NBA Power Rankings: Tim Duncan and the 10 Best Hybrid Players in NBA History
The NBA boasts the most elite athleticism of any of the four major sports.
So what exactly makes a hybrid player? One who is comprised of elements of different or incongruous kinds. In other words, don't judge a book by its cover; these 10 ballers all have a skill set that goes far beyond what meets the eye.
Sit back, relax and enjoy because players like this simply don't come around very often.
10. Dennis Rodman
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Rodman might best be remembered for his outlandish outfits and ridiculous hair styles, but behind all of his weirdo antics was a legitimately talented basketball player.
An integral piece in the Chicago Bulls dynasty under Phil Jackson, Rodman was one of the most prolific rebounders of his time despite standing just 6'6" and weighing just 220 lbs.
Although he maintained the size of a traditional shooting guard, he was a seven-time member of the All-Defensive First Team and a seven-time rebounding champion.
9. Tracy McGrady
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T-Mac is the butt end of jokes at this point in his career, but he's proving this season that he's still got something left in the tank.
Although the former perennial All-Star has struggled mightily with injury over the past few seasons, the uber-talented McGrady has proven capable of playing point guard, shooting guard and even small forward. He's found success as a volume scorer, capable rebounder and even as a surprisingly efficient passer.
Although he's a little big at 6'8" to play the 2 and definitely oversized for the 1, McGrady has made brilliant adaptations late in his career and is thriving once again.
8. Kevin Garnett
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Kevin Garnett completely changed the power forward position when he came out of high school and into the league.
Standing 6'11" but tipping the scales at just 255 lbs, Garnett doesn't have the body weight to bang around on the inside like some of his opponents. But when you have the arsenal that KG possesses, it really doesn't matter.
Capable of stroking the jumper from 20-22 feet out with regularity, Garnett pulls his defender out of the key area and forces teams to adapt to his unique talent set for every minute he's on the floor. A prolific scorer and excellent defender, there's really no facet of Garnett's game that is incomplete.
7. Lamar Odom
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Often referred to as a point forward, if LO played with any consistency he could be a bona fide top-10 talent in the league.
Although he towers over most everyone on the court standing at 6'10", Odom is a capable ball-handler and very real perimeter threat. Additionally, his inside game has rapidly improved over the course of his career, and he's proven that he can blow by any defender matched up on him off the dribble.
Currently serving as the most valuable sixth man in all of the NBA, Odom can step in and start at any position along the front line and could even find time at shooting guard in the right lineup.
6. Dirk Nowitzki
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Nowitzki led the way for the change that has occurred at the power forward spot in the NBA.
Coming from a completely different style of play in European basketball, Nowitzki set the world on notice when he came in and started draining threes like a shooting guard. Before his arrival, the big man position was one that was dominated by low-post bangers and guys with massive bulk on their frame.
Now we have an influx of talent entering the league every year and each team covets a big man who can snipe from the outside. Thanks for making the NBA more entertaining, Mr. Nowitzki.
5. Tim Duncan
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When people think of Timmy D, the word fundamental often comes to mind; so, it should be no surprise that the fundamentalist is smack dab in the middle of this list.
A strong understanding of proper fundamentals lends itself to being able to do almost everything well on the basketball court. Duncan, who has played small forward, power forward and center throughout his career, can adapt flawlessly between positions while maintaining the same style of play.
Most importantly, TD always seems to do what his coach asks of him, and that fluidity will only help to strengthen his case as one of the greats of all time.
4. Allen Iverson
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Allen Iverson is the textbook case for a shooting guard trapped in a point guard's body.
Although his career average for assists per game (6.2) is nothing to simply write off, his 26.7 points per game indicates that he was more often than not looking for his shot first. He might have ended his tenure in the NBA on a rocky note, but to not include him on this list would simply be a mistake.
Providing highlight reel plays with regularity when he was in his heyday, The Answer effectively silenced any questions that surrounded him.
3. Charles Barkley
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Barkley only averaged single-digit rebounds once in his entire career: his rookie season.
Similar to Rodman, Sir Charles stands just 6'6" but had a little bit more weight on his frame (250 lbs) than Rodman ever did. Additionally, he was one of the most potent scorers in the entire league while maintaining a defensive ferocity that was second to none.
Even proving capable of hitting the occasional three-pointer, Barkley's career may be best remembered for his defensive prowess, but his offensive game ranks at the top along with the elite at his position.
2. LeBron James
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Come on, guys. Did you really think we were getting through this list without a LeBron mention?
The most freakish athlete that the league has ever seen, James could start at any position on the court with ease. Looking natural running the point at times, it's often easy to forget about James' impressive physical frame. A much better defender than he will ever get credit for, LeBron's unique skill set is truly unparalleled throughout NBA history.
He might seem like everyone's favorite athlete to hate at times, but there's no doubting that he's only been a betterment for the league since his arrival out of Akron.
1. Magic Johnson
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A 6'9" perennial all-pro point guard who could even pull his weight at center, Johnson's versatility was perhaps the best that the league will ever experience.
For as great as his career was, just think of how much better it could have been had it not been cut shorter than it should have been. With career averages of 19.5 points, 11.2 assists and 7.2 rebounds, Johnson paved the road for guys like Jason Kidd and Rajon Rondo to try and duplicate his success, but this magician is on his own plane.
A career 52 percent shooter from the field and 85 percent shooter from the line, Magic poured it in throughout his entire professional tenure and his hybrid skill set set the tone for the Showtime Lakers.
