Pep Guardiola may be known as one of the greatest football managers of all time, but his love for basketball runs deep. The Manchester City boss has often spoken about his admiration for the NBA, and ahead of his side’s 3-0 pre-season win over Palermo in Sicily, he revealed the three players he considers his favorites in the post-Michael Jordan era.
Speaking to the press, Guardiola explained that the NBA has always played a role in his life and that he follows the league closely. When pressed to name his top three stars, he didn’t hesitate: Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James.
Guardiola’s picks span three very different styles of basketball excellence. Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors superstar and two-time MVP, has revolutionized the sport with his deep-range shooting and unmatched off-ball movement.
Widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, Curry’s impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. He has changed how the game is played at every level. Guardiola’s appreciation for him likely comes from his ability to transform a team’s entire approach through skill, vision, and relentless work ethic, something the City manager has done himself in football.
Luka Doncic represents the new generation of NBA superstars. Now playing for the Los Angeles Lakers after a blockbuster trade earlier this year, Doncic has been one of the league’s most versatile offensive forces since arriving from Europe. At just 26, he’s already a multi-time All-Star, known for his scoring, playmaking, and ability to thrive in high-pressure moments.
Guardiola’s admiration for Doncic may stem from their shared European roots and the way Luka has seamlessly transitioned into the world’s most competitive basketball league, much like Pep himself adapted and succeeded in different football cultures.
LeBron James, the final name on Guardiola’s list, needs little introduction. A four-time NBA champion, four-time MVP, and one of the most durable and consistent athletes in sports history, LeBron has been the face of the league for over two decades.
Guardiola, who has coached legends like Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andres Iniesta, knows the value of a player who can combine leadership, longevity, and elite performance. LeBron’s ability to maintain dominance while adapting his game over the years mirrors the adaptability Guardiola demands from his own players.
Beyond the names themselves, Guardiola’s NBA knowledge reflects his genuine passion for the sport. His friendship with Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, who recently signed a contract extension after leading his team to the 2024 NBA championship, shows a respect for elite coaching across sports.
The two have exchanged ideas about leadership, tactics, and managing star players, with Guardiola often drawing parallels between basketball and football when it comes to spacing, movement, and reading the game.
With Manchester City winning the Anglo Palermitan Trophy in that Palermo match and gearing up for another campaign under Guardiola’s leadership, it’s clear that his competitive fire burns just as strong as the players he admires in the NBA. Whether on the pitch or the hardwood, Pep’s taste in greatness remains as sharp as his tactical mind.
