Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady claims LeBron James would get crushed in a 1-on-1 vs. today’s NBA stars

Not every NBA player excels in one-on-one matchups, but one legend who did was former Orlando Magic superstar Tracy McGrady. Widely regarded as one of the best iso scorers of his era, McGrady was dominant in one-on-one situations. However, despite LeBron James’ all-time greatness, McGrady believes the Lakers star wouldn’t stand a chance against today’s best in a one-on-one game.

While the Hall of Famer acknowledged, during an appearance on the Makeshift Project podcast, that James has been one of the NBA’s greatest players for over two decades, he still thinks the league’s all-time leading scorer would struggle in a one-on-one setting.

“I think LeBron has been amazing for 22 freaking years. And he’s been the best basketball player for, you know, God knows how long. But if you put him in one-on-one? I think he’ll get crushed,” McGrady said. “I think he’ll get crushed amongst guys who are actually in the NBA, and I’m sure LeBron will tell you that”.

According to the former Houston Rockets star, LeBron’s game is tailored for team basketball rather than one-on-one matchups—unlike players such as Kobe Bryant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, who thrive in isolation.

LeBron James #23 drives to the basket against Patrick Williams #44 during the first half at the United Center. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

“His game is naturally built for five-on-five,” McGrady continued. “He’s not a one-on-one basketball player. Kobe is a one-on-one basketball player, Kyrie is a one-on-one basketball player, James Harden. These guys are one-on-one basketball players. LeBron can’t do anything with that”.

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Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady reveals his all-time starting five, leaving out Jordan and Curry

1-on-1 specialists aren’t always the biggest stars

The seven-time NBA All-Star argues that the league’s best players aren’t the only ones who excel in one-on-one matchups. In fact, he believes there are overlooked players who truly stand out in this skill.

“So I don’t know. I just know — we always name the big-name guys, but there are some guys out there that you don’t think about, that really can play one-on-one basketball,” he noted.

Is LeBron James truly an elite 1-on-1 scorer?

Despite being the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, even James himself has never identified as a pure scorer. “I don’t like being singled out as a scorer. I’ve always prided myself in being a pass-first guy — a guy who can make everybody feel comfortable,” James told ESPN in a 2023 interview before breaking the league’s scoring record.

While James currently ranks fourth on the NBA’s all-time assist leaderboard, his unique blend of size, athleticism, and skill has still made him an elite scorer. Even if his one-on-one game isn’t as flashy as Harden’s or Kevin Durant’s, his effectiveness is undeniable—averaging 27 points per game over 22 seasons in the league.