The 'White Mamba' snubs LeBron James, Stephen Curry to name diminutive All-Star NBA's best offensive player: "Every kid should watch and emulate"

Brian Scalabrine played against some of the best players in NBA history and watched a few more of them after retiring. As a TV analyst for the Boston Celtics, the “White Mamba” has studied the games of superstars such as LeBron James and Steph Curry. Scalabrine is a big fan of both, but he doesn’t think they’re the best models for kids to pattern their games after.

In an episode of “Games with Names” with former NFL star Julian Edelman, Scalabrine had this to say about who he believes kids should emulate:

“I think the best offensive player in the NBA, like a guy every kid should watch and every kid should emulate, I don’t care if you’re 6 '10 or you’re 5 ‘10, is Trae Young," Scalabrine said. "My son loves Steph Curry but my son is NOT Steph Curry. Trae Young, his footwork is perfect, his handle is perfect [and] his efficiency is perfect.

“I go to my son and I’m like, ‘Listen, you shouldn’t watch Steph Curry. That’s otherworldly. You can’t even teach that. What you really should do is watch this guy," he added.

Trae Young perhaps isn’t on the same level of greatness as the other two superstars. But for Scalabrine, his game is best suited for kids wanting to improve their own. Last season, “Ice Trae” averaged 25.7 points, 10.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Despite his diminutive frame, he is one of the hardest players to stop.

Meanwhile, LeBron James is arguably the greatest generational talent to enter the NBA. He jumped out of high school to become perhaps the best basketball player ever. James, the oldest player in the league, is in his 22nd season. And yet, he still consistently outplays players more than a decade younger than him.

Steph Curry didn’t have the same hype as “King James” but became the greatest shooter in NBA history. Curry revolutionized basketball with his shooting and playmaking. Some consider him the greatest point guard to play.

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NBA fans react to Brian Scalabrine’s Trae Young comments

Brian Scalabrine’s advice to kids who want to improve their basketball quickly became viral. NBA fans promptly reacted to his suggestion on X/Twitter:

“Not many Trae young types out there either,” one fan said.

@joe_cuervo added:

“Kyrie too, but the handles will never be on par.”

One fan said:

“I don't believe Trae is fully teachable. His vision is otherworldly. That said, he's a lot more translatable than Steph. Curry does things only he can do.”

Another fan dragged LeBron James’ GOAT case to the discussion:

“This is the best argument for why LeBron isn't the goat.”

@SirTolbert said:

“No lies told here.”

Young may not be as great as James and Curry, but emulating the Atlanta Hawks star isn’t easy. He reads the game well and usually shows up in the big moments, particularly in the playoffs. Young also has things in his repertoire that are beyond teaching.

What do you think of Brian Scalabrine's comments on Trae Young? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.