Best left-handed NBA players: 25 most iconic basketball stars ever
On the basketball court, nothing matters more than defeating the opposing team. Physical attributes such as height, preferred dominant hand, or race are also important to players, as demonstrated by the success of the best left-handed NBA players.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Best left-handed NBA players
- 1. Bill Russell
- 2. Derek Fisher
- 3. Manu Ginóbili
- 4. Toni Kukoč
- 5. Phil Jackson
- 6. Richard Barnett
- 7. Willis Reed
- 8. Dave Cowens
- 9. David Robinson
- 10. Lamar Odom
- 11. Chris Bosh
- 12. Lenny Wilkens
- 12. Billy Cunningham
- 13. Gail Goodrich
- 15. Nate Archibald
- 16. Avery Johnson
- 17. Tayshaun Prince
- 18. David Lee
- 19. DeAndre Jordan
- 20. Tristan Thompson
- 21. Artis Gilmore
- 22. Bob Lanier
- 23. Chris Mullin
- 24. Goran Dragić
- 25. James Harden
- Is LeBron James left-handed?
- Is Shaq left-handed?
- Is it better to be left-handed in basketball?
We strive to provide factual and accurate information. As a result, we have used data from the NBA's all-time records of the best left-handed NBA players of all time. We have used each player's league career summary and official team websites to detail their achievements. While not exhaustive, this list highlights some of the most notable left-handed hoopers.
Best left-handed NBA players
Left-handed players have made a unique mark on the NBA with their skill and creativity. Here is a look at some of the best left-handed hoopers to ever grace the court.
| Player | Major achievements |
| Bill Russell | 11 NBA Championships |
| Derek Fisher | 5 NBA Championships |
| Manu Ginobili | 4 NBA Championships |
| Toni Kukoč | 3 NBA Championships |
| Phil Jackson | 2 NBA Championships |
| Richard Barnett | 2 NBA Championships |
| Willis Reed | 2 NBA Championships |
| Dave Cowens | 2 NBA Championships |
| David Robinson | 2 NBA Championships |
| Lamar Odom | 2 NBA Championships |
| Chris Bosh | 2 NBA Championships |
| Lenny Wilkens | 1 NBA Championship |
| Billy Cunningham | 1 NBA Championship |
| Gail Goodrich | 1 NBA Championship |
| Nate Archibald | 1 NBA Championship |
| Avery Johnson | 1 NBA Championship |
| Tayshaun Prince | 1 NBA Championship |
| David Lee | 1 NBA Championship |
| DeAndre Jordan | 1 NBA Championship |
| Tristan Thompson | 1 NBA Championship |
| Artis Gilmore | 1 NBA Championship |
| Bob Lanier | 1 NBA Championship |
| Chris Mullin | 1 NBA Championship |
| Goran Dragic | 1 NBA Championship |
| James Harden | 1 NBA Championship |
1. Bill Russell
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: William Felton Russell
- Date of birth: 12 February 1934
- Age: 88 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: West Monroe, Louisiana, United States
With eleven championships in the bag, it is undeniable that Bill Russel is the best left-handed NBA player ever. The Hall of Famer, who was considered the single most devastating force in the history of the game, won the silverware during his thirteen-year career with the Celtics, with eight consecutive wins between 1960 and 1966.
2. Derek Fisher
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Derek Lamar Fisher
- Date of birth: 9 August 1974
- Age: 50 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
The former NBA player turned coach and analyst spent eighteen seasons mainly playing for the LA Lakers and other teams such as the Golden State Warriors Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, and Oklahoma City Thunder. His five NBA Championships were won between 2000 and 2010 while playing with the Lakers.
3. Manu Ginóbili
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Emanuel David Ginóbili
- Date of birth: 28 July 1977
- Age: 47 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Bahía Blanca, Argentina
Ginóbili is an Argentine basketball player who began playing with the Estudiantes Bahia Blanca. His prowess took him across the world, where he played in America’s National Basketball League and the Olympics in Athens, Beijing, and London.
4. Toni Kukoč
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Toni Kukoč
- Date of birth: 18 September 1968
- Age: 56 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Split, Croatia
Before joining the NBA, Toni Kukoč was a strong forward whose contribution to Croatia's Olympic campaign had earned him two silver medals. The 6-time EuroLeague champion and the 1991 FIBA European Player of the Year was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
5. Phil Jackson
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Philip Douglas Jackson
- Date of birth: 17 September 1945
- Age: 79 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Deer Lodge, Montana, United States
Phil Jackson won two NBA championships as a member of the New York Knicks before transitioning into coaching. As a coach, he won 11 NBA championships, six with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s and five with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2000s.
6. Richard Barnett
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Richard Barnett
- Date of birth: 2 October 1936
- Age: 88 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Gary, Indiana, United States
Richard Barnett played in the NBA during the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his smooth scoring ability, Barnett was a key contributor to the Knicks' 1970 NBA Championship team, providing important perimeter shooting alongside stars like Willis Reed and Walt Frazier.
7. Willis Reed
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Willis Reed Jr.
- Date of birth: 25 June 1942
- Age: 80 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, United States
Willis Reed was a legendary centre and captain of the New York Knicks, best known for his role on the team’s championship runs in the 1970s. Reed is best known for his heroic performance in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals when he limped onto the court and played despite a gruesome injury.
8. Dave Cowens
Source: Instagram
- Full name: David William Cowens
- Date of birth: 25 October 1948
- Age: 76 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Newport, Kentucky, United States
Dave Cowens was a two-time NBA champion (1974 and 1976). He was named NBA MVP in 1973 and earned eight All-Star selections throughout his career. His ability to rebound, score, and play defence made him a standout player during the golden era of Boston basketball.
9. David Robinson
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: David Maurice Robinson
- Date of birth: 6 August 1965
- Age: 59 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Key West, Florida, United States
David Robinson is a two-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs. The combination of size (7'1"), athleticism, shot-blocking, rebounding, and scoring ability made him a force on the floor. His leadership helped lead the Spurs to titles in 1999 and 2003, cementing his legacy as one of the game's greats.
10. Lamar Odom
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Lamar Joseph Odom
- Date of birth: 6 November 1979
- Age: 45 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: South Jamaica, New York, United States
Lamar Odom was a versatile forward and a member of the Los Angeles Lakers' back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. He was awarded the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2011 for his impact. Standing at 6'10", Lamar Odom's ball-handling, playmaking, rebounding, and scoring ability made him one of the most talented players of his era.
11. Chris Bosh
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Christopher Wesson Bosh
- Date of birth: 24 March 1984
- Age: 40 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Dallas, Texas, United States
Chris Bosh was a key member of the Miami Heat's Big Three alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. He helped lead the team to two NBA championships in 2012 and 2013. An 11-time All-Star, Bosh was known for his defensive presence, leadership, and selfless play, which were vital to the Heat’s success during their championship runs.
12. Lenny Wilkens
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Leonard Randolph Wilkens
- Date of birth: 28 October 1937
- Age: 87 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Lenny Wilkens was one of the most accomplished players turned coaches in NBA history. The 9-time All-Star and Hall of Famer had a long and successful playing career, primarily with the St. Louis Hawks and the Seattle SuperSonics.
12. Billy Cunningham
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: William John Cunningham
- Date of birth: 3 June 1943
- Age: 81 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, United States
A four-time NBA All-Star, Cunningham played for the Philadelphia 76ers during their 1967 championship season. He later transitioned into a successful coaching career, earning NBA Coach of the Year honours in 1973.
13. Gail Goodrich
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Gail Charles Goodrich Jr.
- Date of birth: 23 April 1943
- Age: 81 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
Gail Goodrich was a key player for both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns during his career. He was a member of the Lakers' 1972 NBA Championship team, where his clutch performances helped secure the title. The five-time All-Star was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1974 after leading the league in scoring briefly.
15. Nate Archibald
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Nathaniel 'Tiny' Archibald
- Date of birth: 2 September 1948
- Age: 76 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: New York, New York, United States
In 1973, Tiny became the only player in NBA history to lead the league in both points and assists in the same season. He is a six-time All-Star and a member of the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. His success with the Kansas City Kings and later the Boston Celtics solidified him as one of the game's great point guards.
16. Avery Johnson
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Avery DeWitt Johnson
- Date of birth: 25 March 1965
- Age: 59 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Avery Johnson led the San Antonio Spurs to an NBA championship in 1999, hitting a key jumper in Game 5 of the Finals to clinch the title. A two-time All-Star, Johnson was also named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 1999 for his tenacious defence.
17. Tayshaun Prince
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Tayshaun Durell Prince
- Date of birth: 28 February 1980
- Age: 44 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Compton, California, United States
Tayshaun Prince was a key member of the Detroit Pistons' 2004 NBA Championship team. His signature moment came with a clutch block on Reggie Miller in the Eastern Conference Finals, a play that became iconic in Pistons history. Prince also earned an All-Defensive Team selection and played a vital role in Detroit's strong defensive identity throughout the mid-2000s.
18. David Lee
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: David Lee
- Date of birth: 29 April 1983
- Age: 41 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: St. Louis, Missouri, United States
David Lee was a skilled power forward known for his scoring, rebounding, and efficient inside play. A two-time NBA All-Star, Lee was a key contributor to the Golden State Warriors' success, including their 2015 championship run, where he played a vital role off the bench.
19. DeAndre Jordan
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Hyland DeAndre Jordan Jr.
- Date of birth: 21 July 1988
- Age: 36 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Houston, Texas, United States
DeAndre Jordan is a two-time NBA All-Star. A key member of the Lob City era with the Los Angeles Clippers, Jordan led the NBA in rebounds per game in 2015 and was named to the All-NBA Third Team that same year. Over his career, he has played for several teams, continuing to provide a strong defensive presence in the paint.
20. Tristan Thompson
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Tristan Trevor James Thompson
- Date of birth: 13 March 1991
- Age: 33 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Brampton, Canada
Tristan Thompson was a key contributor to the Cavs' 2016 NBA Championship win. He has also earned a reputation as a strong offensive rebounder, leading the league in that category at times. Throughout his career, Thompson has played for several teams, maintaining his role as a solid role player and interior defender.
21. Artis Gilmore
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Artis Gilmore Sr.
- Date of birth: 21 September 1949
- Age: 75 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Chipley, Florida, United States
Artis Gilmore made a significant impact in both the NBA and ABA, earning multiple All-NBA and All-ABA honours during his career. He was named the ABA MVP in 1972 and later played key roles with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. With his towering presence and impressive skills, Gilmore was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.
22. Bob Lanier
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Robert Jerry Lanier Jr.
- Date of birth: 10 September 1948
- Age: 73 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Buffalo, New York, United States
Bob Lanier was a dominant centre during the 1970s, known for his scoring, rebounding, and leadership on the court. An 8-time All-Star, Lanier was a key figure for the Detroit Pistons and later the Milwaukee Bucks, earning All-NBA honours multiple times. He averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game for much of his career.
23. Chris Mullin
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Christopher Paul Mullin
- Date of birth: 30 July 1963
- Age: 61 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Chris Mullin is a Hall of Famer and one of the NBA’s most prolific shooters. He is best known for his time with the Golden State Warriors. Mullin helped lead the U.S. to a gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics as part of the iconic "Dream Team." With his smooth left-handed shooting stroke and basketball IQ, Mullin established himself as one of the game's great small forwards.
24. Goran Dragić
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Goran Dragić
- Date of birth: 6 May 1986
- Age: 38 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Goran Dragić, a skilled point guard, has had a distinguished NBA career, highlighted by an All-Star selection in 2018. Known for his quickness, ball-handling, and scoring ability, he was named the NBA's Most Improved Player in 2014.
25. James Harden
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: James Edward Harden Jr.
- Date of birth: 26 August 1989
- Age: 35 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
James Harden is one of the most famous left-handed NBA players, earning multiple All-Star selections and the 2018 NBA MVP award. He has led the league in points per game three times and in assists once. Harden is also a three-time NBA scoring champion and has been named to the All-NBA First Team multiple times.
Is LeBron James left-handed?
Lakers' power forward LeBron James is left-handed. However, he shoots with his right hand. Other left-handed NBA players who shoot right-handed are Miles Bridges, Larry Bird, Russell Westbrook, Rudy Gobert, Gary Payton and Bill Walton. In a 2018 press conference, he spoke about his ambidextrous talent, saying:
I do not know how I became a right-handed basketball player. I think it is probably Michael Jordan and Penny Hardaway, guys I looked up to growing up. Seeing those guys shooting righty, I said I guess I'll shoot righty. I'm pretty much a left-hand guy.
Is Shaq left-handed?
Shaquille O'Neal is right-handed. However, his appearance on an NHL on TNT episode, where he correctly glided across the ice holding a left-handed stick, raised some questions.
Is it better to be left-handed in basketball?
According to Stathead, the percentage of left-handed NBA players in 2021 was 9.1%. A 2021 report by the NBA revealed that left-hand players with a degree of cross-dominance have a slightly higher advantage.
Left-handed NBA players have experienced and recorded achievements similar to those of right-handed players. Their ability to keep up with the speedy nature of basketball moves on the court is nothing short of impressive.
Legit.ng has published an article ranking basketballers with the coolest nicknames in NBA history. Nicknames are a symbol of closeness and camaraderie.
The most famous nicknames in the league spice up the atmosphere, adding to a team's unified and supportive nature. Read on for details of the coldest nicknames in the NBA.
Source: Legit.ng
