Im Still Ballin
04-26-2025, 09:36 AM
I'm going to miss some names here, especially players from older eras. Name any that I've forgotten. As far as what constitutes an isolation play, I feel like there are three general contexts: from the triple threat, with a live dribble, and in the post.
With that out of the way, here are the top candidates and a list of honorable mentions:
Candidates: Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Dirk Nowitzki, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Adrian Dantley.
Honorable mention: James Worthy, Paul Pierce, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, Damian Lillard, Tracy McGrady, Shaquille O'Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Kevin McHale, Tim Duncan, Charles Barkley, Hakeem Olajuwon, Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic.
That would probably be my top ten. It's hard to judge the post-up bigs. I don't know how to slot them into the mix. McHale, Abdul-Jabbar, Barkley, and Olajuwon would be my picks.
Harden has the craziest numbers for the players for whom we have player-tracking statistics. But his efficacy drops in the postseason, which I think is due to overreliance on foul-drawing, the high variance of the three-point shot, and a lack of a strong middle game. His isolation game isn't as diverse as others and, therefore, not as robust. Still, strong playoff numbers on the whole, with an exceptional peak.
Shai and Luka don't have Harden's explosive first step and GOAT-level foul-drawing, but their handles are comparable, and unlike James, their middle games are truly elite.
KD's size allows him to shoot over anyone and use the post like Dirk, but he doesn't have the strength to do it all night. His shooting is perhaps the best of the bunch, but he settles for outside shots because of physical weakness and is often turnover-prone due to a shaky handle.
Kyrie has maybe the best combination of shooting and ball handling. However, he lacks the size, strength, and power to handle physicality and apply rim and foul pressure.
Kawhi is an interesting one; he's too frequently injured for me to get an accurate read on. He might just be the best of the 21st century when healthy, which is saying a lot. Incredibly strong, automatic mid-range shot, super tight and effective handle.
Dirk has the best blend of size, strength, and skill. Kobe and Michael have the best combination of size, athleticism, and skill. And Dantley is the most unique and maybe the most unstoppable.
If I had to tier them up, I'd have them like this:
TIER 1: MJ, Dantley, Dirk, Kawhi
TIER 2: Kobe, KD, Harden, Luka, Shai
TIER 3: Kyrie
Luka and Shai have time to move up into TIER 1. Need to see more playoff action from them. Kyrie, KD, and Harden are pretty much set in stone. Don't see anything changing there.
With that out of the way, here are the top candidates and a list of honorable mentions:
Candidates: Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Dirk Nowitzki, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Adrian Dantley.
Honorable mention: James Worthy, Paul Pierce, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, Damian Lillard, Tracy McGrady, Shaquille O'Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Kevin McHale, Tim Duncan, Charles Barkley, Hakeem Olajuwon, Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic.
That would probably be my top ten. It's hard to judge the post-up bigs. I don't know how to slot them into the mix. McHale, Abdul-Jabbar, Barkley, and Olajuwon would be my picks.
Harden has the craziest numbers for the players for whom we have player-tracking statistics. But his efficacy drops in the postseason, which I think is due to overreliance on foul-drawing, the high variance of the three-point shot, and a lack of a strong middle game. His isolation game isn't as diverse as others and, therefore, not as robust. Still, strong playoff numbers on the whole, with an exceptional peak.
Shai and Luka don't have Harden's explosive first step and GOAT-level foul-drawing, but their handles are comparable, and unlike James, their middle games are truly elite.
KD's size allows him to shoot over anyone and use the post like Dirk, but he doesn't have the strength to do it all night. His shooting is perhaps the best of the bunch, but he settles for outside shots because of physical weakness and is often turnover-prone due to a shaky handle.
Kyrie has maybe the best combination of shooting and ball handling. However, he lacks the size, strength, and power to handle physicality and apply rim and foul pressure.
Kawhi is an interesting one; he's too frequently injured for me to get an accurate read on. He might just be the best of the 21st century when healthy, which is saying a lot. Incredibly strong, automatic mid-range shot, super tight and effective handle.
Dirk has the best blend of size, strength, and skill. Kobe and Michael have the best combination of size, athleticism, and skill. And Dantley is the most unique and maybe the most unstoppable.
If I had to tier them up, I'd have them like this:
TIER 1: MJ, Dantley, Dirk, Kawhi
TIER 2: Kobe, KD, Harden, Luka, Shai
TIER 3: Kyrie
Luka and Shai have time to move up into TIER 1. Need to see more playoff action from them. Kyrie, KD, and Harden are pretty much set in stone. Don't see anything changing there.