Top 5 fastest NBA players in 2024-25 NBA Season
Basketball is a sport that requires players to run. However, when playing in the NBA, simply running isn't enough. It's preferable if players are consistently quick enough to outrun opponents and keep up on defense. While there are many slow players in the league, especially the centers, they make up for it in other aspects of their game.
But for those players with natural quickness, they have a slight advantage over slower opponents. With that said, let's take a look at the five fastest players heading into the 2024-25 NBA season.
Note: This list reflects the opinions of the writer. Readers should take it with a grain of salt.
De'Aaron Fox and four other fast NBA players entering the 2024-25 season
#1 De'Aaron Fox
Based on our previous list for last season, De'Aaron Fox still takes the top spot as the fastest player in the NBA. Fox has the quickest first step in the league, which makes him tough to cover on defense. He could easily slice the defense with his speed alone.
In transition, players wouldn't want to see Fox holding the ball when running coast-to-coast. Chances are that the Sacramento Kings guard would get to the rim first before anybody else.
#2 Ja Morant
We feel like Ja Morant and De'Aaron Fox are evenly matched in terms of speed. They have similar styles when attacking the rim. However, Morant has probably an advantage over Fox with his off-the-ball swiftness. Ja can easily cut in the lane and find his spot to finish inside when he's playing without the ball.
Given Morant's body frame, it's easy for him to outrun opponents. To top it all, the Memphis Grizzlies guard can consistently finish his burst of quickness with a powerful slam dunk.
#3 Donovan Mitchell
If one is looking for a player with all-around quickness in the NBA, Donovan Mitchell fits that description. He has quick handles, runs fast both with and without the ball, and can take shots before the defender even has time to think about his next move.
#4 Russell Westbrook
It's no secret that Russell Westbrook is getting old and isn't as fast as he used to be. However, that doesn't mean he has lost all of his speed. At 35, Westbrook is still a tough matchup in the NBA. "Russ" is forceful especially when has the ball in his hands. Defenders who get sloppy could easily lose the Denver Nuggets guard if they're not careful.
The moment you see Westbrook running with the ball, it's more than likely that he only sees the rim and is preparing to detonate on anyone who gets in his way.
#5 LeBron James
Don't let the old man deceive you. LeBron James isn't someone players should sleep on, especially if he's on defense. While James has shown signs of aging with his stamina depleting quicker, that doesn't mean he can no longer outsprint opponents.
Despite turning 40 this coming December, LeBron is still the king of chase-down blocks. James is notorious for letting the offense outrun him so he could chase them down for a swat. To be able to catch up to your adversaries and meet them at the rim while giving them a head start means that James is still as quick as they come.