It’s not a secret that the NBA is a scorer’s league now more than ever. That’s what gives the fastest NBA players an advantage over most of their competition, as they can always keep the pace up and give their teams multiple possessions.
While speed itself isn’t the only thing that will make a player stand out, the ability to turn the corner or lead the break and finish with an electric dunk will certainly get fans off their feet.
But, in a league that features nothing but top-notch athletes, who are the quickest NBA players? Who are those who make even the best defenders on Earth look foolish every time they take off? Let’s break it down.
Fastest NBA players in 2021/22
As you may know by now, standing out in the NBA isn’t exactly a piece of cake. This league features the strongest, fastest, most athletic guys you’ll ever see.
But even there, some players make their rivals look like regular people. Here, we’ll list some of them as we let you know the top 5 quickest NBA players:
5. John Wall
Not so long ago, John Wall was the fastest NBA player and it wasn’t even close. His ability to turn on the jets and finish inside or find the open teammate made him a treat to the eyes. Sadly, injuries took a toll on his explosiveness and his ability to stay on the court altogether.
Wall isn’t likely to ever go back to his former self or become an All-Star again. But even after such a long layoff and a two-year spell on the sidelines, the former Washington Wizards standout is still one of the fastest players in the league.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t only one of the most athletic NBA players of all time but also one of the most impressive athletes to ever grace the Earth. That’s why people call him ‘The Greek Freak’, as his combination of raw power, speed, and athleticism is nearly unprecedented.
Giannis only needs to take a couple of dribbles to go all across the court at full speed. He can grab a defensive rebound, take the ball up the court, and effortlessly jump from the free-throw line to finish with a highlight-reel worthy dunk, all in just a couple of seconds.
3. Ja Morant
Ja Morant is a fearless competitor and is the kind of player who always plays with a chip on his shoulder. He was vastly overlooked as a prospect and is now eager to prove his doubters wrong every single time he’s out on the court.
That underdog attitude seems to fuel Morant night in and night out, and once he takes off, it’s over. He’s got one of the quickest first steps in the league and you know that he’s not afraid to challenge the best rim protectors above the rim either.
2. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is one of the most athletic NBA players of all time. Often doubted and polarizing, it seems like people have somehow normalized the fact that he’s a triple-double machine, but there’s absolutely nothing normal about that.
Westbrook’s speed gives him a huge edge over his rivals. He’s a bulldozer going at full steam on every single possession and he just never seems to get tired. The never-ending Russell Westbrook vs Damian Lillard debate is fun and all, but speed is a category where Dame can’t sit on Westbrook’s table.
1. De’Aaron Fox
It took him a while but De’Aaron Fox has now established himself as one of the most entertaining players to watch in the league. Moreover, he’s one of the quickest NBA players of all time, a one-man fast-break that will push the pace from start to finish.
Fox is now in more control of his body and he’s not as erratic as he used to be. Fox uses his speed to his advantage not only as a scorer but also as a shot creator, and it’s only a matter of time before we see him make an All-Star team.
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