NBA: LeBron James, Derrick Rose and the Most Dangerous Players in Transition

The most dangerous players in transition in the NBA are a group of guys that nobody wants to face when they're on a mission to the basket.

It's really amazing to watch what these players are capable of when they've got the rock in their hands, and the types of things they can do on a fast break for themselves and their teammates can be startling.

Featuring those with killer crossovers, dynamic speed and solid ball control, the following athletes aren't messing around when they've got a plan to execute.

35. Rodney Stuckey

Stuckey doesn’t truly get the appreciation that he deserves around the league because he’s somewhat of a ‘tweener at the guard position, but he’s really improved his game since he was drafted out of Eastern Washington.

He’s proven capable of both passing the rock and finding a shot to his liking, but he’s really going to have to improve his efficiency around the rim if he’s going to take the next step forward.

34. Jose Calderon

While Calderon has drawn a lot of heat recently, he’s really a much better point guard than many believe.

He’s certainly not going to light it up offensively, but what he can do is find solid chances for his teammates to score regularly.

Although his stock may have fallen for some, he's still a problem that the opposition has to scheme for prior to the tip.

33. Nick Young

Young took some time to develop, but his scoring prowess and athleticism are both obviously well above league average.

He has an unbelievable ability to dunk the basketball as well as find success from the perimeter, and if he can improve his passing game, he’ll shoot well up in these rankings.

32. Nicolas Batum

Batum is running amuck against anyone going against him in the Euroleague currently, and this could finally be the season we see a full-fledged breakout from the young man.

He can stroke it from deep or put it on the floor and take it to the rim; he’s certainly capable of doing either at the drop of a dime.

31. Thaddeus Young

Young didn’t receive the opportunity he arguably should have last season, but there’s no denying his ability to impact the action.

He’s got unreal athleticism that’s waiting to be unleashed, and there’s every reason to believe that his breakout campaign is coming very shortly.

30. Lamar Odom

Odom remains one of the most versatile players in the game despite an obvious unwillingness to use his right hand, and that’s a testament to how good he can be.

He has the skills to do a myriad of things on the offensive end, and we’ve seen exactly that throughout his career.

29. Blake Griffin

No sight is scarier for an NBA player than seeing Blake Griffin, with a full head of steam, take the rock and slam home a powerful, fast-break dunk.

Griffin is the highest-ranked big man on this list, and if he keeps up his prowess on the fast break, David Robinson may have to relinquish his title as the best-ever big man in transition.

28. Marcus Thornton

Thornton drew some fairly heavy scrutiny during his time in New Orleans, but he exploded upon arriving in Sacramento for the Kings, and his ability to light it up had an obvious impact on the club.

It’s incredible how quickly he impacts the team’s transitional attack, as he instantly stretches the floor.

27. Gerald Wallace

Wallace is one player who is constantly underrated in league circles, and his versatile approach is one that lends itself well in transition.

He can score from 18-22 feet out or he can drive right up to the basket and challenge the opposition, and that makes it awfully difficult to predict what he’ll do in a matter of mere seconds.

26. Raymond Felton

Felton’s name may not have appeared on this list in previous years, but he showed out last year and really proved his ability to impact the game.

He’ll never be an elite shooter from the field (or anything remotely close), but he can take it to the hole or dish it to his teammates with relative ease in his new surroundings.

25. Wesley Matthews

Matthews is a fairly incredible story considering he went from being an undrafted free agent to household name in a short span of time, but that speaks to his impressive skill set.

Although he’s not a point guard, he has some ability to handle the ball and a definite proclivity to score from just about anywhere on the hardwood.

24. DeMar DeRozan

DeRozan is one of the best dunkers in the league that nobody talks about, and if he played anywhere but Toronto, this kid would be in the national spotlight.

He literally doubled his scoring output from his rookie season during his second go-around, and the sky is the limit in terms of what he can do in the open court and when ready to attack the basket.

23. Manu Ginobili

Ginobili is a really intriguing player and doesn’t get the attention that he deserves on a national scale, and that’s likely because he makes the game look so easy.

He’s got the skills that make life easier on his teammates, has no fear in going aggressively to the hole and really flourishes from the perimeter as well.

22. Mike Conley

Conley surprised some when given a lucrative contract extension by Memphis last season, but he quickly showed that he’s going to be an asset for the up-and-coming team.

He can dish the rock, spot up from beyond the arc and drill it, or facilitate the flow of the offense in order to get the most attractive shot available.

21. Chauncey Billups

Billups might be approaching the end of his career, but there’s a reason he’s been able to sustain success for such a prolonged period at the point guard position.

He understands the game much better than most, and he rarely makes a decision that might have a slight chance to negatively impact his club.

20. Jason Kidd

Kidd clearly isn’t the point guard that he was earlier in his career, but he hasn’t lost his ability to read the defense a single iota.

As he’s aged, Kidd has relied further on his ability to knock down the long-range jumper from beyond the arc, but he can certainly still drive to the hole when necessary.

19. Andre Iguodala

Iguodala is one of the best point forwards in the NBA, and it’s unbelievable how little recognition he receives for that.

His 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio is especially impressive, and although his scoring isn’t where some fans would like to see it, it’s clear he contributes in a multitude of other ways.

18. Tony Parker

Parker lost some love around the league prior to last season, but that’s certainly subject to change after an impressive performance at the Eurobasket tournament.

He looked completely re-energized and appeared to be the point guard he has displayed previously. His ability to set up others on the floor is going to be more pivotal this season for the Spurs than ever before.

17. Jrue Holiday

There’s a lot to like about Holiday’s approach to the game, and it will be fun to watch him develop for the Sixers for years to come.

He really seemed to turn a corner in his development during his sophomore campaign, and the sky is the limit in terms of what Holiday can do with the ball in his hands and in the open court.

16. Brandon Jennings

Jennings draws a lot of criticism because of his inclination to force shots up, but his transition game is predicated off of his speed.

As long as he takes it to the rim rather than pulling up for a jumper (and that’s a big if), Jennings can be as dangerous as he wants to be.

15. Monta Ellis

Ellis plays with a definite flair for getting to the hoop, and it isn’t hard to see that he’s unafraid to challenge whomever may be in his path to the basket.

He’s a better ball-handler than he receives credit for, and it will be fun to watch who handles the majority of the ball control for the Warriors with Curry in the same backcourt.

14. Steve Nash

Nash may not be the most physically intimidating presence on the court, but when one can bob and weave like he can, it’s not necessary to find success.

He’s got an unorthodox style of play that really opens up the opportunities for his teammates, and he’s not shy about attacking on his own accord if he doesn’t find something to his liking.

13. Rudy Gay

Gay’s season-ending shoulder injury really crimped his stock around the league, but it shouldn’t have. He’s an exciting young player.

Prior to injury, Gay was well on his way to showing why he earned a maximum deal from Memphis, and his attack has really expanded to incorporate new elements since originally entering the NBA.

12. Kobe Bryant

Bryant’s basketball IQ is absolutely off of the charts, and he’s a far better decision-maker with the ball in his hands than he gets credit for.

He can pull up from anywhere and sink it in the opposition’s face, drive to the hoop for a dunk or even pass it to a teammate who might not even be in the picture.

11. Carmelo Anthony

Anthony’s approach in transition often gets overlooked because he’s such a talented, pure scorer, but it’s worth noting because he really is that good.

Now that he’s significantly improved his jumper from beyond the arc and is playing alongside another star, it’ll be interesting to see how the next few seasons of his career unfold.

10. Stephen Curry

Curry received a lot of hype as an outside sniper prior to his coming into the league, but he’s shown that he’s much more than just that.

Between his ability to penetrate to the rim as well as hit it from the outside, it makes guarding him something very challenging for those looking to commit to a particular style of defensive play.

9. John Wall

Wall’s unbelievable rookie campaign was largely overshadowed by highlight-reel plays from Blake Griffin, but his play was literally of historic variety.

Arguably the fastest player in the league, Wall can create for his teammates with elite vision and precision passing, or he can take it on his own accord and look to score at will.

8. Kevin Durant

Durant has the length and skill to succeed from anywhere on the court, and it’s amazing to see what a natural scorer he’s asserted himself as since entering the league.

He’s worked hard to improve where he can score from on the fast break and also work on his game near the rim, and that hard work has clearly paid off.

7. Russell Westbrook

Westbrook really needs to learn how to cede control to Kevin Durant when it comes to being the alpha dog in Oklahoma City, but there’s no denying his legitimate playmaking skills.

He brings an exciting combination of skill and athleticism to the position, and it’s frightening to think that he just turned 23 and is still improving.

6. Deron Williams

Whether it’s draining jumpers from a variety of spots on the court or dishing the rock with elite precision, Williams’ transition game is strong.

He’s one of the bigger players at the position, and that helps his ability to drive to the rack immensely.

Anyone still left questioning his affinity for finding points from a variety of spots on the floor should have no further doubt that he's very capable of making a big impact.

5. Chris Paul

Does anyone know how to do it quite like Chris Paul? No, and that’s what makes him such a special player.

His ability to score is often overlooked because he’s such a strong passer, and he really knows how to bring it with strength when he goes on the offensive.

4. Tyreke Evans

A deadly crossover, an improved jumper and athleticism that other guards could only dream about make Evans a natural fit for this list.

Health has proven to be his biggest adversary during the early part of his career, so hopefully he can find a way to consistently remain on the court.

3. Derrick Rose

Rose’s explosiveness is crystal clear to anyone with a functioning pair of eyes, and now that he’s expanded his game, it’s extraordinarily tough to stop him.

Despite his size, he has no trouble going up against larger defenders, and his ability to penetrate to the basket is downright incredible.

2. Dwyane Wade

Most people believe that LeBron James is the best athlete on Miami’s roster, but does that argument tread water?

ESPN’s Chris Palmer makes a compelling case for each one, but Wade’s combination of balance and quickness makes him a very tough cover for the opposition.

1. LeBron James

Is there anyone capable of stopping James when he’s on a war path to the basket?

With advantages in both strength and athleticism, it’s not difficult for James to get past his competition, and it’s scary to watch what he’s capable of doing.

There's not a defender on the planet who wants to be the dividing force between James and the basket, and his natural skill set makes him a downright force on the court.