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Seems like there are few and far between at least for me. A player that evokes these kinds of emotions. Almost emotionally whenever you watch the game there is an uncontrollable smile on your face whenever you watch them play.

I'd say probably the only one i can think of for me right now would have to be Kyrie. Kyrie is the only one where i can truly watch and it'll be like watching someone paint. Every movement has a purpose.

The only one i can think of that has truly made me feel like that has to be Dennis Bergkamp. Now there are plenty of players better than Kyrie and Bergkamp. But man there was something about watching those 2 play their respective sports. For me playing football watching Bergkamp play just made me want to go outside and play with the ball for 8 hours straight.

Never played any level of basketball in my life but Kyrie evokes the feeling one has when it comes to the love of the game.

And T-Mac of course. Those two are just my tune.

Not James Harden

Before Lebron became the GOAT

Definitely LeBron, the NBA is garbage without him.

GrindCityHustle wrote:Before Lebron became the faux-GOAT

Fixed that for you.

I'm possible to not love watching Jokic and him just having fun. Curry is amazing as well. From there I honest like dozens of players, but those two seem to take the most joy in actually playing.

Among currently active players, my favorite is Luka. The kid just puts a smile on my face when I see him play.

Steph, Jokic, healthy Kawhi and Embiid are also awesome.

Including past players... MJ, Kobe, T-Mac, Bird, Hakeem is my dream 5.

Amare-Nash duo was fun to watch at Phoenix too.

Robert Williams on the Celtics. He is so much fun to watch, and he really seems to have a good time out there.

lebron. he does it all (yeah, he picks his spots defensively in his 19th season), he respects the game by working hard and keeping himself in great shape and is still one of the best players in the league at age 37. who reminded me before that? MJ. Who will likely remind me when lebron is gone? Giannis. Rebound, pass, score, defend, elite athleticism, efficiency, work ethic, stamina, durability - these are the reasons i love the game. those three players did it/have done it better than anybody i've ever seen.

Steph is one I love cause as well. He can outwit taller guards using his team’s screens. The 3-point king of all-time. Prime proof you don’t have to be at least 6’7” to be a modern HOFer.

Definitely LaMelo, one of the few who realize its an entertainment first and foremost. Wants to put on a show
Cam Newton was similar for me in football

Used to be Iverson, just tough as nails, fought hard regardless of who he was playing against.

I'm not sure who resembles that since then. Westbrook has hints of it. Maybe Ja Morant will become a player of that mold.

Kyrie "freaking" Irving. He's got some of the best counters I've ever seen a basketball player have and his game is so smooth.

All-time, I can't imagine anyone ever having the mystical aura around them that MJ did. I know it's subjective and contextual and all that, but for those of us who were growing up while he was doing his thing, that magic is irreplicable-- damn, I miss being a kid sometimes.

Obviously, Duncan does it for me as well, and Pistol Pete, Jason Kidd, and pre-Lakers Shaq command similar awe. Anfernee Hardaway was on the same path before all the injuries.

Among current players, Jokic does it for me-- the long-fabled promise of a guy who can score like a center AND a guard, AND play like a point guard all in one. How magical will it be if he becomes an all-NBA level defender at some point on top of it? That would be dreamy (that and him deciding that he wants to be a Spur).

Giannis' joy for the game, his rags-to-riches rise to the top, and the way he demonstrates the beauty hidden within the 'muscle' of athleticism are also made to my order.

Among up-and-comers, Luka, Ja, and Trae are special young players who get me excited about their potential to grow into all-timers, and that potential is what makes me love the game-- the anticipation that something amazing might happen before my eyes. Zion's made me feel that in flashes a few times, but sadly, it seems as if his career may instead take a darker road.

And as much as I loathe his dad and have (probably inappropriately) sort-of-hoped his boys wouldn't hit, I can't help but marvel at LaMelo's play-style and potential.

Iverson
Artest
Sheed
Steven Adams
Saric

Maybe because the actual gym I used to play in greece is featured in this commercial, but yeah this is it for me:

All-time, Steve Nash.
Team ball is so much fun to watch and he was a maestro in organized chaos.

Presently, Chris Paul. Watching him run an offense, keeping teammates involved, not settling for 3's every chance he gets, and taking over when he knows it's time.... it's beautiful

I assume this is asking what current player, and that would be Chris Paul.

Of older players, KJ.