability.
“One of the most, if not the most skilled big men to ever play the game of basketball,” claimed Perkins. “It’s not because of the feathery touch around the basket, it’s because of the dimes he be dropping off… He is the best passing big man we’ve ever seen.”
Jokic’s performance last season was nothing short of MVP-caliber. With an average of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists, he was truly transcendent.
Perkins followed up by mentioning Stephen Curry’s ball-handling skill. He added, “We know that he can knock down shots. We know that he can finish around the basket. But those handles are elite.”
The former NBA player noted that Kyrie Irving‘s handles could be considered superior in some regard. The Warriors superstar may be known as the greatest shooter of all time, but when it comes to being effective with the ball in his hands, Curry is among the best in the business.
For his fourth mention, Perkins listed Kevin Durant‘s ability to score in one-on-one possessions. “Because of his ability, Mr. 50/40/90, to be able to create and get buckets out of the isolation…we’ve never seen this before.”
Even in the later stages of his career, Durant remains an incredibly skilled offensive force. With an average of 26.6 points per game on 53.7% shooting from the field and 43.0% from beyond the arc, the forward sustains his ability to knock down shots in isolation situations.
Finally, with the last pick in the list, Perkins selected Kyrie Irving’s rim finishing skill. He said, “The most skilled player to ever play the game of basketball. We know he got the handles, the post work. But it’s the finishing around the basket, playing below the rim, amongst the trees, nobody does it like Kyrie Irving.”
Irving is truly one of the most gifted players going downhill. While he doesn’t gather momentum or bully his way into the paint like many, his touch around the basket with either hand is nothing short of artistic.
Perkins’ list itself is quite impressive. But considering the likes of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, among several others, it is evident that the list leaves out major stars.
James’ exclusion seems to be the most shocking one in this regard. Doncic’s shot-making could be arguably inferior to Gilgeous-Alexander’s. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo’s finishing falls short of Irving’s. But James’ intelligence and playmaking certainly deserve to be acknowledged in this context.
Perkins’ omission of these players is unlikely to be a factor in performance next season. With players like Doncic expected to have an MVP-caliber campaign, the NBA will be on notice.
