In the discussion of the greatest NBA players of the current era, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant are often the primary contenders. Each player has his unique strengths and contributions to the game, which fuels debates among fans and analysts about who is the best player to build a championship team around.
Tracy McGrady, a former NBA star known for his impressive scoring ability, recently shared his perspective on this debate. When asked whom he would choose to start a franchise with among James, Curry, or Durant, McGrady did not hesitate in his response. He firmly selected LeBron James as his top choice, citing James’s comprehensive skill set and impact on the game.
McGrady highlighted James’s all-around game as the decisive factor. “Bron, I mean that’s an obvious choice, LeBron… When he faced Curry, LeBron has always been the best player in the series,” McGrady stated. He acknowledged Curry’s prowess as the greatest shooter in basketball history and Durant’s smooth scoring ability, but emphasized that James’s versatility and leadership set him apart. “KD has been the better scorer, but you cannot take anybody over LeBron James in today’s game. He does too much,” McGrady added.
James’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game is unparalleled. He not only scores effectively but also functions as a de facto point guard and excels in rebounding. His leadership and court control add an invaluable dimension to his play. McGrady noted that while James’s style of play might require adjustments from teammates, it consistently leads to success. “You’re going to win or at least get there and play for it,” McGrady said, reflecting on James’s impact on his teams.
Historically, the head-to-head matchups between these players have been notable. Curry’s Golden State Warriors defeated James’s Cleveland Cavaliers in three out of four NBA Finals encounters. However, the context of these series varied, with injuries and team dynamics playing significant roles. For instance, in the 2015 Finals, Kyrie Irving’s injury was a major factor, and in the 2018 Finals, the Cavaliers faced a formidable Warriors team bolstered by Durant.
On the other hand, James triumphed over Durant’s Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2012 Finals and led the Cavaliers to a historic comeback in the 2016 Finals against the Warriors, who had set a record for most regular-season wins.
Despite their remarkable careers and ongoing high-level performance, none of these players currently compete on teams seen as top contenders for the NBA Championship. Nevertheless, their legacies and contributions to the game remain a significant part of NBA history and continue to shape discussions about greatness in basketball.
