10 fastest NBA players heading into the 2021-22 season

#3 Ja Morant

Ja Morant (#12) of the Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant was the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year following impressive outings. He has livened things up at Memphis, helping the Grizzlies play a far more exciting game at a faster pace.

Standing at 6 3", Morant can win every foot race on and off the ball. When he's not handling the ball, he makes cuts at lightning speed that leaves him wide open at the rim.

While Ja Morant will likely work more on his shooting during the summer break, ferociously attacking the rim is the mainstay of his game. Defending against a guard who can pull up for shots and drives with such speed could be a tasking endeavor. So it will be fun to see how things play out in the 2021-22 NBA season.

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#2 Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook (#4) of the Washington Wizards in action against the LA Lakers.

Russell Westbrook is arguably the most passionate player in the NBA right now. He does it all on the court, and plays every game with the same energy and intensity.

Westbrook's explosiveness is unmatched in the NBA, as he makes sudden bursts that leave defenders trailing in his wake. Most of his highlight plays consist of him going coast to coast at lightning speed after grabbing a rebound or forcing a turnover.

Russell Westbrook throwing down in transition pic.twitter.com/cf8iWyapnk

— Hoop District (@Hoop_District) April 16, 2021

Playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis during the 2021-22 NBA season might slow down his pace on occasion. However, his quick movement and running the court is something LeBron James would love to utilize on the fast breaks.

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#1 De'Aaron Fox

De'Aaron Fox (#5) of the Sacramento Kings drives against Jrue Holiday (#21)

The Sacramento Kings point guard clinches the No. 1 spot over Westbrook because youth is on his side. But that doesn't take away from how lethal Fox is in open play.

De'Aaron Fox does not shy away from contact, which makes him a lot more dangerous in fast-break situations. He is undoubtedly the fastest player in the NBA right now, with the ball in his hands.

speed: █ 　　 █　 █　 █　 ＿De'Aaron Fox his opponents pic.twitter.com/YuPIZvr1si

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) September 17, 2019

Fox had a breakout campaign in the 2017-18 NBA season, and has since continued to stuff the stat sheet. The 2021-22 season could be no different as the speedster should continue to deliver stellar performances.