All Ratings
Factor
ClutchClutch DNA
Willingness and ability to take over in the final minutes of close, meaningful games.
130entities ranked
Clutch DNA Leaderboard
| # | Entity | Score | Bar | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Jordanplayer | 98 | Michael Jordan is the gold standard for clutch performance with iconic game-winners including 'The Shot' over Ehlo, the 1998 Finals winner over Utah, and a career built on demanding and delivering in final possessions, making him the definitive closer in NBA history. | ||
| Damian Lillardplayer | 95 | Damian Lillard has multiple series-ending buzzer-beaters in the playoffs, actively demands the ball in clutch situations, and is universally recognized as one of the most fearless and prolific late-game performers of his generation. | ||
| Jerry Westplayer | 95 | Jerry West earned the nickname 'Mr. Clutch' and is literally the silhouette of the NBA logo due to his legendary late-game heroics, including countless game-winners and his famous 60-foot Finals buzzer-beater, making him the archetype that defined clutch performance for an entire generation. | ||
| Kobe Bryantplayer | 95 | Kobe Bryant demanded and received the ball in virtually every critical late-game situation throughout his career, delivering iconic moments including game-winners against Phoenix (2006), Miami (2009), and numerous playoff daggers, while his 'Mamba Mentality' became synonymous with clutch performance and fearlessness in pressure situations. | ||
| Larry Birdplayer | 95 | Larry Bird is a locked anchor in The Closer band with legendary clutch moments including stealing the inbound pass against Detroit in 1987, countless game-winners, and a reputation as one of the most fearless and confident late-game performers in NBA history who demanded and delivered in pressure situations. | ||
| 6 | Kyrie Irvingplayer | 88 | Kyrie Irving hit one of the most iconic championship-clinching shots in NBA history (2016 Finals Game 7 three over Curry), consistently demanded and delivered in clutch moments throughout his career including multiple playoff game-winners, and is widely regarded by peers and coaches as someone who relishes and excels in late-game situations. | |
| 6 | Sam Jonesplayer | 88 | Sam Jones earned the nickname 'Mr. Clutch' from his Celtics teammates for his legendary bank shots and willingness to take critical shots in playoff moments, including numerous game-winners that helped secure multiple championships in the 1960s. | |
| 6 | Jimmy Butlerplayer | 88 | Jimmy Butler has built a reputation as 'Playoff Jimmy' with multiple iconic late-game performances in the postseason, including his 2020 and 2023 Finals runs where he consistently demanded and delivered with the ball in crunch time, earning him designed plays and universal trust from coaches despite not quite reaching the all-time closer tier. | |
| 6 | Reggie Millerplayer | 88 | Reggie Miller built a legendary clutch reputation through iconic moments like the 8 points in 9 seconds, multiple game-winners against the Knicks, and consistently demanding the ball in final possessions throughout his career, earning universal trust as a closer despite not quite reaching the Jordan/Kobe tier of multiple championship-defining shots. | |
| 6 | John Havlicekplayer | 88 | Havlicek's reputation as 'Hondo' was built on countless clutch performances including the famous 1965 steal and multiple game-winners, with coaches regularly designing late-game plays for him throughout his 16-year Hall of Fame career, earning him a place among the most trusted closers of his era just below the absolute iconic tier. | |
| 6 | Kawhi Leonardplayer | 88 | Kawhi has multiple iconic playoff game-winners (2019 Game 7 vs 76ers, 2020 Game 7 vs Nuggets) and consistently demanded the ball in clutch moments throughout championship runs, earning universal trust from coaches and peers as a go-to closer, though slightly below the all-time tier due to fewer total signature moments than Jordan/Kobe/Bird. | |
| 6 | Kevin Durantplayer | 88 | Durant has consistently been the primary option in clutch situations throughout his career with multiple game-winners (2017 Finals Game 3, countless regular season moments), elite efficiency in clutch stats, and universal trust from coaches, though his reputation sits just below the tier of players with the most iconic 'series-defining' moments like Jordan or Kobe. | |
| 6 | Dwyane Wadeplayer | 88 | Wade hit multiple iconic playoff game-winners (including the 2009 buzzer-beater vs. Golden State and crucial shots in the 2006 Finals), was Miami's primary closer throughout his prime, and earned a reputation as 'Flash' in crunch time with coaches consistently drawing up final plays for him. | |
| 14 | Stephen Curryplayer | 85 | Curry has multiple iconic playoff game-winners and clutch performances (2016 OKC, 2022 Finals), though his reputation is slightly tempered by some high-profile late-game struggles and the presence of other closers on his teams. | |
| 15 | Luka Doncicplayer | 82 | Luka consistently demands and receives the ball in clutch situations with multiple game-winners and step-back daggers in playoff and regular season moments, though his overall clutch shooting efficiency and iconic moment catalog doesn't yet reach the Jordan/Kobe/Bird tier. | |
| 15 | Rick Barryplayer | 82 | Barry was known for his fearless willingness to take and make critical shots throughout his career, including his clutch performance in the 1975 Finals where he led the Warriors to a sweep, though he lacks the volume of iconic buzzer-beaters that define the highest tier. | |
| 15 | Manu Ginobiliplayer | 82 | Ginobili was the Spurs' primary closer in their championship runs despite playing alongside Duncan and Parker, with Popovich consistently drawing up final plays for him and delivering iconic moments like the 2005 Finals dagger and countless playoff game-winners that cemented his reputation as fearless in crunch time. | |
| 15 | Carmelo Anthonyplayer | 82 | Carmelo Anthony was widely regarded as one of the league's most prolific clutch scorers during his prime, with coaches consistently drawing up isolation plays for him in late-game situations and multiple game-winners throughout his career, though he lacked the championship moments to elevate him to the iconic 'Closer' tier. | |
| 15 | George Mikanplayer | 82 | Mikan was the dominant force and go-to scorer in the BAA/early NBA Finals, leading the Lakers to five championships in six years with his willingness to demand the ball in crucial moments, though the era's lower pace and different game context places him below the modern 'Closer' tier. | |
| 15 | Trae Youngplayer | 82 | Trae Young has consistently demanded and received the ball in clutch situations throughout his career, with multiple game-winners including playoff moments against the Knicks and 76ers, earning him a reputation as someone coaches and teammates trust in final possessions despite his youth. | |
| 15 | Oscar Robertsonplayer | 82 | Robertson was known for his fierce competitiveness and willingness to take control in crucial moments throughout his career, particularly in leading the Royals to numerous close victories and orchestrating the Bucks' 1971 championship run, though he lacks the volume of iconic buzzer-beater moments that define the highest tier. | |
| 15 | Isiah Thomasplayer | 82 | Isiah Thomas was the undisputed closer for the Bad Boy Pistons with multiple iconic playoff moments including his legendary 25-point third quarter on a sprained ankle in the 1988 Finals, regularly demanding and hitting crucial shots in back-to-back championship runs, earning a reputation as one of the most fearless clutch performers of his era. | |
| 15 | Ray Allenplayer | 82 | Ray Allen hit one of the most iconic clutch shots in NBA history (Game 6, 2013 Finals) and was consistently trusted as a primary late-game option in Boston and a key closer in Miami, though he was more often the second or third option rather than the primary ball-handler in final possessions. | |
| 15 | Joe Johnsonplayer | 82 | Joe Johnson earned the nickname 'Iso Joe' specifically for his reputation as a go-to isolation scorer in clutch situations, with multiple game-winners across his career and coaches consistently drawing up late-game plays for him during his prime years in Atlanta and Brooklyn. | |
| 15 | Chauncey Billupsplayer | 82 | Billups earned the nickname 'Mr. Big Shot' for his repeated clutch performances throughout his career, particularly in Detroit's 2004 championship run and multiple playoff series, with coaches consistently drawing up final plays for him and peers acknowledging his late-game reliability. | |
| 15 | Dirk Nowitzkiplayer | 82 | Dirk was the primary clutch option throughout his career, hitting numerous game-winners including the iconic 2011 Finals performances, though his reputation sits just below the absolute elite closers like Jordan and Kobe. | |
| 15 | Allen Iversonplayer | 82 | Iverson was fearless in clutch moments throughout his career, regularly demanding and taking the final shot for Philadelphia, with memorable playoff performances including his iconic step-over of Tyrone Lue in the 2001 Finals and numerous game-winners, though he lacked the efficiency and championship success of the tier-one closers. | |
| 15 | Paul Pierceplayer | 82 | Pierce earned his 'The Truth' nickname in part through numerous clutch performances including game-winners against the Cavaliers and Lakers, was consistently the primary option in late-game situations for championship-contending Celtics teams, and delivered in high-stakes playoff moments despite some memorable misses. | |
| 15 | Magic Johnsonplayer | 82 | Magic Johnson was trusted with the ball in clutch moments throughout his career, delivering iconic plays like the junior sky hook in the 1987 Finals and numerous game-winning assists, though his reputation centers more on facilitating than shot-taking in final possessions. | |
| 15 | Devin Bookerplayer | 82 | Booker has consistently demanded and received the ball in clutch situations throughout his career, including multiple game-winners (notably his 2021 Finals performances and various regular season heroics), earning him a reputation as Phoenix's primary closer though without the iconic playoff moments that define the 90-100 tier. | |
| 31 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderplayer | 78 | SGA has established himself as OKC's primary closer with multiple game-winners and a reputation for demanding the ball in crucial moments, though his playoff sample size and iconic moments don't yet match the all-time greats in the 90-100 tier. | |
| 31 | Bill Sharmanplayer | 78 | Sharman was renowned for his ice-cold free throw shooting in pressure situations (88.3% career, leading the league multiple times) and was regularly the Celtics' go-to scorer in late-game situations during his era, earning a reputation as one of the most clutch shooters of the 1950s. | |
| 31 | Dominique Wilkinsplayer | 78 | Wilkins was a willing and capable closer who took and made big shots throughout his career, earning All-Star Game MVP with clutch plays and delivering memorable playoff moments, though he lacked the championship stage and iconic buzzer-beaters that define the highest tier. | |
| 31 | Jayson Tatumplayer | 78 | Tatum has established himself as Boston's primary late-game option with multiple playoff game-winners and clutch performances (2022 ECF Game 6 buzzer-beater vs Milwaukee, 2023 Game 1 vs Philadelphia), though his Finals struggles and occasional late-game inefficiency prevent him from reaching the elite 'Closer' tier occupied by Jordan and Kobe. | |
| 31 | Dennis Johnsonplayer | 78 | Dennis Johnson was renowned as one of the most clutch guards of his era, earning Finals MVP in 1979 for his late-game heroics and consistently being trusted with critical possessions throughout his career with Seattle and Boston, though he lacked the volume of iconic buzzer-beaters that define the absolute top tier. | |
| 31 | Tracy McGradyplayer | 78 | McGrady was known for his willingness to take and make big shots throughout his prime, including memorable game-winners and clutch performances (13 points in 33 seconds), though he lacked the deep playoff runs that would cement an elite closer reputation. | |
| 31 | Earl Monroeplayer | 78 | Earl 'The Pearl' Monroe was known for his ability to create his own shot in isolation and was frequently trusted with the ball in critical moments during both his Baltimore and Knicks championship years, though he lacks the volume of iconic buzzer-beaters that define the highest tier. | |
| 31 | Derrick Roseplayer | 78 | Rose was the primary late-game option during his MVP season and Bulls tenure, with coaches consistently drawing up plays for him in clutch moments, though his career was cut short before accumulating the volume of iconic game-winners that define the highest tier. | |
| 31 | Russell Westbrookplayer | 78 | Westbrook consistently demanded and received the ball in clutch situations throughout his prime, particularly during his MVP season and Thunder years, with coaches designing late-game plays for him despite mixed efficiency, demonstrating the willingness and trust that defines this tier. | |
| 31 | Bernard Kingplayer | 78 | Bernard King was a fearless scorer who demanded the ball in crucial moments during his prime, particularly in the mid-1980s with the Knicks where he regularly took and made game-deciding shots, earning a reputation as one of the league's most reliable closers before his devastating knee injury. | |
| 31 | Ja Morantplayer | 78 | Morant has consistently demanded and received the ball in clutch situations throughout his young career, delivering multiple game-winners and demonstrating fearless shot-taking in critical moments, though his overall clutch resume is still being built compared to the all-time greats. | |
| 31 | Joe Dumarsplayer | 78 | Dumars was the Pistons' primary closer during their Bad Boys era championships, hitting numerous clutch shots including key baskets in Finals games, and was trusted by Chuck Daly to take final possessions despite playing alongside Isiah Thomas. | |
| 31 | Pete Maravichplayer | 78 | Maravich was known for his fearless shot-making and willingness to take over games in critical moments, with coaches and teammates expecting him to carry the offensive load late despite playing on weak teams that limited his opportunities for iconic playoff moments. | |
| 31 | Elgin Baylorplayer | 78 | Baylor was known for his fearless scoring in pressure moments throughout his career, regularly taking and making crucial shots in Finals games despite never winning a championship, earning him a reputation as a go-to option in close games during the 1960s. | |
| 31 | Julius Ervingplayer | 78 | Dr. J was a proven closer in the ABA with multiple playoff game-winners and carried that reputation into the NBA, notably hitting clutch shots in the 1977 and 1983 Finals runs, though he shared late-game duties with teammates like Mo Cheeks and Andrew Toney in Philadelphia. | |
| 31 | Tony Parkerplayer | 78 | Parker hit multiple iconic playoff game-winners (2013 Finals Game 1 layup, 2006 WCF buzzer-beater) and was the Spurs' primary late-game option during their mid-2000s championships, though he shared crunch-time duties with Duncan and later Ginobili more than pure closers demanded solo possessions. | |
| 31 | Nikola Jokicplayer | 78 | Jokic has consistently been Denver's primary offensive hub in clutch situations throughout their 2023 championship run and beyond, with coaches designing late-game actions around his playmaking and scoring, though he lacks the volume of iconic buzzer-beaters that define the highest tier. | |
| 31 | Jo Jo Whiteplayer | 78 | Two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP who was known as 'Mr. Clutch' for the Celtics, regularly taking and making critical shots in playoff moments during Boston's 1970s dynasty, though his clutch reputation doesn't quite reach the iconic, transcendent level of the top-tier closers. | |
| 31 | Donovan Mitchellplayer | 78 | Mitchell has consistently been the primary option in clutch situations for both Utah and Cleveland, with multiple playoff game-winners and a reputation for demanding the ball in critical moments, though he lacks the iconic championship-defining shots of the top tier. | |
| 31 | Clyde Drexlerplayer | 78 | Drexler was a willing and capable closer for the Blazers who hit several memorable playoff shots (including the 1990 Finals Game 2 buzzer-beater and 1992 WCF heroics), though he lacked the volume of iconic moments and universal 'give him the ball' reputation of the top-tier closers. | |
| 31 | Nate Archibaldplayer | 78 | Archibald was a fearless scorer who regularly took and made critical shots during his prime, particularly in his MVP-caliber 1972-73 season, and was trusted as the primary option in late-game situations for championship-contending teams, though he lacks the iconic playoff moments of the tier above. | |
| 31 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbarplayer | 78 | Kareem possessed the most unstoppable shot in NBA history (the skyhook) and was frequently the go-to option in late-game situations throughout his prime, though he played in an era with less emphasis on individual late-game heroics and shared closing duties with Magic Johnson in his Lakers championship years. | |
| 31 | Hakeem Olajuwonplayer | 78 | Olajuwon was a reliable closer who hit multiple playoff game-winners (including the iconic 1995 series-clincher against Phoenix) and was trusted with the ball in late situations, though he operated more within the flow of offense rather than demanding isolation possessions like the top-tier closers. | |
| 31 | Anthony Edwardsplayer | 78 | Edwards has demonstrated willingness to take and make big shots in playoff moments (including game-winners against Phoenix in 2024) and regularly demands the ball in crunch time, earning trust from coaches and teammates despite his young career still building the volume of iconic moments. | |
| 31 | LaMarcus Aldridgeplayer | 78 | Aldridge was Portland's primary late-game option for years, hitting multiple series-defining shots including the 2014 playoff buzzer-beater against Houston, and consistently took and made clutch shots throughout his prime though without reaching iconic closer status. | |
| 31 | George Gervinplayer | 78 | Gervin was known as 'The Iceman' for his cool demeanor in pressure situations and regularly took and made crucial late-game shots during his scoring title years, though he lacks the iconic playoff moments of the top-tier closers. | |
| 31 | Walter Davisplayer | 78 | Walter Davis was a five-time All-Star known for his smooth shooting stroke and willingness to take big shots in Phoenix, earning him the nickname 'The Greyhound' and a reputation as a reliable closer during the Suns' competitive late 1970s/early 1980s teams, though he lacks the iconic game-winners that would elevate him to the top tier. | |
| 31 | Bob Pettitplayer | 78 | Pettit was known for his competitive fire and willingness to take big shots in crucial moments, including his legendary 50-point performance in Game 6 of the 1958 Finals to clinch the Hawks' championship, though he played in an era with less documented clutch mythology than modern stars. | |
| 31 | Bob Cousyplayer | 78 | Cousy was the primary ball-handler and decision-maker for the Celtics in clutch situations throughout the 1950s, with Red Auerbach consistently trusting him to orchestrate late-game possessions, though his era predates the modern isolation-scorer clutch archetype and his role was more facilitator than shot-taker. | |
| 31 | Walt Frazierplayer | 78 | Frazier was the Knicks' primary ball-handler and decision-maker in clutch moments during their championship runs, known for his composure under pressure and willingness to take big shots, though he operated more as a facilitator-scorer hybrid rather than a pure closer like Jordan or Kobe. | |
| 31 | David Thompsonplayer | 78 | Thompson was known for his fearless scoring ability and willingness to take over games in crucial moments during his ABA/NBA career, with coaches relying on him as a primary option in close games, though his career was cut short before he could accumulate the volume of iconic clutch moments that define the highest tier. | |
| 62 | Adrian Dantleyplayer | 72 | Dantley was an elite scorer who could get buckets in any situation and drew fouls relentlessly, but he played in an era before the modern clutch narrative and wasn't particularly known for demanding the ball in final possessions despite his scoring prowess. | |
| 62 | Moses Maloneplayer | 72 | Moses Malone was a dominant force who could score in the post late in games and earned an MVP and championship, but he was not known for demanding the ball in final-possession situations the way guards and wings typically do, and his clutch reputation centered more on relentless rebounding and physicality than iconic game-winners. | |
| 62 | Connie Hawkinsplayer | 72 | Hawkins was a supremely talented offensive player who could take over games with his athleticism and creativity, but his truncated NBA career (four seasons, ages 27-31) and the lack of deep playoff runs or widely remembered buzzer-beaters left him without the sustained clutch reputation of the 'Trusted Late' tier. | |
| 62 | Kyle Lowryplayer | 72 | Lowry hit several important playoff shots (notably the 2019 Finals) and was willing to take big moments, but was often the secondary option to DeRozan/Leonard in crunch time and lacked the consistent late-game reputation of higher-tier closers. | |
| 62 | Spencer Haywoodplayer | 72 | Haywood was a dominant scorer in his prime who could take over games offensively, but lacks the iconic late-game moments or widespread clutch reputation that would elevate him to 'Trusted Late' status alongside players like Pierce or Curry. | |
| 62 | Penny Hardawayplayer | 72 | Penny Hardaway was a talented scorer who could hit big shots during his prime Orlando years, but he was never the universally recognized closer that his teammates like Nick Anderson or later stars became, and his clutch reputation was more about all-around playmaking than demanding the final shot. | |
| 62 | James Worthyplayer | 72 | Worthy was a highly efficient Finals performer nicknamed 'Big Game James' who could deliver in crucial moments, but he operated primarily within the Lakers' system alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar rather than being the primary late-game option or demanding the final shot. | |
| 62 | Paul Arizinplayer | 72 | Arizin was a prolific scorer and two-time scoring champion in the 1950s who could deliver in important moments, but played in an era before the modern concept of 'clutch' was defined, and lacks the documented iconic game-winning shots or widespread reputation as a closer that would elevate him to the Trusted Late tier. | |
| 62 | Patrick Ewingplayer | 72 | Ewing was a reliable offensive option in clutch moments and took important shots for the Knicks, but he lacked the signature game-winners and late-game takeover reputation of the Trusted Late tier, with his teams' offensive struggles in critical playoff moments often limiting his clutch legacy. | |
| 62 | Klay Thompsonplayer | 72 | Klay Thompson has hit several memorable playoff shots (Game 6 vs OKC 2016, 60-point game) and is trusted in big moments, but he was rarely the primary option in crunch time on Warriors teams where Curry and Durant typically handled final possessions. | |
| 62 | Dave Bingplayer | 72 | Dave Bing was a skilled scorer and team leader who could deliver in important moments, but played in an era before the modern clutch narrative and lacked the iconic game-winners or widespread reputation as a closer that would elevate him to the 'Trusted Late' tier. | |
| 62 | Hal Greerplayer | 72 | Hal Greer was a reliable scorer who could hit important shots in big moments for the 76ers' 1967 championship team, but he typically deferred to Wilt Chamberlain and later Billy Cunningham in the final possessions of close games, functioning more as a secondary option than the primary closer. | |
| 62 | Mitch Richmondplayer | 72 | Richmond was a prolific scorer who could hit big shots and wasn't afraid of the moment, but he was never the primary clutch option on contending teams and lacks the iconic late-game moments or reputation that would elevate him to 'Trusted Late' status. | |
| 75 | Joel Embiidplayer | 68 | Embiid has shown ability to hit big shots in regular season moments and has taken important playoff shots, but lacks the defining clutch playoff moments or consistent late-game reputation that would elevate him to 'Trusted Late' status, particularly given visible struggles in critical playoff elimination games. | |
| 75 | Elvin Hayesplayer | 68 | Hayes was a reliable scorer who could deliver in important moments and hit big shots throughout his career, but he was not typically the primary late-game option on his championship team (that role often went to guards like Chenier) and lacks the iconic clutch reputation of higher-tier players. | |
| 75 | James Hardenplayer | 68 | Harden has hit important shots and drawn fouls in clutch moments throughout his career, but his reputation is marked by high-profile playoff struggles (0-for-13 three-point elimination games, Game 6 vs Spurs 2017) and a tendency to hunt fouls rather than create shots in the final possessions, placing him in the capable tier without the trusted closer reputation. | |
| 75 | Scottie Pippenplayer | 68 | Pippen was a capable late-game performer who could hit big shots (1994 playoffs vs. Knicks, various clutch plays) but consistently deferred to Jordan during their championship runs and never established himself as a primary closer even when given the opportunity as the Bulls' lead option in 1993-94. | |
| 75 | Dave Cowensplayer | 68 | Cowens was a fierce competitor who could deliver in big moments and hit important shots, but as a center in the 1970s he was not typically the primary late-game option with Havlicek and later Jo Jo White handling final possessions for the Celtics. | |
| 75 | Bill Russellplayer | 68 | Russell's clutch reputation centered on defensive stops and leadership rather than demanding the ball for final shots, as the Celtics' offense typically ran through Cousy, Havlicek, or Sam Jones in late-game scoring situations despite his 11 championships. | |
| 75 | Chris Paulplayer | 68 | Chris Paul has hit important shots throughout his career and is trusted with the ball in late-game situations, but lacks the iconic game-winners and 'closer' reputation of higher-tier players, with some notable playoff misses tempering his clutch legacy. | |
| 75 | Giannis Antetokounmpoplayer | 68 | Giannis has delivered crucial moments including the 2021 Finals closeout performance with 50 points, but his free-throw struggles and limited perimeter shooting mean he's rarely the designed go-to for final possession game-winners, though he's willing and has succeeded in late-game situations through drives and defense. | |
| 75 | Jack Sikmaplayer | 68 | Sikma was a skilled offensive center who could hit the mid-range shot and free throws in pressure situations, but he was rarely the primary late-game option on Sonics teams that featured guards like Gus Williams and Dennis Johnson who typically handled clutch possessions. | |
| 75 | Vince Carterplayer | 68 | Vince Carter had the athleticism and skill to hit big shots and took some memorable game-winners early in his career, but he was never consistently viewed as a primary closer and often deferred to teammates in critical possessions, particularly in his later years. | |
| 75 | Gary Paytonplayer | 68 | Gary Payton was primarily known as an elite defender and facilitator who could hit big shots when needed but was rarely the primary offensive closer on his teams, particularly during his Seattle years when Kemp, then later others handled late-game scoring responsibilities. | |
| 75 | Sidney Moncriefplayer | 68 | Moncrief was a fierce two-way player and five-time All-Star who could score in crucial moments, but he was not primarily known as a late-game closer and played in an era where his Bucks teams, while competitive, rarely had deep playoff runs that would showcase repeated iconic clutch performances. | |
| 75 | Pau Gasolplayer | 68 | Gasol was a skilled mid-range shooter and post player who could execute in clutch situations when called upon, but he typically deferred to Kobe Bryant in late-game scenarios with the Lakers and was not the primary option in crunch time throughout his career. | |
| 75 | Grant Hillplayer | 68 | Grant Hill was a versatile offensive player who could create his own shot and was trusted in important moments during his Detroit prime, but he was never specifically known as a closer or go-to clutch performer, and his career narrative centers on his all-around excellence and injury struggles rather than iconic late-game heroics. | |
| 75 | Charles Barkleyplayer | 68 | Barkley was a dominant force who could take over games but was not typically the primary late-game shot-taker on his teams, often deferring to guards in final possessions while remaining a threat in clutch moments through rebounding and drawing fouls. | |
| 75 | Willis Reedplayer | 68 | Reed was a fierce competitor and leader who could deliver in big moments (most famously Game 7 of the 1970 Finals), but he was not primarily known as a late-game shot-taker and the Knicks' offense in clutch situations often flowed through multiple players rather than isolating for Reed. | |
| 75 | Steve Nashplayer | 68 | Nash was a two-time MVP who could execute in clutch moments and hit big shots, but he was more facilitator than scorer in crunch time, often looking to set up teammates rather than demanding the final shot himself, and lacks the iconic game-winners that define higher tiers. | |
| 75 | Dolph Schayesplayer | 68 | Schayes was a reliable scorer and leader for the Nationals/76ers who could deliver in important moments, but played in an era before the modern concept of 'clutch' isolation plays, and lacks the iconic game-winning shots or widespread reputation as a closer that would elevate him to the Trusted Late tier. | |
| 75 | Chet Walkerplayer | 68 | Chet Walker was a reliable scorer and six-time All-Star who could deliver in important moments for championship teams (1967 76ers, 1970s Bulls), but he was typically the second or third option in crunch time behind players like Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer, and later Bob Love, without the defining clutch reputation or demand for last-shot opportunities that would elevate him to 'Trusted Late' status. | |
| 94 | Tim Duncanplayer | 65 | Duncan was a fundamentally sound player who could execute in clutch moments but was not known for demanding the ball or creating his own shot in final possessions, often deferring to guards like Parker or Ginobili in the Spurs' motion offense. | |
| 94 | Kevin Garnettplayer | 65 | Garnett was an elite all-around player and fierce competitor who could deliver in big moments, but he was not typically the primary offensive option in final possessions, often deferring to teammates like Paul Pierce in Boston's clutch situations despite his overall dominance. | |
| 96 | Jerry Lucasplayer | 62 | Jerry Lucas was an elite rebounder and skilled big man who could hit mid-range shots, but he was never known as a primary late-game scoring option on his championship Knicks team (that role belonged to Frazier and Reed) nor during his Cincinnati years, functioning more as a complementary piece than a go-to closer. | |
| 96 | Victor Wembanyamaplayer | 62 | Wembanyama has shown willingness to take late-game shots in his young career and possesses the skill set to be effective, but lacks the extensive track record of clutch moments and established reputation necessary to be considered a go-to closer at this stage of his career. | |
| 96 | Shaquille O'Nealplayer | 62 | Shaq was dominant in late-game situations when he had the ball near the rim, but teams often intentionally fouled him due to poor free throw shooting (52.7% career), and he neither demanded nor received the ball for final possessions the way perimeter closers did. | |
| 96 | Amar'e Stoudemireplayer | 62 | Stoudemire was a dominant offensive force in his prime but was rarely the primary ball-handler or go-to option in final possessions, typically deferring to guards like Steve Nash in Phoenix and later playing a secondary role in New York behind Carmelo Anthony. | |
| 96 | Jason Kiddplayer | 62 | Kidd was an elite floor general who could execute late-game plays and hit occasional big shots (2002 Finals, 2011 Finals role), but he was primarily a facilitator who deferred to scorers like Dirk Nowitzki in crunch time rather than demanding the ball himself. |