20 Famous Left-Handed Basketball Players

20 Famous Left-Handed Basketball Players

Coordination, finesse, and strategic acumen are paramount in basketball, and that is why left-handed players have etched an enduring imprint on the sport. Their distinctive influence is rooted in a natural advantage, catching defenders off-balance through their unorthodox approach.

With an ability to seamlessly traverse the court, exploit unforeseen angles, and unleash unpredictable shots, they consistently captivate both defenders and spectators.

From their captivating ball-handling to pinpoint passes, these athletes have steadfastly showcased that their left-handedness is not a constraint, but a unique attribute that distinguishes them.

In a predominantly right-handed landscape, these players have confronted challenges head-on to elevate their performance on the court. Their southpaw orientation introduces an intriguing layer to their playing style, a factor that magnifies their impact.

As we celebrate their prowess and legacy, let us find out the accomplished left-handed basketball players who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

1. Bill Russell

Here, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 Bill Russell was left-handed which made him a dominant center for the Boston Celtics in the 1960s, winning 11 NBA championships. His defensive prowess was unmatched, evidenced by his impressive career average of 22.5 rebounds per game. Additionally, he displayed solid scoring skills, with an average of 15.1 points per game.

In addition, Russell was selected for the All-Star team 12 times and won MVP honours in the 1963 All-Star game.

11 times, including three times as a first-team selection, Russell was named to the All-NBA team. Russell is tied for second all-time with five MVP awards earned throughout his career.

2. David Robinson

Ken Hackman, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 David Robinson was left-handed. He was a 7’1″ centre who played for the San Antonio Spurs from 1989 to 2003. He was a 10-time All-Star, two-time NBA champion, and the 1995 NBA MVP.

Robinson emerges as one of the best centres of all time, capable on both ends of the floor. He averaged 3 blocks, 2.5 assists, 1.4 steals, and 21.1 points per game throughout his 14-year career. Furthermore, he had a free-throw shooting percentage of 73.6 per cent and a field-goal percentage of 51.8 per cent.

His talent and impact were recognized, and he was named to ten All-Star games. Robinson was also named Rookie of the Year in 1990 and Defensive Player of the Year in 1992. He was also named to the All-NBA squad 10 times, four of which he started. 

3. Lamar Odom

Bridget Samuels from College Park, MD, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 Lamar Odom was a left-handed versatile forward who played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Miami Heat during his NBA career. He was a two-time NBA champion and the 2011 NBA Sixth Man of the Year.

Odom’s left-handedness was a major asset to his game. He was a very good passer and rebounder, and his left-handedness made it difficult for opponents to defend him. He was also a very good free-throw shooter, which was unusual for a forward.

4. Chris Mullin

Chris Mullin was a left-handed shooting guard who played for the Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, and Sacramento Kings during his NBA career. Between the 1985–86 and 1996–97 seasons, he was a member of the Warriors.

Mullin continued his career with the Indiana Pacers, playing for them from 1997 through the 1999–2000 campaign.

Having played for his original team, the Warriors, he retired following the 2000–01 season. He was included in the third Team (1990), Second Team (1989 and 1991) and First Team (1992) of the All-NBA.

5. James Harden

FanDuel, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

James Harden is a left-handed shooting guard who plays for the Philadelphia 76ers. He is one of the NBA’s most prolific scorers and has earned the title of finest shooting guard in the league. The Oklahoma City Thunder selected Harden as the third overall choice in the 2009 NBA Draft.

Then, while playing with the Thunder, he was named “NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year” in 2012. This was because Harden had helped the team reach the finals after losing in five close games to the Miami Heat. 

Famously dubbed, the beard, Harden’s talent is undeniable but there are some details about his life that you need to know. Here are some interesting facts about James Harden.

6. Manu Ginobili

Manu_Ginóbili.jpg: Mike from Orlando, FLderivative work: Edgars2007, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Manu Ginobili is a left-handed Argentine professional basketball coach and former player who played 16 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is celebrated as one of the league’s greatest shooting guards and sixth men and is considered the greatest Latin American player of all time.

A significant highlight of his career was leading Argentina to a gold medal in the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics.

Over his impressive 23-year professional journey, he achieved a rare feat, becoming one of only two players (along with fellow Hall of Famer Bill Bradley) to have won a EuroLeague title, an NBA championship, and an Olympic gold medal.

7. Gail Goodrich

The Sporting News Archives, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 Gail Goodrich was a left-handed shooting guard who played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns during his NBA career. He was a five-time NBA All-Star and a two-time NBA champion.

During the 1971-72 season, he was a key figure in the Lakers’ 33-game winning streak, which was an NBA record at the time.

He guided the Lakers to their first championship since moving to Los Angeles. In 1996, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

8. Toni Kukoč

Jeramey Jannene from Milwaukee, WI, United States of America, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Toni Kukoč is a left-handed Croatian former professional basketball player who played 16 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is a three-time NBA champion, a two-time NBA All-Star, and the 1996-97 NBA Sixth Man of the Year.

He was a natural left-hander, and he used his left hand for everything, including shooting, dribbling, and passing.

9. Nick Van Exel

Nick Van Exel is a left-handed former NBA point guard who played for 13 seasons. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 1993 NBA draft.

Van Exel was a very good shooter, both from the field and the free-throw line.  Van Exel’s left-handedness was a major asset to his game. It made it difficult for opponents to defend, and it also gave him a unique shooting stroke.

Van Exel was a very good shooter, both from the field and the free-throw line. He was also a very good passer, and his left-handedness made it difficult for defenders to predict where he was going to pass the ball.

10. Lenny Wilkens

Malcolm Emmons, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Lenny Wilkens was a left-handed point guard who played for the St. Louis Hawks, Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Portland Trail Blazers during his NBA career. He was a nine-time All-Star and the 1971 All-Star Game MVP.

Wilkens’s left-handedness was a major asset to his game. It made it difficult for opponents to defend, and it also gave him a unique shooting stroke. 

11. Jalen Rose

Crankoline, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Jalen Rose, a left-handed ex-professional basketball player who currently serves as a television analyst, boasts a 13-season NBA career with the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, and Phoenix Suns.

His left-handed orientation significantly enriched his playing style, rendering him a challenging adversary to guard against. Moreover, it bestowed him with an exclusive shooting technique that set him apart on the court.

12. Willis Reed

New York Knicks, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Willis Reed, characterized by his left-handedness, stood as a 6’9″ power forward during his tenure with the New York Knicks from 1964 to 1974.

He secured a remarkable seven NBA All-Star appearances and clinched five All-NBA selections, including a prestigious spot on the first team in 1970. This standout year also saw him being crowned the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Twice, in 1970 and 1973, Reed celebrated NBA championship victories, with the added distinction of being named NBA Finals MVP on both occasions. In 1982, his stellar career led to his induction into the esteemed Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Notably, Reed’s name graces both the NBA’s 50th and 75th-anniversary teams, underscoring his indelible mark on the sport. He is among the best NBA players from the 70s.

13. Zach Randolph

unknown, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Zach Randolph, known for his left-handedness, is a retired NBA power forward with a lengthy 17-season career. He was selected in the first round of the 2001 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.

Over his professional journey, he contributed to five different teams. His time with the Memphis Grizzlies led to an All-NBA Third Team distinction in 2011.

Randolph also made impactful appearances for the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Sacramento Kings, concluding his career with his retirement in December 2019.

14. Tayshaun Prince

Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tayshaun Prince is a left-handed former NBA small forward who played for 14 seasons. He was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 2002 NBA draft and went on to win a championship with the team in 2004.

15. Scottie Pippen

Sea Cow, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Scottie Pippen is a left-handed retired American professional basketball player who played 17 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls during his 17-year career.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Pippen, regarded as one of the all-time great small forwards, worked closely with Michael Jordan to elevate the Bulls to championship status and to spread NBA culture around the world.

Pippen was chosen to the NBA All-Defensive First Team eight years in a row, as well as the All-NBA First Team three times. He was voted All-Star Game MVP in 1994 after appearing in seven NBA All-Star Games.

16. Julius Randle

Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Julius Randle, recognized for his left-handed style, serves as a professional basketball athlete competing for the New York Knicks within the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Garnering distinction, he holds a double NBA All-Star title and claims membership in the All-NBA Team on two occasions. A notable achievement includes his reception of the NBA Most Improved Player Award in the year 2021.

17. De’Aaron Fox

Bandai Namco Entertainment America, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

De’Aaron Fox, distinguished for his left-handed prowess, competes as a professional basketball athlete representing the Sacramento Kings within the National Basketball Association (NBA).

His prominence surged in 2023, marked by his inaugural selection to the All-Star Game and All-NBA Team.

Adding to his accolades, he clinched the debut Clutch Player of the Year Award, and his leadership propelled the Kings to their first postseason appearance since 2006.

18. Domantas Sabonis

Augustas Didžgalvis, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Domantas Sabonis is a left-handed Lithuanian-American professional basketball player who plays for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is a three-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Team in 2023.

He is known for his versatility and ability to score, rebound, and pass. In 2023, he led the Kings to the third seed in the Western Conference and helped them break their NBA record 17-year playoff drought.

19. Zion Williamson

Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Zion Williamson, who has distinguished himself as one of the most anticipated talents in recent NBA drafts, has astounded the NBA community with his remarkable ability.

He is known for playing basketball with a powerful left hand and excels at the power forward position. Williamson distinguished himself right away after being selected by the Pelicans as the first overall selection in the 2019 NBA Draft.

He won a berth on the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2020, and in 2021, he was chosen for the NBA All-Star Game at the fourth-youngest age ever because of his great talent.

There is more to Zion than what meets the eye and that is why we present to you some of the most interesting details about the Pelicans star. Find out about these facts by clicking here.

20. Ben Simmons

All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ben Simmons is ambidextrous. He can use both hands equally well. However, he shoots and dribbles with his left hand. He also prefers to finish around the rim with his right hand.

Simmons’s ambidexterity is a rare trait in basketball. It gives him several advantages, including the ability to change his shooting hand on the fly and the ability to dribble past defenders with either hand.

However, it also comes with some disadvantages, such as the need to practice with both hands equally to maintain his shooting consistency. Overall, Simmons’s ambidexterity is a valuable asset to his game. It allows him to be more unpredictable.

So you know it is not only basketball players that are left-handed but there is an extensive list of individuals who are lefties. Find out some of the famous people who are left-handed here.