The NBA’s Ultimate 1-on-1 Debate: Who Would Dominate?
There’s something raw and exhilarating about a pure one-on-one battle—where skill, pride, and reputation are put to the ultimate test. Yet, in the NBA, such moments are rare. Superstars are constantly surrounded by teammates, screens, and defensive help, making true head-to-head clashes infrequent. This is why fans have been clamoring for a 1-on-1 tournament during All-Star Weekend. Imagine the league’s biggest names going at it—no double teams, no picks, just skill versus skill.
Recently, a few NBA stars weighed in on the debate, sharing their thoughts on who would reign supreme in a potential 1-on-1 showdown. Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, and Draymond Green each had their say, and their picks sparked even more discussion.
Who Would Reign Supreme?
Draymond Green has no doubts—if an NBA 1-on-1 tournament ever happened, he’s picking LeBron James as the undisputed champion. The Warriors veteran believes the Lakers superstar would be unbeatable in a solo matchup.
“Kevin Durant, fosho” 😂
Ant Man agrees with KD that he’s the one to beat in a potential #NBAAllStar 1-on-1 tournament ⭐️ https://t.co/fa5wm0Meqa pic.twitter.com/k4SpDZVkWd
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 15, 2025
Anthony Edwards, however, sees it differently. When asked during All-Star Weekend who he thought would be the toughest to beat, he immediately answered, “Kevin Durant. For sure.” Edwards has long admired Durant’s game, even calling him his favorite player.
As for Durant himself? He confidently backed himself to win but acknowledged the difficulty of predicting a winner. “Man, that would be tough. Of course, I would have to go with myself,” Durant said. “But there are so many great one-on-one players in our league.”
When asked who would be his toughest competition, Durant mentioned two names: Victor Wembanyama and Jayson Tatum.
Edwards further justified his pick of Durant, explaining that KD’s ability to turn any shot into a good shot makes him a nightmare to guard. “It’s just that any shot he takes is a good shot,” Edwards explained. “Sometimes, if my body isn’t positioned right, I feel like it’s a bad shot for me. But KD? He’s used to being uncomfortable and still making tough shots.”
Could the NBA Make It Happen?
Last year, the NBA introduced a 4-team mini-tournament during the All-Star Game to increase competition. While the response was mixed, the idea of a 1-on-1 showdown continues to gain traction. But will it ever become a reality? That decision ultimately lies with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
Anthony Edwards on the Future Face of the NBA
Beyond the 1-on-1 debate, Edwards also weighed in on another hot topic—who will be the face of the NBA in the coming years? Despite his rising stardom, Edwards doesn’t see himself taking that role. Instead, he believes it belongs to Victor Wembanyama. “That’s what they’ve got Wemby for,” Edwards stated.
Even though he’s not chasing the league’s top spotlight, Edwards is proving he belongs among the NBA’s elite. Now in his fourth season, he has secured his third straight All-Star selection and continues to improve. He’s averaging 27.5 points per game (fifth in the NBA) while shooting a career-best 41.4% from three on over 10 attempts per game.
Despite his elite shooting, Edwards remains a dominant force at the rim. The former No. 1 overall pick has improved his scoring every year and helped lead the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals last season. At just 23 years old, his ceiling is still sky-high.
Wembanyama, meanwhile, is living up to the hype as one of the league’s brightest young stars. The 21-year-old won Rookie of the Year and has only gotten better. This season, he’s putting up 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, and an NBA-best 3.8 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 47.6% from the field, 35.2% from three, and 83.6% from the free-throw line.
His impact extends beyond the court—his jersey ranked No. 5 in NBAStore.com sales for the first half of the season, just ahead of Edwards at No. 6.
Who Will Define the Next Era?
Both Edwards and Wembanyama are already superstars, but the question remains—who will define the next era of the NBA? Or will both share the spotlight as the league’s future icons?
For now, fans can only speculate. But one thing is clear: whether it’s a 1-on-1 tournament or the battle for the league’s next face, the NBA’s future is in good hands.