Tracy McGrady made headlines recently with a bold claim about LeBron James during an appearance on the Makeshift Project podcast, stating that the four-time MVP would “get crushed” in one-on-one matchups against today’s NBA stars. While McGrady opened his comments by showing respect for LeBron’s longevity and greatness, his take quickly shifted into controversial territory.
“I think LeBron has been amazing for 22 freaking years. And he’s been the best basketball player for, you know, God knows how long. But if you put him in one-on-one? I think he’ll get crushed.”
“Yeah, I think he’ll get crushed — amongst guys that are actually in the NBA. And I’m sure LeBron would tell you that. Because his game is naturally built for five-on-five. He’s not a one-on-one basketball player.”
“Kobe is a one-on-one basketball player. Kyrie is a one-on-one basketball player. James Harden — these guys are one-on-one basketball players. And LeBron can’t do anything with that.”
“So I don’t know. I just know — we always name the big-name guys, but there are some guys out there that you don’t think about, that really can play one-on-one basketball.”
McGrady didn’t stop there. He went on to explain that LeBron’s style of play is fundamentally team-oriented — built around reading the floor, facilitating, and making the right basketball play — rather than a solo scoring mentality.
It’s a take that immediately sparked debate among fans and analysts. On one hand, McGrady isn’t wrong in saying that LeBron thrives in a team setting. The essence of LeBron’s greatness has always been tied to his versatility, his basketball IQ, and his ability to elevate everyone around him.
He’s a 6-foot-9 freight train who can run the offense, guard every position, and deliver elite passes at a moment’s notice. That kind of game doesn’t always translate to one-on-one isolation settings — particularly not at the age of 40.
Still, the idea that he would get “crushed” in one-on-one contests, even in his prime, feels like an overstatement. While players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant may be more aesthetically suited to iso play due to their handle and shot-making, LeBron is no slouch in isolation situations.
In his prime and even now, he could get to the rim at will, bully smaller defenders, and punish bigger ones with pull-up jumpers. His blend of strength, speed, and footwork made him a nightmare to guard in space.
It’s also important to note that LeBron’s one-on-one game, while perhaps not as “flashy” as Kyrie’s or Harden’s, has been devastatingly effective. His career scoring average is over 27 points per game, and he’s climbed to No. 1 on the all-time scoring list without needing a heavily iso-centric style.
McGrady’s comments do carry weight when you consider LeBron’s age today. At 40, and in Year 22, LeBron isn’t as explosive or quick as he once was.
It’s understandable that in a one-on-one setting, younger stars with elite quickness and tighter handles might have an edge. But to suggest he would be dominated or unable to compete—especially all-time—undervalues just how physically and mentally overwhelming LeBron has been for two decades.
In the end, McGrady’s comment may be more reflective of how different styles suit different formats, rather than a true knock on LeBron’s ability. Five-on-five? No one’s been better for longer. One-on-one? It’s up for debate—but don’t count out the King.
