Top 5 fastest NBA players in 2024-25 NBA Season

NBA: Preseason-Memphis Grizzlies at Dallas Mavericks - Source: Imagn
Top 5 fastest NBA players - (Source: Imagn)

Basketball is a sport that requires players to run. However, when playing in the NBA, simply running isn't enough. It's preferable if players are consistently quick enough to outrun opponents and keep up on defense. While there are many slow players in the league, especially the centers, they make up for it in other aspects of their game.

But for those players with natural quickness, they have a slight advantage over slower opponents. With that said, let's take a look at the five fastest players heading into the 2024-25 NBA season.

Note: This list reflects the opinions of the writer. Readers should take it with a grain of salt.


Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

De'Aaron Fox and four other fast NBA players entering the 2024-25 season

#1 De'Aaron Fox

De'Aaron Fox (Source: Imagn)
De'Aaron Fox (Source: Imagn)

Based on our previous list for last season, De'Aaron Fox still takes the top spot as the fastest player in the NBA. Fox has the quickest first step in the league, which makes him tough to cover on defense. He could easily slice the defense with his speed alone.

In transition, players wouldn't want to see Fox holding the ball when running coast-to-coast. Chances are that the Sacramento Kings guard would get to the rim first before anybody else.


#2 Ja Morant

Ja Morant (Source: Imagn)
Ja Morant (Source: Imagn)

We feel like Ja Morant and De'Aaron Fox are evenly matched in terms of speed. They have similar styles when attacking the rim. However, Morant has probably an advantage over Fox with his off-the-ball swiftness. Ja can easily cut in the lane and find his spot to finish inside when he's playing without the ball.

Given Morant's body frame, it's easy for him to outrun opponents. To top it all, the Memphis Grizzlies guard can consistently finish his burst of quickness with a powerful slam dunk.


#3 Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell (Source: Imagn)
Donovan Mitchell (Source: Imagn)

If one is looking for a player with all-around quickness in the NBA, Donovan Mitchell fits that description. He has quick handles, runs fast both with and without the ball, and can take shots before the defender even has time to think about his next move.


#4 Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook (Source: Imagn)
Russell Westbrook (Source: Imagn)

It's no secret that Russell Westbrook is getting old and isn't as fast as he used to be. However, that doesn't mean he has lost all of his speed. At 35, Westbrook is still a tough matchup in the NBA. "Russ" is forceful especially when has the ball in his hands. Defenders who get sloppy could easily lose the Denver Nuggets guard if they're not careful.

The moment you see Westbrook running with the ball, it's more than likely that he only sees the rim and is preparing to detonate on anyone who gets in his way.


#5 LeBron James

LeBron James (Source: Imagn)
LeBron James (Source: Imagn)

Don't let the old man deceive you. LeBron James isn't someone players should sleep on, especially if he's on defense. While James has shown signs of aging with his stamina depleting quicker, that doesn't mean he can no longer outsprint opponents.

Despite turning 40 this coming December, LeBron is still the king of chase-down blocks. James is notorious for letting the offense outrun him so he could chase them down for a swat. To be able to catch up to your adversaries and meet them at the rim while giving them a head start means that James is still as quick as they come.

Quick Links

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications