Speed has always been a critical factor in the game of basketball and a key attribute to some of the fastest players in NBA history. The ability to sprint down the court or blow past defenders can make all the difference in a match. Throughout the history of the NBA, there have been exceptionally swift players who have left their mark on the court.
From lightning-quick point guards to explosive forwards, we will explore the top 10 fastest players in NBA history. By examining the incredible bursts of speed of these fastest players in NBA History, their impact on the game, and their overall careers, we will highlight the athletes who turned basketball into a race like no other.
#10. Isiah Thomas
When it comes to lightning-fast players in NBA history, one name that always comes up is Isiah Thomas. Born on April 30, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois, Isiah Thomas is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards and fastest players in NBA history.
Thomas’ career was highlighted by his exceptional speed and agility, allowing him to dominate the court and lead his team, the Detroit Pistons, to back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990. He had an innate ability to navigate through defenders with lightning quickness and make pinpoint passes.
Throughout his illustrious career, Isiah Thomas achieved incredible milestones. He was a 12-time NBA All-Star and a two-time NBA champion. He won the NBA Finals MVP award in 1990 and was named to the All-NBA team five times. Thomas was also recognized as the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team member and was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Although Isiah Thomas is widely regarded as one of the fastest sprinters of his time in the NBA, the league started tracking player movement and speed using sophisticated technologies like player tracking systems relatively recently. There is no record of his top speed but as per his peers, rivals and fans, he definitely posed thunderbolts in his shoes adding him to the list of the fastest players in NBA History.
#9. Spud Webb
Spud Webb’s name invariably springs to mind when we talk about speed. This diminutive dynamo, standing at just 5 feet 7 inches tall, raced past opponents with lightning-fast quickness, making him one of the fastest players the NBA has ever witnessed and putting him at number 9 on this list.
Webb, who donned the jerseys of the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and Orlando Magic during his career, showcased his incredible swiftness on the court consistently. Despite being one of the shortest players in NBA history, Webb’s agility and speed made him a formidable force to reckon with. His prowess was evident when he captured the Slam Dunk Contest, defying gravity and astounding audiences worldwide.
Over the course of his 12-year NBA career, which spanned 814 games, Webb made gigantic impact for his teams, averaging 9.9 points per game and accumulating an impressive 8,072 points. Additionally, his playmaking abilities shone through as he recorded 4,342 assists, demonstrating his all-around skill set, and making him a formidable force to reckon with.
But it was Spud Webb’s searing speed that helped him compensate for his height. When the player sprinted past opponents in a flash, before they could even process what hit them, Webb would be gone.
#8. Muggsy Bogues
Muggsy Bogues earns the number 8 spot on the list of the fastest players in NBA history who was one of those few players who possessed lightning-fast speed, leaving defenders in their tracks.
Tyrone Curtis “Muggsy” Bogues, who played for the Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, and Toronto Raptors, was not the tallest player on the court, but his agility and speed were unmatched. Despite standing at just 5 feet 3 inches, he managed to excel in the NBA with his incredible quickness.
During his career, Bogues consistently showcased his exceptional court vision, finishing in the top seven in assists for six consecutive seasons from 1989 to 1995. Additionally, he proved to be a defensive force, consistently ranking among the top ten in steals.
Bogues’ remarkable speed allowed him to navigate through opposing defenses effortlessly, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Over the course of his career, he recorded an impressive 146 double-doubles, displaying his versatility and determination on the court. Muggsy Bogues will always be remembered as a player who defied expectations using his extraordinary speed and agility to make an impact in the NBA despite his shorter stature, making him a formidable fit in this list of the fastest players in NBA History.
#7. Michael Jordan
It is merely impossible not to mention the legendary Michael Jordan when discussing the fastest players to have graced the NBA hardwood. With his unparalleled speed, Jordan became a force to be reckoned with, slicing through defenses and leaving opponents in his dust.
During his illustrious career, MJ became synonymous with greatness, earning multiple accolades and etching his name in silver and gold. With the Chicago Bulls and later the Washington Wizards, Jordan’s impact on the game was undeniable as one of the greatest clutch players in league history.
Michael Jordan once ran a 40-yard dash in just 4.38 seconds, something quite unheard of back in his days. His opponents were often beat because of his searing pace and feather light agility that left defenders in their wake.
Nicknamed “MJ” and widely considered the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time), Jordan’s accomplishments include an impressive 14 All-Star appearances, 5 MVP honors, 10 scoring championships, and 3 steals championships. He raised the Larry O’Brien trophy six times, securing his place as one of the most successful players in NBA history.
Jordan’s dominance was not limited to offense. MJ excelled on both ends of the court where speed was one of his strongest suits, receiving recognition as an 11-time All-NBA selection, a Defensive Player of the Year in 1987-88, and earning nine All-Defensive honors.
In 2021, as the NBA celebrated its 75th anniversary, Michael Jordan was rightfully included in the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, further solidifying his place in the basketball pantheon. With all his greatness, it is only fair to include His Airness to this list of the fastest players in NBA history.
#6. Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade, also known as “D Wade” and “The Flash,” is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in NBA history, and his remarkable speed and agility earned him a spot among the top 10 fastest players in NBA history.
Throughout his impressive career, Wade played for three different teams: the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and Cleveland Cavaliers. However, it was with the Miami Heat where he truly left his mark. Wade played an instrumental role in leading the team to three NBA championships in 2006, 2012, and 2013.
Wade’s speed was one of his most valuable assets, complemented by his ball-handling skills, which allowed him to maneuver around defenders with ease. He was also an excellent passer, which made him a threat to score or assist his teammates.
Wade’s speed and agility were also instrumental in his defensive play. He was able to anticipate his opponents’ moves and quickly react to them, which helped him to steal the ball and block shots. His speed also allowed him to get back on defense quickly, which helped to prevent fast breaks by the opposing team.
Dwyane Wade’s speed and quickness were not just physical attributes, but also mental ones. He had a great basketball IQ, which allowed him to read the game and make quick decisions. He was able to anticipate his opponents’ moves and react accordingly, which helped him to stay ahead of the game, earning a well-deserved spot in the list of the fastest players in NBA History as well.
#5. John Wall
At number five for the fastest players in NBA history, we have the electrifying John Wall, who is known for his incredible speed and agility that made him a force to be reckoned with on the court.
Wall’s reputation as one of the fastest players in the NBA is well-deserved. His exceptional performance in the 2010 draft combine showcased his exceptional quickness when the player clocked an impressive 10.84 seconds in the lane agility drill, the best result that year. Additionally, he recorded a blazing time of 3.14 seconds in the 3/4-court sprint, which was the second-best result of the year.
Known affectionately as “Dish,” Wall has stacked up an impressive list of accolades throughout his career. As the third youngest player in NBA history, he recorded a triple-double, showcasing his versatility on the court. He was also named the MVP of the 2011 Rookie Game during the All-Star Weekend.
John Wall’s speed was a key factor in his success on the court. He was able to use his quickness to get to the basket and finish at the rim, as well as create opportunities for his teammates. His speed also allowed him to get back on defense quickly and contest shots. Wall’s ability to change direction quickly and accelerate past defenders made him a difficult player to guard. He was also able to use his speed to get open for jump shots and create space for himself, earning him the third spot in the list of the fastest players in NBA history.
#4. Allen Iverson
When it comes to the fastest players in NBA history, Allen Iverson, also known as “The Answer,” is a name that cannot be overlooked. Iverson’s quickness and lightning-fast moves earned him a spot on the list of fastest players in NBA history.
Throughout his 17-season career, Iverson showcased his exceptional speed while playing for teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, and Detroit Pistons. His relentless drives to the basket were a sight to behold, leaving defenders in the dust.
Iverson’s achievements speak volumes about his impact on the game, and he is considered an all-time great despite never winning a Championship ring. He was selected to the NBA All-Star roster a remarkable 11 times and scored more than 24,000 points in his career. Not only was he a prolific scorer, but he also showcased his playmaking abilities with over 5,000 assists.
The scoring title was something Iverson claimed four times throughout his career, earning the crown in 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2005. His prowess on both ends of the court was evident as he won the steals title three times and received All-NBA honors on seven occasions.
Allen Iverson’s speed was a significant factor in his success on the court. He used his quickness to get past defenders and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Iverson was known for his ability to drive to the basket and finish with a layup or dunk. His speed also helped him to get back on defense quickly, making it difficult for opponents to score fast-break points.
During his career, Iverson was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1996-97 and was crowned the league’s Most Valuable Player for the 2000-01 season. In recognition of his incredible contributions to the game, Iverson was also honored as part of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team and was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
#3. De’Aaron Fox
Making it to the top 3 of the fastest players in NBA History is De’Aaron Fox, the talented point guard for the Sacramento Kings who is known by his nickname “Swipa da Fox,” as he is renowned for his lightning-fast speed and quickness.
With an impressive top speed of 34.5 km/h, De’Aaron Fox secures the third spot on the list of the fastest players in NBA history. His ability to blow past defenders with ease and navigate through tight spaces has earned him recognition among fans.
Throughout his career, Fox has continued to impress, solidifying his status as one of the league’s most exciting young talents. In the 2022-23 season, he was named to the All-NBA team and earned his first All-Star selection. With a blistering pace, De’Aaron Fox claims the third spot among fastest players in NBA history.
#2. Derrick Rose
Over the years, the league has witnessed some lightning-quick players who have left fans in awe with their rapid movements, and among them is Derrick Rose who has undoubtedly made a name for himself as one of the fastest players in NBA history.
Derrick Rose, known by his nickname “D-Rose,” has been a force to be reckoned with on the court. After bursting onto the scene with the Chicago Bulls, Rose swiftly moved on to don the jerseys of the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Rose’s incredible speed was epitomized by his astonishing 40-yard dash time of 4.18 seconds. This remarkable feat stands as the fastest time ever recorded by an NBA player, leaving legendary names from generations past, including Wall, Russ, Jordan, and Kobe, in the 4.3-4.4 range.
Not only has Rose astounded fans with his quickness, but he has also earned accolades for his skills. In 2009, he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year, and just two years later, at the age of 22, became the youngest player to win the NBA Most Valuable Player award.
#1. Russell Westbrook
And number 1 of the fastest players in NBA History list is the beast himself, Russell Westbrook. Known by his nickname “Beastbrook,” Westbrook has consistently demonstrated his lightning-quick pace throughout his impressive NBA career.
From his early days with the Chicago Bulls to his current stint with the LA Clippers, Westbrook’s speed has remained unparalleled. In fact, during a memorable game against the Denver Nuggets in 2013, he reached an astounding speed of 20.5 miles per hour, leaving opponents in the dust.
However, Westbrook’s brilliance extends beyond his remarkable speed. He is one of the rare players in NBA history to achieve a season-long triple-double, accomplishing this feat an impressive four times. He is also among the top players with most triple-doubles in playoffs campaigns while also holding the record for most career triple-doubles in NBA history.
Westbrook’s accomplishments speak for themselves, with two scoring championships, three assist leader titles, and numerous All-NBA selections under his belt. His searing speed, ball-handling and ability to score near the basket make him a force to be reckoned with on the court.
While many legendary players’ speeds haven’t been officially recorded due to early limitations in measurement methods and practices, it is evident how integral quickness is to the game. The top 10 fastest players in NBA history showcased extraordinary speed, leaving indelible imprints on the sport. In a league that continually evolves, speed remains an essential asset for players aiming to leave their mark and a hint as to how quick the sport is.
Who else would you like to add on our list of fastest players in NBA history? Share with us in the comments.
