RealGM

Attention to who do you want the ball in the hands of - they don't have to take the shot, they just have to be the primary initiator of the play. So you can have Jokic/LeBron pass the ball to a teammate.

Let's assume they have an 'average' playoff caliber roster.

I'd go Kevin Durant, I think he's the guy who is the most capable of getting off any single shot in the NBA. If I'm down 1 in a high stakes situation I'd rather just get a solid shot attempt.

Has KD ever hit a game winning buzzer beater in his entire career? I honestly can't think of any but I'm far from an encyclopedia on the topic. He wouldn't make my list, just don't trust his decision making or ball handling enough at all.

My choice would be Jordan, LeBron or Jerry West (for some older era love).

Elite shot creators but also good decision makers and known to be capable performers in those situations.

“If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game, I’d choose Michael Jordan. If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life, I’d take Larry Bird.” That's a quote from Pat Riley. For that reason I'm going with Larry Legend.

I would also entertain Tyrese Haliburton based off these past two postseasons.

Jordan gives you some flexibility. He can navigate his way to the basket with the best of them, or if the lane closes up, he can always pull up for a highly efficient jumper.

James might be the answer though. Less of a threat with the jumper, but even better at getting to the rim and probably more likely to draw a shooting foul.

anyone passing it to Ray Allen
clutchest player I've ever seen

History says, Robert Horry.

Besides the usual Lebron/MJ picks, my choice might be Dirk.

AEnigma wrote:

Read on Twitter

I would also entertain Tyrese Haliburton based off these past two postseasons.

Lebron's perception would be alot better if his proponents weren't constantly restyling Michael Jordan arguments:



#1, #5, and #8 on that list won a combined 1 of 14 games without him.

OhayoKD wrote:

AEnigma wrote:

Read on Twitter

I would also entertain Tyrese Haliburton based off these past two postseasons.

Lebron's perception would be alot better if his proponents weren't constantly restyling Michael Jordan arguments:

Spoiler:

2009 Cavaliers: +39.9
2013 Heat: +33.7
2011 Mavericks: +29.5
2007 Mavericks: +29.0
2006 Clippers: +27.1
2010 Cavaliers: +26.4
1998 Lakers: +26.2
1999 Magic: +25.7
2008 Cavaliers: +24.2
2004 Pacers: +23.4

#1, #5, and #8 on that list won a combined 1 of 14 games without him.

Only seeing two Finals teams in there does not exactly lend itself well to the thread question.

Another one no one thinks of, James Silas, mainly for the nickname: Captain Late.

McHale in the post.

Jordan. Would like to have horry and ray allen on the floor with him as well.

Give me Wade. I just know he'll get around any defender with his speed/strength and is going to be aggressive and on the attack. He wouldn't settle for a 3 in that situation ever. He'll always either get a high quality look likely from in very close, force the defense to foul him on the drive, or find an open teammate after breaking down the defense. He even had the right mix of never being one to shrink or shy away from a big moment, while also being an unselfish player and gifted passer who I'd trust to make the right play.

If I have 20s on the clock, Jokic.
If I have 10s on the clock, MJ.
If it's a C&S, Horry or RayRay.

capfan33 wrote:Besides the usual Lebron/MJ picks, my choice might be Dirk.

Final possession, up 1, its almost certainly Dirk. Will never turn it over, will make FT's if they have to foul, will get you a great shot if the defense has time to just play out the defensive possession.

In Dirk's prime Dallas was regularly the best "clutch" team in the league because they were a good team and Dirk was a lethal closer. No idea how many comebacks, but if they had even a small lead late in games, they were going to win almost every time because of Dirk.

AEnigma wrote:

Read on Twitter

I would also entertain Tyrese Haliburton based off these past two postseasons.

I'd pump the brakes on Hali, only because we've seen him do it time and time again as the underdog. He's been nothing short of incredible in those moments, don't get me wrong, but it's different when you've got the target on your back and teams are looking at you as Goliath.

Just for fun and purely as the shot-taker, 2007 Gilbert Arenas. Guy made some cold, cold shots in that era of basketball.

Kobe

89-91 MJ or 2018 LeBron. I favor MJ only because if he gets fouled I trust him more to make both ft's. Kareem with the ball where he wants it from inside of 10-12 ft might also be #1.