On his podcast 'Above the Rim with DH12,' Dwight Howard recently shared his opinion on the top five toughest shot makers in NBA history. Surprisingly, his list did not include LeBron James, one of the most prominent figures in basketball.
"Kyrie gotta be number one. He gotta be number one. Jordan, 2. Kobe, 3. He made some tough shots. KD, 4. You know we gotta put Steph in there at 5."
"Everybody can't make the list. It's just like, they left me on top 75. That's not the list I shouldn't be left off of." (38:35)
Howard began by placing Kyrie Irving at the top of his list, emphasizing Irving's exceptional ability to create and make difficult shots, particularly in clutch moments. According to Howard, Kyrie's ball-handling skills and creativity make him the toughest shot-maker in the league.
Next, Howard named Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. Jordan's legacy is filled with iconic moments where he made seemingly impossible shots, often under immense pressure. Howard acknowledged Jordan's unparalleled ability to deliver in critical situations.
Kobe Bryant came in third on Howard's list. Known for his relentless work ethic and competitive nature, Bryant made numerous difficult shots throughout his career, earning him the nickname "Black Mamba." Howard highlighted Kobe's fearless approach and his knack for making contested shots.
Kevin Durant was ranked fourth by Howard. Durant's combination of height, shooting accuracy, and versatility allows him to score from virtually anywhere on the court. His ability to make tough shots, even with defenders closely guarding him, sets him apart as one of the best in this category.
Finally, Howard rounded out his list with Stephen Curry. Renowned for his long-range shooting and quick release, Curry has revolutionized the game with his three-point prowess. Howard praised Curry's consistency in making difficult shots from deep, often changing the momentum of the game with his remarkable accuracy.
Howard's omission of LeBron James from his list sparked some controversy. Despite LeBron's impressive career and his ability to make clutch shots, Howard opted for players he believed had a unique flair for making the toughest shots in the most challenging situations. Howard acknowledged that creating such lists inevitably leaves out deserving players, drawing a parallel to his own exclusion from the NBA's Top 75 list.
Dwight Howard's list of the top five toughest shotmakers in NBA history reflects his personal perspective and experiences. While LeBron James' exclusion might surprise some, Howard's selections highlight players known for their exceptional shot-making abilities and memorable performances under pressure.
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