The Best NBA Players Born in the Year of the Dragon

Let’s take a look at the lineup of the most outstanding NBA stars born in the Year of the Dragon.

The Best NBA Players Born in the Year of the Dragon Point Guard – Russell Westbrook Date of Birth: 11/12/1988

Accolades: 9x All-Star, 9x All-NBA, 2x Scoring Champ, 3x Assists leader, 1x MVP

Averages: 21.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 8.2 assists

Westbrook is one of the premier point guards in NBA history. Despite weaknesses in his shooting ability, particularly from long range, Westbrook has etched his name in NBA lore. He is one of the most explosive guards in history.

Westbrook isn’t just a prolific scorer but also excels in defense and facilitating for teammates. He holds the record for the most triple-doubles (achieving double digits in three of five stat categories – points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks) in NBA history with 198. It may be a long time before another guard surpasses Westbrook’s milestone.

Currently playing for the LA Clippers, Westbrook is striving for his first NBA championship.

Shooting Guard – Stephen Curry Date of Birth: 03/12/1988

Accolades: 10x All-Star, 9x All-NBA, 2x Scoring Champ, 2x NBA Three-Point Contest Winner, 2x MVP, 4x NBA Champion, 1x Finals MVP

Averages: 24.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists

Curry led the Golden State Warriors’ NBA dominance from 2015 to 2019. He revolutionized the game with his three-point shooting, forcing the entire NBA to adapt and learn from him. Widely regarded as the greatest three-point shooter in NBA history, Curry’s impact on the game is undeniable.

Beyond scoring, Curry is an exceptional facilitator for his teammates. He holds the record for the most three-pointers made in NBA history with 3,603, far surpassing the second-placed Ray Allen by 630. With Allen retired, Curry’s lead over other shooters is expected to widen further in the future.

Currently playing for the Warriors, Curry continues to pursue more championships with the team.

Small Forward – Kevin Durant Date of Birth: 09/29/1988

Accolades: 14x All-Star, 10x All-NBA, 4x Scoring Champ, 1x MVP, 2x NBA Champion, 2x Finals MVP

Averages: 27.3 points, 7 rebounds, 4.4 assists

Durant is one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, possessing a versatile scoring arsenal from inside, mid-range, to beyond the arc. He was the final piece that propelled the Golden State Warriors to their dynasty. His presence made the Warriors overwhelmingly dominant. Durant brought home two NBA championships, winning Finals MVP both times.

At 6’11” with an ideal physique for basketball, Durant is virtually unguardable. He currently plays for the Phoenix Suns, striving for his first NBA championship since departing from the Warriors.

Power Forward – Zion Williamson Date of Birth: 07/06/2000

Accolades: 2x All-Star

Averages: 24.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists

Zion Williamson is hailed as one of the most promising talents in the NBA since LeBron James in 2003. He possesses impressive strength, athleticism, and speed, earning an All-Star nod in his rookie season. However, injuries have hindered Williamson’s development significantly.

Frequent injuries have stunted Williamson’s progression. In his fourth NBA season in 2023/24, he has not lived up to the lofty expectations set for him. Williamson currently plays for the New Orleans Pelicans and is still striving to establish himself as a force in the league.

Center – Brook Lopez Date of Birth: 04/01/1988

Accolades: 2x All-Defensive NBA, 1x All-Star, 1x NBA Champion

Averages: 16.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists

Lopez may not boast the same fame as other players in the lineup, but few centers remain as solid in the NBA at his age. The center position demands physicality and endurance, and Lopez continues to excel at age 35.

Lopez’s defensive prowess and shot-blocking ability remain impressive, unaffected by age. Last season, he was a key defensive anchor for the Milwaukee Bucks, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor, including a reliable three-point shot.

Lopez played a crucial role in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2021 NBA championship run. This season, he and the Bucks are striving for another championship.

Bench Players PG: Tyrese Haliburton SG: Tyrese Maxey SF: Rui Hachimura PF: Kevin Love C: JaVale McGee