Top 10 most efficient NBA iso performers this season ft. James Harden, Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid, the NBA’s back-to-back scoring champ, recently erupted for 51 points on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The reigning MVP’s latest barrage of points was even more spectacular considering Minnesota has the league’s best defensive rating. Embiid overwhelmed the Timberwolves’ defense particularly when he was guarded one-on-one.
“The Process” isn’t the only player who makes a living when given isolation plays. Most of the NBA’s most lethal scorers can put up points against single coverage. From point guards to centers, there are several one-on-one maestros in the league.
Here are some of the NBA’s most efficient isolation scorers so far
#10. Jayson Tatum
The Boston Celtics’ All-NBA forward is one of the league’s craftiest players. Jayson Tatum’s athleticism, size, length and skills make him a tough cover for anyone. Tatum is averaging 26.8 points per game, significantly down from his 30.1 ppg last season.
The former Duke standout, however, has been more efficient with his shots, currently hitting 47.6% compared to last season’s 46.6% clip.
Jayson Tatum is scoring 1.07 points per possession, which is 10th in the NBA.
#9. Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic is a nightmare to defend one-on-one. He isn’t athletic and is not overwhelmingly strong. “Luka Legend” punishes his opponents with his fakes, use of leverage, inimitable pace and mind-boggling skills.
Some say that he’s slower than the legendary Larry Bird but just as unstoppable. Doncic is scoring 1.10 per isolation, the ninth-best in the NBA.
#8. Bam Adebayo
Unlike Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum, Bam Adebayo isn’t his team’s primary option on offense. The Miami Heat have given that role to Jimmy Butler and a certain extent, Tyler Herro.
Adebayo, though, is an underrated scorer. He is not as smooth as many of the names on the list but he is deadly effective. The All-Star center is hitting 1.11 points per possession. Only two other big men have been more accurate than him in one-on-one battles.
#7. Dejounte Murray
The Atlanta Hawks' go-to scorer is Trae Young. Dejounte Murray, though, has been the more efficient one-on-one operator. Murray is shifty and has a 6-foot-11 wingspan for a 6-foot-5 guard. The former San Antonio Spurs star is also quick on his feet.
Murray scores 1.14 points in isolation plays, which is the seventh-best in the NBA.