There’s only a handful of lefty players in the NBA right now, but they’ve already managed to create a name for themselves. Aside from being scientifically proven to be very difficult to guard, left-handed ball players are also pretty cool to watch. Here are who we think are the best left-handed NBA players right now, from respected veterans to perennial superstars.
5. Mike Conley
Former Memphis Grizzlies star point guard and now the veteran backup in Minnesota proves time and time again why he’s the best teammate a player could ever wish for. He may not be a Kyrie Irving or a Steph Curry, but his leadership on and off the court is unmatched. Honestly, Conley may be one of the players with almost zero haters.
Back in his prime, Mike Conley would lead a championship-hungry Grizzlies during the “grit and grind era” featuring him, Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, Tayshaun Prince, Rudy Gay, and Tony Allen. Now, as an 18-year veteran, the 36-year-old point guard is pushing the Timberwolves to their best as they become the No.1 seed in the West.
4. The New York Knicks trio: Jalen Brunson, R.J. Barrett, and Julius Randle
Would you believe that the big three in New York are all lefties? Technically, the Knicks don’t just have three. Isaiah Hartenstein, one of the most underrated players in the league right now, also happens to be left-handed, which makes it four for NY.
Left-handed players tend to have some of the best shooting forms and according to myth, lefties are better players than right-handed ones. So far, in the 2023-2024 campaign, this trio is averaging 64 points a game. And, with Brunson, Randle, and Barrett finding their footing this season, they’ve managed to lead the Knicks to the 5th seed in the East.
3. James Harden
Despite being the most hated player after demanding a trade from his teams numerous times, James Harden is still undoubtedly one of the best players in the league right now. The Beard is already entering his 17th season at 34 years old, but he’s still showing some signs of his All-Star form.
Harden was notorious for traveling, flopping, and his knack for forcing fouls, but that was made possible because he was left-handed. Before the league took notice, Harden capitalized on that ability and made it work. At his peak, the 10-time All-Star was extremely unguardable. There was a stretch during his MVP season where he was averaging more than 40 points a game.
Through the years, James Harden changed his game to adapt, but he’s still a great guard regardless of his recent issues. If we’re out here mentioning great left-handed guards, should we also mention the legendary sixth man, Manu Ginobili? Manu has been retired for more than five years now, but he still lives on in the hearts of Spurs fans.
2. Domantas Sabonis
The son of NBA legend Arvydas Sabonis, Domantas, is definitely right up there with Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Bam Adebayo as one of the best centers in the league. The Sacramento Kings’ big man is a solid frontcourt presence who can easily grab double-doubles every night.
Domantas Sabonis over his last 6 games:
25.8 PPG
12.7 RPG
8.7 APG
71% FG pic.twitter.com/RYC1Ow870Y— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 20, 2023
There are only a few lefty big men in history, but most were very successful. Some of them were Bill Russell, Dave Cowens, Artis Gilmore, Willis Reed, David Robinson, and Chris Bosh. They all became Hall-of-Famers and most of them either became MVPs, All-Stars, and/or champions.
1. Zion Williamson
As of right now, Zion may just turn out to be the best lefty player in the league. He’s been healthy so far and hopefully, he continues to keep staying away from being injured. The 2-time All-Star is also
It’s a bit quiet in New Orleans, but Zion is still putting up All-Star-worthy numbers. So far, Zion is averaging almost 24 points on 50% 3-point percentage. Although he looks a bit awkward while shooting, his physical strength and athleticism make up for it. Most people forget that he is left-handed mainly because fans focus more on Zion being the freak generational talent who bulldozes defenders in the paint.
