So Who Is the Best Two-Way Player Today?

[mr. dee]

Outside LeBron James?

Most of stars today are only elite on one side of the floor. Back then you have many superstars who play on both sides. It seems that Kobe's era are the last to have that feat.

Only Kawhi and Chris Paul are the only All-Star players to make it on both All-NBA and All-Defensive teams. Others are either just good enough or subpar on the defensive end or the opposite.

[Roy H.]

Ha.  Yeah, still Lebron.  I'm glad you carved that caveat out.

[Eddie20]

Some of the best off the top of my head:
Leonard
Butler
George
A. Davis
Klay
LeBron

I think Leonard is the best today, but Towns will likely be heading the list pretty soon.

[SHAQATTACK]

LeBron .....then A.Davis , and Leonard



Leonard is the kryptonite for LeBron....... Younger clone with hair 

[max215]

Kawhi and Durant have the strongest cases. You could make a good argument for CP as well.

[Csfan1984]

Two years ago Duncan. Now I'd say Davis with Leonard close second.

[PhoSita]

Steph Curry.

Offense is far more important than defense on an individual level.

[Roy H.]

Steph Curry.

Offense is far more important than defense on an individual level.

Yeah, but implicit in the question is being very good to great on both ends. 

[alldaboston]

Lebron and Leonard. Slight edge to Lebron because I don't think kawhi is as capable of shouldering that big a load offensively. Though, the defense definitely makes up for it...

[passesofftodj]

Leonard.  He has really raised his game on all levels.  I go LeBron, Leonard, George, Davis, Paul, Green, Thompson, Butler in that order.  Those are the true 2 way studs I can think of in the NBA. 

[ThePaintedArea]

Offense is far more important than defense on an individual level.

I agree. But it's a team game, not an individual game. Team defense is a lot more important than individual defense - something detractors of Olynyk or Sullinger usually fail to take into account.

Having said that, Steph is solidly a plus defender. 

[moiso]

Jason Collins.

[Snakehead]

Ha.  Yeah, still Lebron.  I'm glad you carved that caveat out.

Yup.

There are some guys getting closer but still LeBron.

[PhoSita]

Steph Curry.

Offense is far more important than defense on an individual level.

Yeah, but implicit in the question is being very good to great on both ends.

Best player who is elite on both ends ...

If that's the criteria, I'd go with Kawhi.

Next name on the list is George.  I could see an argument for Paul.


I'm not convinced Lebron is consistently elite on defense anymore.  Durant has always had the potential to be great on defense but I dunno if we have seen it.

[Grindfather]

Jason Collins.

I don't get this joke. Can you explain it?