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Voting for the 5th round of the all-time 1-on-1 tourney won't be released until Monday, but you can view brackets/matchups here: https://nbamath.com/the-nbas-ultimate-all-time-1-on-1-tournament/
In the meantime, @fromal09 is going over his 12 favorite upcoming battles. Let us know which you're looking forward to most!
In the meantime, @fromal09 is going over his 12 favorite upcoming battles. Let us know which you're looking forward to most!
12. Muggsy Bogues vs. Earl Boykins
Bogues (5'3") and Boykins (5'5") are the two shortest players in NBA history, but this is more than a novelty match. Boykins has the superior outside shot, but Bogues has the bounce, finishing touch and far quicker hands.
Bogues (5'3") and Boykins (5'5") are the two shortest players in NBA history, but this is more than a novelty match. Boykins has the superior outside shot, but Bogues has the bounce, finishing touch and far quicker hands.
11. Kevin Johnson vs. Mike Conley
With his lightning-fast burst and catch-you-off-guard hops, Johnson beat most players to the hoop. But with KJ's passing prowess negated, can Conley, one of the best non-All-Stars in NBA history, slow him down enough to pull off the upset?
With his lightning-fast burst and catch-you-off-guard hops, Johnson beat most players to the hoop. But with KJ's passing prowess negated, can Conley, one of the best non-All-Stars in NBA history, slow him down enough to pull off the upset?
10. Kevin Love vs. Paul George
Love is a surprisingly adept on-ball defender (see: Curry, Steph) with a powerful base and vast offensive arsenal. George is lankier and far more explosive, thriving as one of the NBA's leading two-way threats. Talk about a contrast in style.
Love is a surprisingly adept on-ball defender (see: Curry, Steph) with a powerful base and vast offensive arsenal. George is lankier and far more explosive, thriving as one of the NBA's leading two-way threats. Talk about a contrast in style.
9. Dave Bing vs. Marcus Smart
Bing's first step was remarkably quick. He was explosive and athletic around the basket, often hanging in the air a tick longer than defenders expected. But Smart's physical brand of defense was created to slow down players exactly like Bing.
Bing's first step was remarkably quick. He was explosive and athletic around the basket, often hanging in the air a tick longer than defenders expected. But Smart's physical brand of defense was created to slow down players exactly like Bing.
8. Jeff Hornacek vs. Ja Morant
Is Morant ready to take on an established All-Star who contributed meaningfully to some of the best non-title-winning teams ever? His acrobatic finishes are special, but so were Hornacek's efficient shooting and steady defense.
Is Morant ready to take on an established All-Star who contributed meaningfully to some of the best non-title-winning teams ever? His acrobatic finishes are special, but so were Hornacek's efficient shooting and steady defense.
7. Brad Daugherty vs. Brook Lopez
Now that Lopez has developed into a game-changing defender with three-point range, can he overcome the combination of power and finesse that made Daugherty a five-time All-Star before back injuries shortened his career?
Now that Lopez has developed into a game-changing defender with three-point range, can he overcome the combination of power and finesse that made Daugherty a five-time All-Star before back injuries shortened his career?
6. Dave Cowens vs. Zach Randolph
Both big men are known for their effort/toughness/physicality, which allowed them to thrive despite undersized frames. It would be shocking if this match is devoid of minor injuries due to the relentless force with which both play.
Both big men are known for their effort/toughness/physicality, which allowed them to thrive despite undersized frames. It would be shocking if this match is devoid of minor injuries due to the relentless force with which both play.
5. Chauncey Billups vs. Gilbert Arenas
Mr. Big Shot might have the edge if this is close down the stretch, but Agent Zero was one of the NBA's most explosive scorers during his brief peak with the Wizards.
Mr. Big Shot might have the edge if this is close down the stretch, but Agent Zero was one of the NBA's most explosive scorers during his brief peak with the Wizards.
4. John Havlicek vs. Devin Booker
I had John Havlicek as a top-20 player in NBA history back in 2015 ( https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2232060-br-nba-legends-100-ranking-the-greatest-players-of-all-time), but he didn't face anyone with a shot like Booker's. Expect lots of quick-trigger threes from Booker as he tries to keep up with a legend.
I had John Havlicek as a top-20 player in NBA history back in 2015 ( https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2232060-br-nba-legends-100-ranking-the-greatest-players-of-all-time), but he didn't face anyone with a shot like Booker's. Expect lots of quick-trigger threes from Booker as he tries to keep up with a legend.
3. Paul Pierce vs. Anfernee Hardaway
Pierce is obviously the better player from a historical standpoint, but Penny's pre-injury peak was pretty special. Can Pierce create his own looks against Hardaway's length well enough to keep up with the flashier and superior ball-handler?
Pierce is obviously the better player from a historical standpoint, but Penny's pre-injury peak was pretty special. Can Pierce create his own looks against Hardaway's length well enough to keep up with the flashier and superior ball-handler?
2. Deron Williams vs. Baron Davis
Don't let the end of Deron Williams' career make you forget his devastating crossover and ability to use his stocky frame on defense. Baron Davis might want to jam all over him like he's Andrei Kirilenko, but it won't be easy.
Don't let the end of Deron Williams' career make you forget his devastating crossover and ability to use his stocky frame on defense. Baron Davis might want to jam all over him like he's Andrei Kirilenko, but it won't be easy.
1. World B. Free vs. Rafer Alston
One of the smoothest, shiftiest ball-handlers in league history who thrived in a one-on-one setting against streetball legend Skip 2 My Lou? Yes, please. I wish we could make this a best-of-seven series.
One of the smoothest, shiftiest ball-handlers in league history who thrived in a one-on-one setting against streetball legend Skip 2 My Lou? Yes, please. I wish we could make this a best-of-seven series.
