NBA: List of active NBA players who could be the #1 option of a championship team

[Clipper Nation]

I like Davis, but I don't see him ever winning it all in NOLA.... Demps went all in way too soon with a mediocre and flawed supporting cast, and Monty is a coach who somehow has job security

[DPG21920]

Melo could. It all depends what pieces you bring around him. 08-09 Nuggets were an in inbound pass away from beating the Lakers. That Denver team could definitely beat the Magic in the Finals.

Well by that logic, IMO, just about anyone can be a number one if you surround him with enough talent. I was assuming the question was asking, if you give a player the same teams Duncan won with (talent wise), who would be able to win it all.

[RsxPiimp]

Yeah, I mean obviously building a le team around Melo is harder but fact is, superstars are not entirely in charge of their own destiny, or their own narratives. For all of their otherworldly talents, they still need the right teammates and system to succeed.


Fwiw, never a fan of Melo.

[spurraider21]

I'm assuming Melo is getting a max contract or somewhere near it. Given salary cap constraints, I think it would be nearly impossible to actually afford a supporting cast good enough to win it all with him as the #1 guy

[RsxPiimp]

Wait, are we talking about hypothetical? Or is this a question geared towards each players realistic situation?

Also, George IMO is not a 1st option type of player. Too limited offensively at this point to be that guy. The gap between PG and Lebron, KD and Melo are far too wide offensively.

[King Emmanuel]

what option would kobe be on a championship team right now

[TDMVPDPOY]

why is cp3 always mention

dude is overrated man

[HI-FI]

why is cp3 always mention

dude is overrated man

he is, but there aren't a lot of superstars to go around.

tbh I don't mind it, I'd rather the NBA focus on teams and rivalries than pushing the newest MJ down our throats.

[HarlemHeat37]

he is, but there aren't a lot of superstars to go around.

tbh I don't mind it, I'd rather the NBA focus on teams and rivalries than pushing the newest MJ down our throats.

Yep, it's amazing to me that so many old NBA fans dislike this era of basketball due to 3-point shooting, lack of handchecking, etc..

Today's NBA is more focused on team play than any other point since the 80s..the importance of the 3-point shot has encouraged team basketball and ball movement, along with promoting spacing and actual talent, rather than goons and dirty players that are only on the floor to commit hard fouls and cheap shots..

[Phillip]

Players that can be the best player/carry a team to a le: Lebron, Durant

Players that can win a le in a 1a/1b scenario: Harden, Howard(#2 option on offense, though), George, Paul, Griffin, Love(maybe), Parker(could be finished as a lead guy), Duncan(same as Howard), Curry

Players that can win a le as the 2nd best player on a team: Dirk, Bosh, Davis(will join the next tier soon), Melo(style of play), Westbrook(style of play), Aldridge(doesn't have the mentality), Dragic(if this season isn't an aberration)

FYI, I'd rank Melo, Davis and maybe Dirk in the top 10 overall players, but I don't think any of them are #1s on le teams at this point, especially based on style of play..

This is a good list, except Love and Griffin are not 1a/1b guys. 2nd options would suit them best. otherwise

[Venti Quattro]

Nobody except LeBron and Durant, and even these two need solid performances from their #2's and #3's for them to cop a championship.

[spurraider21]

i would pretty much agree with harlem's list but swap Dirk and Love. If Dirk actually was in a 1A 1B situation where he had a near equal teammate, that could be a championship core.

[HI-FI]

Yep, it's amazing to me that so many old NBA fans dislike this era of basketball due to 3-point shooting, lack of handchecking, etc..

Today's NBA is more focused on team play than any other point since the 80s..the importance of the 3-point shot has encouraged team basketball and ball movement, along with promoting spacing and actual talent, rather than goons and dirty players that are only on the floor to commit hard fouls and cheap shots..

agree. hopefully the Silver era is headed more in this direction. I like great players, they elevate the game into something better. It's just when the league bends the rules to manufacture a superstar, or the media would focus on their chucking and not the winning plays, that's when I get bored.

Least with Spurs, there is a consistent structure and system in place, yet still plenty of room for guys like Diaw or Kawhi to do some soloing and showcase their talents.

[CitizenDwayne]

Lebron
Durant
Speedy Claxton
Jannero Pargo

[spurraider21]

I'd like to add Joakim Noah to the group of players that can win as the 2nd best player. He'd be an incredible fit with just about any player on that list of #1's or 1a's

[Brazil]

I'd like to add Joakim Noah to the group of players that can win as the 2nd best player. He'd be an incredible fit with just about any player on that list of #1's or 1a's

Noah is playing good bb lately but as a 2 he would work only with Lebron imo.