Top 10 Fastest NBA Players: De’Aaron Fox, Ja Morant, and More

In basketball, height is often considered a greater advantage on the basic level. However, another underestimated skill that proves this belief wrong from time to time is the speed on the floor. The quick decision-making and then its implementation on the floor, maintaining the fastest speed, is all basketball is about. And the one who masters this art can only take a place on the list of the top 10 fastest players in NBA history. However, how can we confirm if the player is fast enough to be present on the list? Well, the selection of such players can be made following the given parameters in the league:

Sprint Times: Players often run the standard drills like the three-quarter court sprint at the NBA Combine. So their performance can be analyzed to make a judgment.

Game Performance: It is the best parameter to measure a player's ability as a fast player. When he performs under clutch situations and gets past the defensive giants with his speed and agility, he is definitely the one to be available on the list of fastest NBA players of all time.

Reputation and Expert Opinions: The first-hand observers also give a better idea of a player's pace. However, most of the time, these observations can be biased.

10 Fastest NBA Players of All Time

The NBA is already a competitive league where even the best of the best basketball players in the country get dumped. In such a space, it is important for players to be performers and even great to keep playing for a long period. Yet some of them not only perform but maintain the level of scoring at a standard and rack up the points on the scoreboard quickly like their pace. We have curated such 10 fastest NBA players in the league's history who adopted that principle.

#10 LeBron James

Speed is not about just how small and lean a person is on the court. Even a big dude can clock the same speed with just overwhelming core and leg strength. LeBron James is the biggest example of the theory. The Los Angeles Lakers player can cover both ends of the court without much hassle and is still able to contribute on both ends of the floor. That's why he is a generational player. According to media reports, he can cover a 40-yard dash in just 4.6 seconds.

#9 Tony Parker

Tony Parker's fundamental playing style was to pass through the defenses of the opponents and then score through quick drives. That's how he was able to contribute to the success of the San Antonio Spurs since the franchise won four championships during Tony's tenure. One of the main highlights when he used to play on the hardcourt was the sudden change of pace and direction.

It was enough to overwhelm a defender in the split of a second, and till then, the Charlotte Hornets' player was long gone for the bucket. Reportedly, Tony Parker made a 40-yard dash time of 4.28 seconds, which proves why he should be on the list of the fastest NBA players of all time.

#8 Dwyane Wade

Dwayne Wade is a legendary shooting guard who went by the name of ‘The Flash’ for his speed on the floor. Even his accolades speak loud of his abilities, with three championships, a Finals MVP, and 13 NBA All-Star appearances. He was part of the Big Three of the Miami Heat, where he used to get past the defenders through his quick steps and accelerated motion. He used this ability in defense as well, where he tried to break the passing of the game and then start fast breaks.

#7 Michael Jordan

The first thought that comes to mind when thinking of Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time. He is a legendary figure who is a six-time NBA champion, five-time MVP, and 14-time All-Star. Those who witnessed him playing on the court called him the perfect basketball player with the right athleticism, shooting posture, and long arm lengths. He was a powerhouse when it comes to stamina and jumping power. That's why his pace was never low on the court while playing for the Bulls. His pace under the paint was unmatchable, that's why, his team was able to survive the championship so many times.

#6 John Wall

John Wall was one of the fastest players in NBA history and a freak in terms of speed when he was on the hard court. Throughout his career, he was able to maintain a career average of 8.9 assists per game. During his prime, he used to tally 10.7 assists per game. Notably, he set up 3.14-second records while sprinting the three-quarter court. That's why he was able to plan fast breaks and keep the ball rolling among his teammates. Eventually, it would become difficult for opponents to spot the chance of stealing the ball.

#5 Ja Morant

Ja Morant has not played much in the league due to injuries and suspensions. However, whenever he plays in healthy condition, his quick acceleration and deterioration of speed often trouble the defenders. The Memphis Grizzlies player is more of an acrobatic scorer and that's why his lean frame helps him to cut through the opponents. Once he gets the ball, the bucket seems like a magnet because of the pace Morant charges through to get to it. Morant has 22.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. He is yet to achieve much more, but still, NBA analysts often compare him to the fastest point guards in history.

#4 Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is one of the point guards who carries the energy of a forward on the floor. It's not just his ability to make plays but to average 10.7 rebounds per game, along with 10.4 assists per game and 31.6 points during his prime Oklahoma City Thunder days, was out of this world. That's why he is one of the fastest NBA players since he can play for more than half and still be productive on the court. His way of scoring buckets is more about going all out on defenses and keeping on scoring under the rim in between them.

#3 Derrick Rose

At just 22 years of age, Derrick Rose was the youngest league MVP in the 2010-11 season while playing for the Chicago Bulls. He is a gifted athlete with a 4.18 record in the 40-yard dash and the ability to make jumps that challenge the laws of physics. Last year, he announced his retirement in September, but his legacy as the 2008 no.1 pick is still present in the Bulls. One of the highlights of his game was to get past the defenders through superhuman agility during one-on-one face-off with the defenders.

#2 Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson was one of the fastest players in the NBA's golden era and is known by the nickname ‘The Answer’. He could shoot from the three-point line and even make plays for warmed-up players. But when he would handle the offense, the defenders could not afford to make a mistake since his crossover dribble was as fast as lightning. After that, he would go for a first jump leaving him immediately in the air and score the ball. That's why the teams need double-teaming on Iverson to stop his plays. He even earned the 2001 NBA MVP award for his best performance in the league while playing for the Philadelphia 76ers.

#1 De'Aaron Fox

De'Aaron Fox has emerged as the fastest player in NBA history in the modern era, and that's why he has upheld the nickname ‘Swipa’. Whenever the plays are changed, and the link is needed to maintain the flow of the ball, Fox is the one on the field. He is quick enough to immediately get through the loopholes of the defenses and then either score or go for an assist. That's why the Spurs acquired him last year to join Victor Wembanyama on the roster.