Honorable Mention
Derrick Rose- Definitely would have made this list the past few years, but had to be left off since he hasn't played a game in 10 months and we don't know when exactly he will be back.
Chris Paul- The All-Star Game MVP is perhaps a surprising omission. CP3 always makes the right basketball decision, but how well would a 6'0" guy do against bigger, more athletic players 1-on-1?
Paul Pierce- A one time occupant of this list is past his 1-on-1 prime as well. Pierce can still hit the big shots in isolation, but he's unable to get his own shot anywhere within 15 feet.
Jamal Crawford- A sentimental favorite here, Crawford will go 1-on-5 if he wants. His sick handle and ability to get unconsciously hot from deep makes him a much better 1-on-1 player than he is an actual player.
The Top 10
Sticky-Handled Veterans
10. Joe Johnson
Johnson's recent clutch moments helped him put to make the top 10. One of the best ball-handling forwards, Johnson is a veteran who has thrived in isolation offenses. His size also helps as he can shoot over anyone who guards him 1-on-1.
9. Tony Parker
Parker can get to the hole on virtually any defender. He is a complete point guard who can finish at the rim or pull up for a sweet mid-range jumper. He's not known as a great 1-on-1 guy because of the Spurs balanced offense, but Parker can take any defender off the dribble.
Sidekicks
8. Russell Westbrook
Westbrook has blow-by speed and the other-worldly athleticism. His finishing at the rim isn't great and his jumper is even more suspect at times, but for all his faults, Westbrook can still score at a high clip.
7. Dwyane Wade
WOW has been falling on this list for a couple years now, and he's still ranked seventh. Wade's never been a great shooter, but he does everything else well, including hitting circus shots, which always come in handy playing 1-on-1.
The $50,000 Club
6. Kyrie Irving
In All-Star weekend we saw Irving break a guy's ankles, win the three-point contest and hold his own against the established superstars. He may be the point guard of the future, but Irving can already dominate in the 1-on-1 game.
5. Kobe Bryant
I believe Kobe would win the anticipated matchup against Irving, which is why he gets the edge on the list. Even with incredible mileage on his body, Kobe can still take his defender. With his fadeaway mastery, there's not a shot Kobe can't make.
The Sleeper
4. James Harden
Harden gets his own category as a sleeper because in the 1-on-1 tournament, he would be considered the dark horse. His craftiness off the dribble may be unmatched and his strength at the rim give him an edge over the likes of Wade, Irving and Kobe.
The Favorites
3. Carmelo Anthony
A player born for isolation, Melo has the strength to get the mid-range position where he is lethal. His shooting touch makes scoring easy. Melo deserves a spot in this category because he has a realistic chance of winning a 1-on-1 tourney.
2. LeBron James
He's the best player in the league, but number two here. With his insane combo of speed, strength and athleticism, LeBron can score 11 different ways in a game up to 11.
1. Kevin Durant
Durant is a pure shooter, which will always give him an advantage. He can shoot over anyone and is an underrated finisher at the rim. No player makes scoring look so easy. Combine all that with his clutch ability and KD is the best 1-on-1 player in the NBA.
Chris Paul- The All-Star Game MVP is perhaps a surprising omission. CP3 always makes the right basketball decision, but how well would a 6'0" guy do against bigger, more athletic players 1-on-1?
Paul Pierce- A one time occupant of this list is past his 1-on-1 prime as well. Pierce can still hit the big shots in isolation, but he's unable to get his own shot anywhere within 15 feet.
Jamal Crawford- A sentimental favorite here, Crawford will go 1-on-5 if he wants. His sick handle and ability to get unconsciously hot from deep makes him a much better 1-on-1 player than he is an actual player.
The Top 10
Sticky-Handled Veterans
10. Joe Johnson
Johnson's recent clutch moments helped him put to make the top 10. One of the best ball-handling forwards, Johnson is a veteran who has thrived in isolation offenses. His size also helps as he can shoot over anyone who guards him 1-on-1.
9. Tony Parker
Parker can get to the hole on virtually any defender. He is a complete point guard who can finish at the rim or pull up for a sweet mid-range jumper. He's not known as a great 1-on-1 guy because of the Spurs balanced offense, but Parker can take any defender off the dribble.
Sidekicks
8. Russell Westbrook
Westbrook has blow-by speed and the other-worldly athleticism. His finishing at the rim isn't great and his jumper is even more suspect at times, but for all his faults, Westbrook can still score at a high clip.
7. Dwyane Wade
WOW has been falling on this list for a couple years now, and he's still ranked seventh. Wade's never been a great shooter, but he does everything else well, including hitting circus shots, which always come in handy playing 1-on-1.
The $50,000 Club
6. Kyrie Irving
In All-Star weekend we saw Irving break a guy's ankles, win the three-point contest and hold his own against the established superstars. He may be the point guard of the future, but Irving can already dominate in the 1-on-1 game.
5. Kobe Bryant
I believe Kobe would win the anticipated matchup against Irving, which is why he gets the edge on the list. Even with incredible mileage on his body, Kobe can still take his defender. With his fadeaway mastery, there's not a shot Kobe can't make.
The Sleeper
4. James Harden
Harden gets his own category as a sleeper because in the 1-on-1 tournament, he would be considered the dark horse. His craftiness off the dribble may be unmatched and his strength at the rim give him an edge over the likes of Wade, Irving and Kobe.
The Favorites
3. Carmelo Anthony
A player born for isolation, Melo has the strength to get the mid-range position where he is lethal. His shooting touch makes scoring easy. Melo deserves a spot in this category because he has a realistic chance of winning a 1-on-1 tourney.
2. LeBron James
He's the best player in the league, but number two here. With his insane combo of speed, strength and athleticism, LeBron can score 11 different ways in a game up to 11.
1. Kevin Durant
Durant is a pure shooter, which will always give him an advantage. He can shoot over anyone and is an underrated finisher at the rim. No player makes scoring look so easy. Combine all that with his clutch ability and KD is the best 1-on-1 player in the NBA.
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