Who Are the Best NBA Players of the Decade? The Complete Run Down
When you look back at the NBA over the past decade a lot happened. Think back to 2010 when LeBron James started building an empire in Miami; soon after Stephen Curry rose with the Warriors and this is where it all began. Over the years, the NBA has displayed clear evolution, changes and jaw dropping moments. The game as transformed into something so skilled and elite that even the fans are on the edge of their seats. As the decade comes to a close it is important to note some of the best players that have graced the courts.
Looking back at the NBA: 2010-2020 brings a certain sense of nostalgia in many ways. There are some people who came and went from our television screens and others who are still very much at the forefront of the basketball world. Do you recognize everybody mentioned below? Here are some of the best of the best players in the NBA during the 2010s.
LeBron James
We can’t discuss some of the greatest basketball players in the world without giving LeBron James a firm place on the hall of fame. This decade LeBron James was competitively up for the title of greatest NBA player ever; this is no small feat. Fans and colleagues have seen James as a hero, villain and a champion all rolled into one. As he took careful control of each and every game, he couldn’t help but be a fan favourite. James turns thirty five this year and many say this will be him at his peak. He doesn’t look as though he is slowing down anytime soon though and he’s definitely a favorite to be crowned the greatest of all time.
Which teams did LeBron James play for?
Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers
How Many Championships?
3
Kevin Durant
Which teams did Kevin Durant play for?
Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets
How Many Championships?
2
Many say that Kevin Durant was the NBA’s most valuable player in the year 2013-2014. One of the most memorable moments of Durant’s career is his torn Achilles which meant he missed his opportunity at Finals and lost out on a whole year of his career. He brought it back however, buy grabbing the title of the NBA’s ‘purest’ scorer; he’s clearly the second best play in the entire league. He even managed to out perform LeBron James for several years of Finals games. Even with his year long injury, Durant still manages to remain a competitive force in the world of basketball.
Kawhi Leonard
Which teams did Kawhi Leonard play for?
San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers
How Many Championships?
2
Kawhi Leonard has always been around for some of the greatest moments in NBA history. During his nine year long career he managed to with the Finals MVP in 2013-14; he even managed to beat out LeBron James, who was in defense. Ever since this massive win, Leonard has earned the title of the most feared perimeter defender in the whole of the NBA. His average per game at one point was an amazing 30 points. Leonard is only twenty eight years old, so there is still a huge future ahead of him in terms of his NBA career.
Blake Griffin
Which teams did Blake Griffin play for?
Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons
How Many Championships?
None
You have to commend Blake Griffin on his amazing ability to learn, perform and deliver in every single game. This decade we have seen him go from strength to strength on the court as one of the NBA highest flyers. Some even say that Griffin is underrated in the basketball world, especially as last year he managed to shoot 36% and was averaging at more than five assisted per game. Although Griffin’s impressive dunks have subsided over the years, his impressive new skills still keep him relevant in the NBA today.
Kevin Love
Which teams did Kevin Love play for?
Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers
How Many Championships?
1
Kevin Love won the award for most improved player for the year 2011-2012. The start of the decade was definitely the peak for love, as his scoring and rebound abilities were through the roof. However, when he joined LeBron James in Cleveland he often found it difficult to find his place. Nevertheless, he was a crucial part of James’ success and he managed to build a stellar basketball career of his own. One of the most notable highlights of Love’s career his the game saving stop on Stephen Curry back in 2016 during the Finals.
Stephen Curry
Which teams did Stephen Curry play for?
Golden State Warriors
How Many Championships?
3
Two years running in 2015 and 2016, Stephen Curry won the award for most valuable player in the NBA. His talent and values cannot go unrecognized, as he is responsible for changing the actually sport of basketball over the last decade. Stephen Curry climbed the NBA ladder by taking risky shots and making frowned upon moves. Curry delivered with such conviction that people started to take notice and applaud him for his bold moves and unapologetic behaviour. Nobody pulls these moves like Stephen Curry, although many try to emulate his famous three pointer pull up shots. He’s definitely a force to be reckoned with in the world of basketball as he is continually changing the opinions of what it means to make a good shot.
Kyle Lowry
Which teams did Kyle Lowry play for?
Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors
How Many Championships?
1
Kyle Lowry fell into a failed trade talk in the year 2013-14; some say this may have halted his success, but there is no doubt that he has shined as a player for the past decade. He appeared in six straight playoffs with Toronto and snagged a championship under his belt too. His defense is strong and he is known for his cunning and clever playmaking skills.
Chris Paul
Which teams did Chris Paul play for?
New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder
How Many Championships?
None
It has to be said that Chris Paul’s absolutely peak was at the very start of the decade. From 2010 to 2016 he was a consistent top five player in the world of basketball. His nickname soon became the Point God as he was able to beat out most defense lines and intercept possessions like a slick machine. Paul certainly dominated during his time, but a few unfortunate injuries meant that his basketball career was cut short.
Russell Westbrook
Which teams did Russell Westbrook play for?
Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets
How Many Championships?
None
Russell Westbrook is a tornado on the basketball court and best known for his thrilling rebounds and fastbreaks. His athleticism is stellar and sports fans are often left with their mouths wide open after Westbrook pulls one of his impressive moves. His presence is certainly always felt on the court; he is never a backseat player. There is no doubt that Russell Westbrook can perform in ways that other players can’t, such as averaging a triple double over a season, three times!
From LeBron James to Kevin Durant, it is clear that the NBA is home to some stellar athletes. It will be very interesting to see what the 2020s bring to the world of basketball. There will no doubt be up and coming new kids on the scene as they are plucked from their collegiate teams for the NBA draft. It’s set to be another exciting decade so let’s sit back and watch how the new, up and coming, young players measure up to some of the greatest basketball players in history.
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