Haters and casual fans that are not familiar with NBA basketball wouldn’t consider it a contact sport. Anyone that’s experienced high-level basketball, they know that couldn’t be further from the truth. Although the NBA is known for their high-flying dunks, aerial artistry and highlight handles, it is also a league to some of the most physically dominant athletes on the planet. 

The NBA’s Strongest Players in 2023

The NBA in 2023 features a dynamic mix of established stars known for their strength, size, density and muscle. Live bet online plays an important role in helping us put together this list. While every player in the league has to be strong to a certain extent, we wanted to list out the NBA’s strongest players. The most durable, the most physical, the current iron men of the NBA.

Zion Williamson 

Zion Williamson, often dubbed a “human bulldozer” for his ability to attack the basket with extraordinary leaping ability for a player his size. Zion has taken the league by storm with his incredible athleticism and density. When he’s not injured, Zion’s size, strength and speed at 6’7″ and weighing 284 pounds, is scientifically a force to be reckoned with. Zion puts together these physical abilities like no player before him. Zion just doesn’t look strong, he is strong.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

While Antetokounmpo doesn’t look like a player that is one of the league’s strongest, there’s no doubt that the two-time league MVP is. The way Giannis goes hard to the rim, you have to be strong. You don’t average over 26 points per game over the last six seasons without grown man strength. Physically he doesn’t resemble Shaquille O’Neal (no doubt, one of the NBA’s strongest players of all-time), but the way that players foul Antetokounmpo to stop him has many referring to The Greek Freak as a modern-day Shaq.

LeBron James 

LeBron James is the NBA’s ageless wonder and remains a force to be reckoned with. At 38 years old, you can’t play professional sports at such a high level without a natural strength and body density that can withstand season after season of intense basketball play. And The King continues to display remarkable strength and durability. At 6’9″ and 250 pounds, LeBron’s combination of size and basketball IQ allows him to dominate on both ends of the court, making him a perennial top ten player (well, most of the time).

Joel Embiid 

Joel Embiid, a dominant force in the paint for the Philadelphia 76ers and one of the last players in the league that is the most like a traditional center. Embiid is THICK. He stands at an imposing  7’0″ and weighs 280 pounds; all this becomes apparent when Joel decides to play bully ball. His combination of size, footwork, and strength makes him a formidable presence both offensively and defensively. Embiid’s ability to score in the low post and protect the rim is a game-changer for the 76ers.

Nikola Jokic

Let’s just be honest here: Nikola Jokic doesn’t look stereotypically strong. On the contrary, the two time MVP looks kinda chubby. There’s no definition in his arms. His body shape doesn’t scream out professional athlete. The lack of definition gives us the impression he hasn’t put in work his entire life. However the reality is, the 7-0 center from Serbia is a load. He uses his wide body to create separation, rebound, and carve out space near the basket. When you’re up against 284 pounds of premium Serbian basketball player, even the toughest and strongest NBA players have a hard time. That’s called strength.

The Lithuanian center for the New Orleans Pelicans isn’t fast. He doesn’t have handles. And you’re not going to see him jump very high, but Valanciunas has been one of the league’s better centers for over a decade. One of the biggest factors why Valanciunas has been able to stay in the league is his ability to rebound and score in the paint. If you’ve ever watched Jonas play, you know he doesn’t shy away from contact; in fact he thrives on it with career averages of 13.5 points and 9.5 rebounds. Coupled with Zion, the Pelicans have one of the strongest teams in the league (making up for Brandon Ingrams wiry frame).

Deandre Ayton 

Deandre Ayton, the 7’1″ center for the Portland Trailblazers, has steadily developed into one of the NBA’s strongest players. Watching the graceful Ayton play, you wouldn’t think that he is one of the strongest players in the league, but when he’s in the paint, you can see how helpless defenders are against him. While he prefers to shoot mid-range jumpers (efficiently), DeAndre’s size, combined with an improving skill set, makes him a vital piece of the Blazers’ success. Ayton’s strength allows him to dominate the glass and finish plays around the rim.