Magnificent and rare, unicorns are legendary mystical creatures according to folklore. Just like the strange horned creatures, the NBA has coined the term “Unicorn” for a rare kind of player possessing the unique physical gifts and the talent to be above the rest.
This type of player is a prime example of limitless basketball potential. Normally bigger than 6’10, unicorns are genetic freaks with their combination of size, length, guard-like handles, speed, and shooting. As the modern NBA transitions into a more space and pace kind of play, more unicorns are stepping into the limelight as commodities or prime examples leading their franchise.
Here are the top 5 unicorns in the NBA:
5- Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant doesn’t want to be listed above 6’9 for some unknown reason, but the Durantula is clearly a notch around 7 feet. He isn’t widely known as a unicorn, due to his impressive list of accolades outshining his unicorn status.
The nine-time All-star, eight-time All-NBA, former season MVP, two-time Finals MVP, and two-time NBA champion knows how it takes to be a successful unicorn in the league.
His deadly combination of size and shooting make him an automatic mismatch for most in the league. His addition to Warriors’ death lineup makes their offensive attack near impossible to stop in transition.
Last season he averaged 41 percent from the deep ball for 26.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game.
4- Joel Embiid
The third overall pick of the 2014 NBA draft would have ranked higher if his durability and health were not so much in question. Despite just playing games a little over a season, one thing is for sure, he surely dominates when he plays.
If power, speed, size, and finesse had a child, it would be Embiid. His ability to power it down with his size or use his surprising agility and speed to finesse his way to the rim is a sight to behold. He is starting to be a decent inside-outside threat by expanding his range to the three-point line. Not bad for someone who spent most of his time injured.
With Embiid and Ben Simmons leading the way, the future is bright for the young Sixers. Playoff appearances are no question; The Process has finally paid off.
Embiid averaged 22.9 points, 11 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game last season.
Arguably the most popular unicorn among the unicorns, Kristaps Porzingis is not your ordinary European player. With the legendary Dirk Nowitzki-like mold as the forerunner to today’s European player, people from New York were awfully surprised with what Porzingis had to offer considering he was booed on draft night.
Blessed with guard-like handles and footwork, which could be attributed for his love of Allen Iverson, KP can run his 7’3 frame past you for the occasional dunk or pop-up for a transition three.
Furthermore, his size normally fools opponents into thinking he is slow on defense. Having an astounding 2.4 blocks a game last season should erase any doubt about him anchoring a defense.
He broke out last year with his first All-star season averaging 22.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.
2-Giannis Antetekounmpo
There is no basketball position that exists to best describe how Giannis Antetekounmpo plays. In the era of position-less basketball, the Greek Freak would be the premiere poster boy of the league. With the potential to be a nightly triple-double each game, he does it all from scoring, passing, rebounding, and defending. There is nothing that he can do, and there are only a few who can stop his 6’11 frame doing it.
This two-time All-star and two-time All-NBA is so unique, you can actually slot him in any frontcourt or backcourt position. Last season, he averaged 26.9 points, 10 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks.
If he gets to develop a decent shot from the outside anytime in his career moving forward, the NBA will be at the mercy of this unstoppable all-around force.
With all the big prominent names in the list, Anthony Davis is arguably the most dominant unicorn to date. Ever since he entered the league, the former first overall pick has had the gargantuan task of leading an underwhelming and underachieving Pelicans squad.
Last season, he has proven that he is up to the task despite insurmountable odds against him. Without his fellow All-star DeMarcus Cousins due to injury, Davis willed his team to a sixth seed finish in the stronger Western conference and swept the third-seeded Portland Trail Blazers to advance in the semifinals.
He sadly, hit a brick wall when the Pelicans fell to the Warriors 1-4 in the semis.
The five-time All-star and three-time All-NBA will always be in the MVP conversation if healthy. Commonly known as an elite rim defender, Davis’ offensive game has slowly added range as each season passed. At 25-years-old, Davis will continue dominating the league for years to come.
Last year’s playoffs he averaged a mind-blowing 30.1 points, 13.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.8 steals, and 2.3 blocks.
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