The discourse surrounding NBA All-Star Weekend has been the same for years. Looking to spice up the event, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has been experimenting with different formats. Fans are still split on whether these changes have been worthwhile. However, Silver can’t be blamed for lack of trying.
With that in mind, he’s now considering adding a new event to the festivities.
“One spy told FOS that a $1 million prize has been discussed for a one-on-one event at NBA All-Star Weekend,” reports Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports.
Even the most negative fans can’t complain about a 1v1 tournament. Well, perhaps they can. Nevertheless, it’s the type of event that’ll draw eyes to the event in ways that the All-Star Game itself no longer does. In fact, there are already multiple players –most importantly All-Stars –who’ve expressed interest in it.
The question is who has the best chance of winning a 1v1 tournament?
Ranking Players Most Likely To Win NBA All-Star 1v1 Tournament
1. LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers megastar LeBron James is capable of playing every position on the floor for a reason. Yet, while he’s arguably the most well-rounded player that’s ever been in the NBA, he does have his weaknesses. His handle isn’t particularly tight. His jumper isn’t always on target. Even before his age started to show, he didn’t always give it his all on defense. Nevertheless, he’s good enough in every area to make him a threat to win. What’ll take him over the top against most opponents is that he can dominate with athleticism, skill, and brute strength.
2. Nikola Jokic
While not the face of the league, Denver Nuggets perennial MVP candidate Nikola Jokic is considered to be the best player in the NBA. He’s among the best passers in the league, but his touch from every area of the floor has been superb as well. In the low post, his broad frame and nimble footwork make him a handful. In the midrange, he’s mastered a unique shot that he can get off against tight defense. He’s a smooth shooter from beyond the arc. He can be beaten off-the-dribble and scored on in the low-post, which is where James could give him trouble. Nevertheless, he can get stops on the perimeter and in the box as well.
3. Victor Wembanyama
At the offensive end, San Antonio Spurs phenom center Victor Wembanyama is capable of scoring in any way. Yet, his tendency to settle for long jumpers could give his opponent many a chance to score. He would have the upper-hand against most opponents defensively though. He swallows so much space with his length that he’d be difficult to score around on the perimeter or in the post. However, he’s had his difficulties stopping strong or crafty players in the low-post. This gives players like James and Jokic a chance to defeat the heir to the NBA throne.
4. Kevin Durant
As one of the best scorers that the game has ever seen, Phoenix Suns superstar forward Kevin Durant would have a terrific chance of winning a 1v1 tournament. However, he could get pushed off his spots by James and Jokic. He would have as much difficulty scoring around Wembanyama as anyone. At the defensive end, Durant has proven he can make game-changing plays with his length. Yet, he’s not particularly strong or explosive. This is another area where James and Jokic could take advantage of him.
5. Kyrie Irving
Because of his vulnerabilities at the defensive end, it’s difficult to say that Dallas Mavericks star guard Kyrie Irving would win a 1v1 tournament. From just this list alone, James, Jokic, Durant, and Wembanyama could all get the upper-hand on him when they have the ball. Yet, if Irving gets the ball once*, that might be all he needs to get a win. The nine-time All-Star’s ball-handling, innovation, and efficiency are all top-notch, which is why he’s largely considered the most skilled offensive player ever.
(*The rules of the hypothetical tournament have yet to be decided. Nonetheless, it’s common for players to get the ball back if they score.)
HM: Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers); Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers); Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves); Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks); Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
© Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
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