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Picking the NBA's all-decade team
(left to right) Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook with their Olympic gold medals in 2012. (Photo by Christophe Elise/Icon Sportswire)
Dan Halverson
December 31st, 2019
The NBA experienced a major resurgence this past decade, as TV contracts, generational players and fascinating drama led to renewed interest in the sport. While there was plenty of off-court moves that made for great water-cooler talk, the on-court product also produced some of the most talented basketball players we’ve ever seen. As the 2010s come to a close, let’s take a look at my personal NBA all-decade team.
His list of “first player to” or “only player to” records is ridiculously long, but perhaps one of the most impressive he holds is 157 straight games with a three-point basket. Curry is arguably the greatest shooter the NBA has ever seen, but he has also averaged 6.6 assists per game and was the steals leader in 2016.
Honorable mentions: Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook
He is a 10-time All-Star and nine-time All-NBA selection. He could be put into any number of position categories and can guard positions 2-4, depending on the matchup, but Durant plays like the tallest and most dangerous shooting guard in the league.
Honorable mentions: Kobe Bryant, James Harden and Dwyane Wade
Leonard has twice been Defensive Player of the Year, but as shown in the 2019 playoffs, is very much capable of taking over offensively, as well. Leonard has also evolved his game—from a pure athlete out of San Diego State with an unimpressive shooting stroke to an offensive force as a seasoned NBA veteran.
Honorable mentions: Paul George and Dirk Nowitzki
He has been the best player of the decade, with three championships and three MVPs, and while he might be on the decline in the 2020s, there can be no doubt that he was King James of the 2010s.
Honorable mentions: Tm Duncan, LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin
He has averaged a double-double for his career. Often the largest player on the court, there are plenty of times when he dribbles the ball up or takes a three in a big moment. Davis has played on six All-Star teams and will surely play on many more.
Honorable mentions: Marc Gasol and Dwight Howard
Point guard: Stephen Curry
Curry changed the game with his incredible shooting prowess, most notably beyond the three-point arc. Curry was named to the All-NBA team six times this decade, he was named MVP of the league twice and won three championships.His list of “first player to” or “only player to” records is ridiculously long, but perhaps one of the most impressive he holds is 157 straight games with a three-point basket. Curry is arguably the greatest shooter the NBA has ever seen, but he has also averaged 6.6 assists per game and was the steals leader in 2016.
Honorable mentions: Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook
Shooting Guard: Kevin Durant
Like many players on this list, Kevin Durant is able to play multiple positions, but I've chosen to put him at shooting guard, where he is most lethal. Durant has been the most unstoppable pure scorer from this past decade (28 points per game).He is a 10-time All-Star and nine-time All-NBA selection. He could be put into any number of position categories and can guard positions 2-4, depending on the matchup, but Durant plays like the tallest and most dangerous shooting guard in the league.
Honorable mentions: Kobe Bryant, James Harden and Dwyane Wade
Small forward: Kawhi Leonard
Leonard has not put up the numbers many of his peers have, but he has been integral to the success of whichever team he is on. Leonard found success with the Spurs, the Raptors and is now a favorite to end the decade as a champion with the Clippers.Leonard has twice been Defensive Player of the Year, but as shown in the 2019 playoffs, is very much capable of taking over offensively, as well. Leonard has also evolved his game—from a pure athlete out of San Diego State with an unimpressive shooting stroke to an offensive force as a seasoned NBA veteran.
Honorable mentions: Paul George and Dirk Nowitzki
Power forward: LeBron James
Some might question James’ placement as a power forward, but James can play any position, and there is no way to leave Durant or Leonard off an all-decade team, so James gets assigned here.He has been the best player of the decade, with three championships and three MVPs, and while he might be on the decline in the 2020s, there can be no doubt that he was King James of the 2010s.
Honorable mentions: Tm Duncan, LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin
Center: Anthony Davis
Another player that might be better categorized at a different position (he prefers playing power forward), Davis is an athletic freak.He has averaged a double-double for his career. Often the largest player on the court, there are plenty of times when he dribbles the ball up or takes a three in a big moment. Davis has played on six All-Star teams and will surely play on many more.
Honorable mentions: Marc Gasol and Dwight Howard
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