Kofi Inkoom
Last season, several players showcased their ability to dominate the game through their ball-handling skills and on-court presence.
Leading the pack is none other than the phenomenal Luka Doncic, who set the league on fire with his astounding 9.1 time of possession per game.
Join us as we cover the top 10 most ball-dominant players of last season, analyzing their playing styles and the impact they had on their respective teams.
1. Luka Doncic – (9.1):
At just 24 years old, Luka Doncic has already established himself as one of the league’s brightest stars.
His masterful control of the ball and impressive basketball IQ allowed him to lead the league in time of possession last season(9.1), putting the Dallas Mavericks on his back night after night.
Whether it’s distributing the ball or driving to the hoop, Doncic’s presence on the court is a force to be reckoned with.
2. James Harden -(8.6):
Known for his scoring prowess, James Harden proved once again why he is a force to be reckoned with on the offensive end.
Harden’s ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates made him the heartbeat of the Brooklyn Nets’ offense.
With his impressive 8.6 time of possession, he continued to be a nightmare for opposing defenders.
3. Jalen Brunson – (8.5):
Often overshadowed by his superstar teammate, Jalen Brunson quietly emerged as a major contributor for the Dallas Mavericks.
With an impressive 8.5 time of possession, he demonstrated his ability to run the offense effectively, providing a valuable spark off the bench.
As Brunson’s game continues to grow, he could become an essential piece of the Mavericks’ puzzle in the future.
4. Trae Young – (7.9):
A dynamic playmaker, Trae Young’s ball-handling skills and court vision allowed him to lead the Atlanta Hawks’ charge last season.
Amassing a time of possession of 7.9, Young orchestrated the Hawks’ offense with flair, delivering jaw-dropping passes and draining long-range bombs.
Being the team’s leader, he played a pivotal role in guiding the Hawks to the postseason.
5. Damian Lillard – (7.6):
Damian Lillard’s clutch performances and long-range shooting prowess have become legendary.
Accumulating a time of possession of 7.6, he was the driving force behind the Portland Trail Blazers’ offensive firepower.
Lillard’s ability to take control in critical moments has earned him a reputation as one of the most clutch players in the league and by this, the Miami Heats among other franchises want his signature.
6. Ja Morant – (7.6):
The electrifying Ja Morant showcased his speed and athleticism on his way to a 7.6 time of possession last season.
As the Memphis Grizzlies’ floor general, Morant’s ability to push the pace and make eye-catching plays made him a fan favorite and a rising star in the league.
7. Darius Garland -(7.3):
Darius Garland’s stellar playmaking and on-court leadership earned him a time of possession of 7.3 last season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ young guard demonstrated poise beyond his years, orchestrating the team’s offense with confidence and precision.
8. Chris Paul -(6.9):
Even as he ages, Chris Paul continues to be a maestro on the court.
His exceptional basketball IQ and ability to control the game resulted in a 6.9 time of possession.
Paul’s veteran presence and leadership were instrumental in guiding the Phoenix Suns to an impressive playoff run.
He’ll be donning Golden State Warriors kit next season after he joined them in the NBA offseason.
9. Kevin Porter Jr. -(6.9):
In his breakout season, Kevin Porter Jr. showcased an immense potential as the Houston Rockets’ primary ball-handler.
His 6.9 time of possession highlighted his ability to create scoring opportunities and energize the team.
10. Shai Gilgeous Alexander –
Despite the Oklahoma City Thunder’s rebuilding phase, Shai Gilgeous Alexander emerged as a standout player with a time of possession of 6.8.
His versatility, scoring ability, and court vision make him a promising young talent in the league.
Last season’s most ball-dominant players left an indelible mark on the NBA landscape. From young rising stars to seasoned veterans, each player showcased their unique skills and play styles, leaving fans eager to witness their future performances.