Left-Handed NBA Players Who Left Their Marks on the Court
The Best Left-Handed Basketball Players of All Time
Lefty players are a rare sight in basketball, but they’ve proven to be more than just unique—they’re legendary. From crafty ball handlers to dominant big men, left-handed NBA players have shaped the league in ways few expected. While left-handed basketball players are outnumbered, their impact on the game is undeniable.
But do left-handed basketball players have an advantage? Some say yes. Their left-handed shooting throws off defenders, and their unique playstyle keeps opponents guessing. But skill, work ethic, and basketball IQ are what truly set apart the best left-handed NBA players from the rest.
So, pour your coffee into your go-to left-handed mug, settle in, and let’s dive into the top 10 left-handed NBA players.
Bill Russell
When you’re talking about the best left-handed basketball players of all time, Bill Russell is the guy. With 11 championship rings (which makes him the most decorated left-handed player in NBA history), Russell didn’t just dominate on the court—he owned it. Known for his defensive prowess, rebounding, and leadership, this Celtics legend turned blocking shots into an art form. He’s the gold standard for left-handed NBA players and a constant reminder that maybe we should all switch hands.
David Robinson
Nicknamed "The Admiral" (because he literally served in the Navy), Robinson was a two-way force for the San Antonio Spurs. A two-time NBA champion, league MVP, and Olympic gold medalist, Robinson’s combination of size, athleticism, and skill made him one of the best left-handed basketball players to ever grace the NBA. He also managed to drop 71 points in a single game (just in case you thought he couldn’t score).
James Harden
Love him or hate him (there’s no in-between), Harden is one of the best left-handed NBA players of all time. With an MVP trophy, multiple scoring titles, and a beard so iconic it deserves its own Hall of Fame induction, Harden has been redefining what a left-handed NBA shooter can do. His step-back three is as deadly as it is unguardable, and he’s made “drawing fouls” into an Olympic-level sport.
Dave Cowens
Dave Cowens might not get the same attention as some other legends, but make no mistake—he’s a Celtics icon. A two-time NBA champion and league MVP, Cowens was a fiery competitor who could score, rebound, and defend with the best of them. Among left-handed NBA players, Cowens was one of the toughest and most versatile to ever lace up sneakers.
Chris Bosh
Bosh brought finesse to the power forward position. A key piece of the Miami Heat's “Big Three,” Bosh helped deliver two championships alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Known for his smooth mid-range jumper and defensive versatility, Bosh is proof that left-handed basketball players NBA history would be incomplete without some serious finesse.
Artis Gilmore
Gilmore was an unstoppable force in the paint. With a towering frame and a soft shooting touch, he dominated the boards and was nearly impossible to guard one-on-one. As one of the best left-handed NBA players of all time, Gilmore’s impact was undeniable—even if his career sometimes flies under the radar.
Toni Kukoč
Before there was Luka or Jokic, there was Toni. A trailblazer for European players in the NBA, Kukoč was a crafty scorer and playmaker who thrived as a lefty shooter on the legendary Chicago Bulls teams of the 1990s. He didn’t always get the spotlight, but his basketball IQ and skill made him one of the best lefty basketball players of his era.
Zach Randolph
Z-Bo was the definition of a bruiser in the post. His left-handed hook shot and gritty rebounding earned him two All-Star appearances and the hearts of Memphis Grizzlies fans everywhere. Among left-handed basketball players, Randolph proved that hard work and toughness can take you a long way.
Nick Van Exel
Known for his flashy play and clutch shooting, Van Exel was a left-handed dynamo who could light up the scoreboard in a hurry. His smooth shooting stroke and creative passing made him a fan favorite and one of the best lefty NBA players of the 1990s.
De’Aaron Fox
Fox is the future of this list. As one of the fastest players in the NBA today, Fox combines speed, athleticism, and a crafty left-handed style that keeps defenders guessing. He’s already proven himself as one of the top left-handed NBA players of his generation, and his ceiling is sky-high.
Bonus: Ambidextrous Greats
While this list celebrates pure lefties, we can’t overlook the players who excel with ambidexterity—a game-changing advantage on the court. Being ambidextrous allows players to finish at the rim with either hand, making them unpredictable and nearly impossible to defend. It’s a skill that adds versatility to their offensive arsenal and opens up passing angles that one-handed players might not see.
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LeBron James: Surprisingly, LeBron is a left-handed NBA player who shoots right-handed. He grew up using his left hand naturally, but somewhere along the way, he switched to a righty jumper. Because, you know, being a generational talent wasn’t enough.
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Manu Ginóbili: A left-handed shooter with an unparalleled flair for the dramatic, Ginóbili’s ambidextrous finishing made him one of the most creative players in NBA history.
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Kyrie Irving: Handles like a magician, finishes with either hand like it’s no big deal, and keeps defenders on their toes (or backsides). Irving is a nightmare for defenders, proving that ambidexterity is a superpower in basketball.
- Larry Bird: Bird wasn’t a natural lefty, but he famously played an entire game using only his left hand, just to challenge himself. And, of course, he still dominated. While he’s known as one of the greatest right-handed shooters of all time, his ability to finish with both hands makes him an honorary mention on this list.
A Tribute to the Southpaw Superstars
Here’s the deal: while being a left-handed basketball player might initially throw off defenders, it doesn’t guarantee greatness. It’s all about how you use your skill set—and these players used theirs to redefine the game.
Whether it’s shooting, scoring, or making history, the best lefty NBA players didn’t let their manual minority status hold them back. Instead, they turned it into an edge. So here’s to the lefties (and a few ambidextrous wizards) who’ve kept us entertained, inspired, and occasionally jaw-dropped.
Curious to know more about athletic lefty legends? Explore the world of left-handed foil fencers, golfers, and hockey players.
