These ball handlers created moves now used by millions of players worldwide. With the ball on a string, they weaved through defenders as if they were on an island, perfecting their craft. Countless hours spent mastering the dribble, developing moves that were nearly impossible to guard.
Each generation took what came before and elevated it, passing down a legacy of dazzling handles. From one era to the next, the art of the crossover, behind-the-back, and spin move only got more lethal.
Muggsy Bogues, world-renowned as the greatest ball pressure defender in history, had this to say about great dribblers: “You can tell a great dribbler because they don’t need to turn their back against pressure. They’re completely comfortable with the ball.”
1) Kyrie Irving
Signature Move: Everything
Years Active: 2011-Present
Hometown: Elizabeth, NJ
High School: St. Patrick
College: Duke
He has a handle tighter than Jeseus Christ. Kyrie Irving’s handle was sensational from the start. Growing up in New Jersey, he spent years drilling fundamentals with his father, a former Boston University star, and by eighth grade, he already realized he had something special. At St. Patrick’s High School, he earned a reputation as a self-made ball-handling artist, and his one year at Duke only sharpened that craft. Irving would practice simple moves relentlessly, like crossovers, between the legs, and behind the back, then string them into complex combinations with multiple counters. He always drills backup moves so defenders can never settle on one thing. That tireless work paid off: he became the No. 1 draft pick in 2011, and his skills were further honed with the help of specialist trainer Micah Lancaster, who helped him stop on a dime and change speeds seamlessly.
On the court, Kyrie turns imagination into ankle-breaking reality. His dribble repertoire includes lightning-fast crossovers, deceptive behind-the-back wraps, and tight spins that leave defenders lurching. His style isn’t just about breaking ankles; it’s about creativity and precision, moves that are so smooth they feel almost otherworldly. Kyrie’s handles are the kind of skill future generations will marvel at and imitate. He has handles you will tell your kids about.
2) Pete Maravich
Signature Move: Yo-yo, Hang Dribble, Around the Back
Years Active: 1970-1980
Hometown: Aliquippa, PA
High School: Daniel High School
College: LSU
Pete “Pistol Pete” Maravich revolutionized ball-handling with signature moves like the yo-yo dribble, hang dribble, pound dribble, and behind-the-back flicks. At a time when dribbling was far more conservative, Maravich’s flashy and unpredictable moves set him apart. Teammates and opponents alike, including Celtics legend John Havlicek, called him “The best ball-handler of all time,” highlighting his genuine innovation and skill honed through relentless practice.
Maravich’s brilliance came from his ability to mix these dazzling moves and keep defenders guessing. His yo-yo dribble allowed him to seamlessly alter speeds and control the ball, while the hang dribble forced defenders to react to his unpredictability. His pound dribble, a precursor to Isiah Thomas’s “machine gun” dribble, showed Maravich’s deep understanding of ball-handling as a weapon, not just a control tool.
Maravich’s skill came from hours of practice. He famously spent up to “eight hours” a day refining his moves. In the late 1970s, he partnered with Celtics coach Red Auerbach for the Red on Roundball series, where he demonstrated ball-handling drills. His Homework Basketball VHS tapes, which broke down key drills like figure-8s and rapid direction changes, made his training style legendary. Maravich’s influence didn’t end when he retired; Magic Johnson even admitted borrowing the term “Showtime” from Pete’s game, showing the depth of his impact.
Maravich’s impact on future generations is undeniable. Magic Johnson, Steve Nash, and Isiah Thomas all credited Maravich for influencing their style. Bill Simmons described watching Maravich as “someone playing on a completely different plane,” praising his ability to make impossible shots and see passing angles others couldn’t. Maravich invented moves that changed the game. His unique ball-handling style paved the way for today’s NBA, proving that without him, the game wouldn't be as exciting or dynamic.
3) Isiah Thomas
Signature Move: Machine Gun Dribble, Through The Legs Crossover
Years Active: 1981-1994
Hometown: Chicago, IL
High School: St. Joseph
College: Indiana
Isaiah Thomas was a revolutionary ball handler in the 1980s, often credited for bringing a level of flair and creativity to the position that few had seen before. His machine gun dribble, a rapid-fire set of quick, successive dribbles, became iconic for its ability to freeze defenders, making it almost impossible to predict his next move. Combine that with his through-the-legs crossover and sharp spin moves, and he was a nightmare to guard. He didn’t just handle the ball; he controlled the tempo of the game.
Isaiah's creativity with the ball went beyond simple dribbling. He had an uncanny ability to change speeds and directions mid-move, allowing him to get past defenders with ease. His low, tight handle was a product of hours of practice, often done with a tennis ball or rubber bands to improve his dexterity and control. His dribbling ability was so advanced that even fellow NBA players at the time were in awe. He was often able to maneuver the ball through the tightest of spaces, leaving defenders behind without ever losing possession. Isaiah's ball handling wasn't just about breaking ankles; it was about setting up teammates and creating plays on the fly, all while maintaining the rhythm of the game.
4) Chris Paul
Signature Move: Wide Crossover - AI Crossover
Years Active: 2005–Present
Hometown: Winston Salem, NC
High School:
College: Wake Forrest
Chris Paul’s handle was a masterclass in control and deception. Early in his career, no one’s handle was more feared than CP3’s. He had a wide bag of tricks: crossovers, spins, hesitations, nutmegs, he kind of had it all. His wide crossover, often compared to Allen Iverson’s, was a signature move that allowed him to change directions swiftly, leaving defenders grasping at air. One of his most effective moves was the half spin, a deceptive maneuver that kept defenders on their toes. This move, combined with his ability to change speeds and directions, made him a nightmare to guard.
Paul's ball handling was not just about flashy moves; it was about precision and timing. He had an uncanny ability to manipulate defenders, using subtle fakes and changes in pace to create space. His low, tight dribble made it difficult for opponents to steal the ball, and his quick first step allowed him to blow by defenders with ease.
5) Jamaal Tinsley
Signature Move: Nutmeg, Cross-Spin
Years Active: 2001-2014
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
High School:
College: Iowa State
Tinsley had a deep bag full of flashy and head turning moves. The NYC Native wasn't the inventor of Nutmeg but he took the move to another level. Trae Young is the NBA current nutmeg champion. His exceptional ball-handling skills was honed on the streets of New York City before bringing them to the NBA. His streetball nickname, "The Abuser," reflected his ability to outmaneuver defenders with ease. Tinsley's signature moves included the nutmeg and cross-spin, techniques that left defenders bewildered and fans in awe.
One of his most memorable plays occurred during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he executed a flawless nutmeg on Nazr Mohammed, threading the ball between his legs and finishing with a mid-range jumper. This move showcased Tinsley's creativity and precision, earning him recognition as one of the craftiest ball handlers in the league. Beyond individual highlights, Tinsley's ball-handling was a testament to his basketball IQ and court vision. He had an innate ability to control the tempo of the game, using his dribbling prowess to create opportunities for his teammates.
6) Rod Strickland
Signature Move: Around Back to Spin,
Years Active: 1988-2005
Hometown: Bronx, NY
High School: Oak Hill Academy
College: DePaul
The godfather Rod Strickland, the Bronx-born point guard, was a ball-handling wizard whose creativity on the court was unmatched. Known for his lightning-quick crossovers, behind-the-back spins, and precise passes, Strickland spent 17 seasons turning defenders into pretzels. Despite his reputation as one of the most underrated guards in NBA history, his flashy style often flew under the radar. Strickland’s handles were a product of his New York City roots, where he perfected his craft on the playgrounds of the Bronx. His ability to break down defenders with fluid dribbling and change of pace made him one of the toughest point guards to guard.
Strickland’s most memorable move was the around-the-back spin. He would whip the ball behind his back, slip through a defender’s grasp, and finish with a creative shot off the glass. This move, combined with his deadly crossovers and court vision, allowed him to open up opportunities not just for himself, but also for his teammates. His ball handling was so tight that defenders like Muggsy Bogues, known for his own pesky defense, remarked that you could tell Strickland was special when he never had to turn his back to them. The ball was always on a string, making him nearly untouchable. Strickland’s legacy, though, extends beyond his personal highlight reels. His dribbling wizardry laid the groundwork for future point guards like Kyrie Irving, who has openly acknowledged Strickland as a major influence on his own ball-handling style.
Although Strickland never earned an All-Star selection, his impact on the game is undeniable. He may not have a championship or the flashy accolades of some of his peers, but his craft elevated the point guard position to new heights. His style was about more than just breaking ankles — it was about control, creativity, and changing the tempo of the game. Strickland’s influence on modern ball handlers like Kyrie Irving, who has often been compared to him, solidifies his place as one of the greatest to ever handle a basketball. For fans who love the art of dribbling, Strickland remains a cult hero, the godfather of handles, who set the stage for today’s flashy playmakers.
7) Stephen Curry
Signature Move: Double Crossover
Years Active: 2009-Present
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
High School: Charlotte Christian School, Charlotte, NC
College: Davidson
Stephen Curry’s ball handling starts with exceptional close control. He keeps the ball low and uses fingertip dribbles to make tiny adjustments that force defenders into mistakes. His in‑and‑out dribble and hesitation moves create just enough space for him to rise into a pull‑up jumper from anywhere on the court.
He never relies on a single move. Curry strings together crossovers, spins, and between‑the‑legs dribbles in rapid succession often finishing the sequence with a sudden burst of speed that leaves defenders flat‑footed. His double crossover is a signature weapon, changing direction twice in the blink of an eye before exploding toward the rim or stepping back for a three‑point shot.
What truly sets Curry apart is the combination of his mental processing and his preparation. He reads defenders’ posture and spacing like a chess grandmaster, using subtle fakes to bait them before making his move. Behind every highlight reel is a training regimen of endless ball‑handling drills and conditioning that ensures he can break ankles late in games when everyone else is tired.
8) Trae Young
Signature Move: Nutmeg, Crossover, Hesi, Spin
Years Active: 2018 - Present
Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK
High School: Norman North High School
College: Oklahoma
Trae Young, at just 5'11", has taken the NBA by storm with his dynamic ball-handling skills. Known for his flashy moves and impressive court vision, Young's signature techniques include the nutmeg, crossover, hesitation (Hesi), and spin. His creativity and quickness have made him one of the most electrifying ball handlers in the modern game, earning him a spot as one of the youngest on this list.
One of Young's most effective moves is the nutmeg, where he slips the ball through an opponent’s legs to regain possession on the other side. The crossover is another weapon in his arsenal, using lightning-fast changes of direction to throw defenders off balance. His hesitation dribble (Hesi) is perfect for pausing defenders just long enough to make his move, while his spin move gives him an extra layer of unpredictability to get by defenders with ease.
Young’s ball-handling brilliance is evident in how he consistently pulls off these moves in real-game scenarios. His mix of creativity, speed, and technical skill makes him one of the standout ball handlers of the modern NBA.
9) Jamal Crawford
Signature Move: Shake n Bake Around The back
Years Active: 1999-2021
Hometown: Seattle, WA
High School: Rainer Beach High School
College: Michigan
Crawford has millions of tricks as he spent more than two decades dazzling defenses with his creative handles. From his days at Rainier Beach High School in Seattle through his collegiate career at Michigan and into a fourteen‑team NBA tour that lasted from 1999 to 2021, Crawford’s bag of tricks was unrivaled. His most famous move, the “Shake n Bake Around the Back,” was born from a mishandled dribble he turned into art. As he explained on the Knuckleheads podcast, a moment of clumsiness became one of the most original moves in basketball history. The Shake n Bake is highly effective because it forces defenders to react quickly to a series of fakes and sudden stops. The combination of misdirection, sudden changes in pace, and the low ball control makes it difficult for defenders to predict what’s coming next.
Crawford combined that signature move with an endless array of crossovers, between‑the‑legs dribbles, hesitation fakes, and step‑backs. He kept the ball low and tight, baiting defenders to reach before exploding in the opposite direction. His ability to string together multiple moves in a single sequence made him nearly impossible to predict. Teammates and opponents alike marveled at how he could break ankles and create space in traffic. Young generations studied his footwork, timing, and confidence, seeking to emulate the way he turned every dribble into a scoring opportunity. With endless creativity and a deep bag of tricks, Jamal Crawford remains one of the most inventive ball handlers the game has ever seen.
10) Calvin Murphy
Signature Move: Wide Crossover
Years Active: 1968-1985
Hometown: Elizabeth, NJ
High School:
College: Niagra
Standing just five‑nine, Calvin Murphy turned his size into an advantage by mastering the art of ball control and misdirection. His signature wide crossover began with a deceptively slow dribble to one side, baiting defenders into leaning in, before he snapped the ball across his body with a sweeping motion that left them off balance. The move created enough separation for Murphy to burst past his opponent or rise into a mid‑range jumper.
Murphy’s handle was rooted in precision. Decades before specialized training became common, he spent hours refining fingertip control and footwork. Those skills translated into a dynamic court presence: defenders never knew whether he would attack the rim, pull back for a jumper, or pivot into another crossover sequence. His ability to change direction on a dime made him one of the most unpredictable guards of his era.
Beyond basketball, Murphy was a world‑class baton twirler, a discipline he credited with enhancing his hand‑eye coordination and rhythm. He won a national baton title as an eighth grader and continued performing even during his NBA career. That background in showmanship and precise hand skills helped him develop a ball‑handling repertoire that inspired generations of players who saw how creativity and control could overcome any physical disadvantage.
11) Allen Iverson
Signature Move: Wide Crossover - AI Crossover
Years Active: 1997-2011
Hometown: Hampton, VA
High School: Bethel High School
College: Georgetown
Allen Iverson, the 6-foot guard from Hampton, Virginia, revolutionized ball-handling in the NBA with his unmatched speed and skill. Known for his killer crossover, Iverson took Tim Hardaway’s UTEP two-step to the next level. He wasn’t just a scorer; he was a footwork and dribbling machine. His signature wide crossover, often referred to as the "AI Crossover," was deadly and left defenders slipping and falling more than anyone in league history. Iverson’s moves were so quick that if you overplayed him, you were liable to break your ankle. His hesitation dribble, paired with his lightning-fast first step, made him nearly impossible to guard. He changed direction in an instant, leaving defenders grasping at air, always one step behind.
One of Iverson’s most iconic moments came during a game against Michael Jordan, where he crossed him over twice in a split second, leaving the legend on the floor. The crossover on Jordan became a defining highlight of Iverson’s career, cementing his status as a ball-handling legend. Iverson’s ability to shift gears with such fluidity and speed left defenders in the dust. Even Jordan, after being crossed, admitted that Iverson’s move was something special. His ball-handling wasn't just about breaking ankles; it was about precision, timing, and leaving his mark on the game. Iverson’s crossover and footwork reshaped how the game was played and influenced countless players who followed in his footsteps. For those who witnessed it, Iverson's handle remains one of the most creative and unstoppable in NBA history.
12) Rafer Alston
Signature Move: Skip To my Lou
Years Active: 1999-2012
Hometown: Queens, NY
High School: Cordoozo
College: Fresno State
Rafer Alston, also known as "Skip To My Lou," revolutionized ball handling and helped bring a new level of focus to the skill. His signature move, the "Skip To My Lou," became iconic, gaining widespread popularity through the AND1 Mixtape Tour. Alston's flashy style of play and streetball flair brought an unprecedented level of creativity and excitement to the NBA. His ability to combine intricate crossovers, quick changes of direction, and mesmerizing dribbling skills allowed him to navigate defenses in ways few could replicate. When the And1 Mixtape Volume 1 reached cult level status it was Alston who gave the world something they had never seen before.
13) Tim Hardaway
Signature Move: UTEP 2-Step
Years Active: 1987-2002
Hometown: Chicago, IL
High School: Carver High School
College: UTEP
Tim Hardaway brought the original “killer crossover” to the NBA with his trademark UTEP 2‑Step. He’d lull defenders to sleep with a slow, deliberate dribble—two bops that felt harmless—then suddenly thrust the ball across his body and blow by in one swift motion. That change of pace and direction was so effective it became a staple for every generation of guards that followed.
Hardaway’s mastery of the 2‑Step came from endless repetition at UTEP and a relentless focus on footwork. He learned to read a defender’s weight shift and time his explosion to absolute perfection. On the court, that meant defenders were often flat‑footed before he even turned on the jets. His move wasn’t just about speed—it was about rhythm, balance, and deception all working in concert.
As a five‑time All‑Star and leader of the Golden State Warriors’ “Run TMC” era, Hardaway showed how a single crossover could flip a game. Players like Allen Iverson, Derrick Rose, and Kyrie Irving have all cited the UTEP 2‑Step as inspiration, proving that Hardaway’s legacy lives on every time someone crosses up their man and steps into history.
14) Nate "Tiny" Archibald
Signature Move: Crossover, Around the Back,
Years Active: 1967-1982
Hometown: Bronx, NY
High School: DeWitt Clinton
College: UTEP
Standing just 6'1" but playing with the confidence of a giant, Nate Archibald brought streetball flair from the Rucker courts straight into the NBA. His lightning‑quick crossover and smooth around‑the‑back dribble allowed him to shred defenses in transition and in the half‑court alike. As a teenager he competed against pros at Brooklyn USA and on the summer Rucker Tournament—where he was named MVP in 1971—before turning pro. That playground seasoning gave him a fearless edge: defenders never knew whether he’d explode for a drive, pull up for a jumper, or thread a no‑look pass.
Archibald’s on‑court résumé is unparalleled: in 1972–73 he became the first (and to date only) NBA player to lead the league in both scoring (34.0 ppg) and assists (11.4 apg) in the same season. His combination of blazing speed, crafty handles, and unerring court vision set the template for generations of guards—from Tim Hardaway to Allen Iverson to Kyrie Irving—who trace their stylistic lineage back through Earl Monroe and Pistol Pete Maravich to Archibald’s Bronx roots. Often overlooked in all‑time point guard discussions, “Tiny” Archibald remains one of the game’s most inventive ball handlers and a true pioneer of modern guard play.
15) Jason Williams
Signature Move: Hesitation Crossover, Around The Back
Years Active: 1999-2012
Hometown: Belle, WV
High School: Dupont high School
College: Marshall - Florida
"White Chocolate" brought unprecedented flair to NBA ball handling from 1999 through 2012. Standing out even among high‑octane guards, he mastered the hesitation crossover and the around‑the‑back dribble, using each not only to beat defenders but to set up teammates. Williams’ handles were less about scoring and more about creating magic on the court. Whether he was slowing the defense with a casual pause or whipping the ball behind his back, every move felt like a surprise pass in waiting.
Williams honed his craft at Dupont High School before refining it at Marshall and Florida, and his street‑inspired creativity translated perfectly to the pros. He routinely baited defenders into over‑committing, then threaded no‑look feeds or slick bounce passes through narrow windows. His ability to combine show‑stopping dribbles with unselfish vision made him a pioneer of playmaking artistry. For Williams, every crossover wasn’t just a move—it was an invitation for teammates to finish the play.
16) Steve Nash
Signature Move:Hesi Cross, Change of Pace,
Years Active: 1996–2015
Hometown: Victoria, Canada
High School: St. Michaels University School
College: Santa Clara
Steve Nash was known for his incredible ball-handling and basketball IQ. His signature moves, including the hesitation cross and his ability to change pace seamlessly, made him one of the most elusive point guards of his era. Nash’s craftiness with the ball allowed him to weave through defenses, making difficult plays look effortless. His ability to slow down and then explode with a quick change of pace kept defenders off balance, and his vision and passing made him one of the best facilitators in NBA history.
He gained that handle partly through his dedicated hours of dribbling a tennis ball nonstop while at Santa Clara.
Nash’s dazzling handles and elite court awareness helped him earn back-to-back MVP awards in 2005 and 2006. His leadership, combined with his exceptional ball-handling, transformed the Phoenix Suns into one of the most potent offensive teams of the 2000s.
17) Derrick Rose
Signature Move: AI Crossover, Hesitation
Years Active: 2008-2022
Hometown: Chicago, IL
High School: Simeon
College: Memphis
Known for his explosive first step and hesitation crossover, moves that made him a nightmare for defenders. One of his most memorable highlights occurred during a game where he made Tyreke Evans fall with a wicked hesitation crossover move, showcasing his incredible control and unpredictability. His ability to change speeds and directions quickly made him nearly impossible to guard, particularly in his MVP season. His agility and strength left defenders at a constant disadvantage.
18) Steve Francis
Signature Move: Under the knee crossover,
Years Active: 1999-2008
Hometown: Washington, DC
High School: N/A
College: Maryland
Steve Francis was known for his flashy ball-handling ability, and one of his signature moves was the under-the-knee crossover. This move became his trademark, allowing him to keep defenders off balance with his quick changes of direction. Francis had exceptional speed and creativity with the ball, which made him a nightmare for defenders throughout his career. His flashy style and scoring ability made him one of the most dynamic point guards in the NBA during the early 2000s.
19) Darius Garland
Signature Move: Hesitation, Crossover
Years Active: 2019-Present
Hometown: Gary, IN
High School: Brentwood Academy
College: Vanderbilt
Garland's ball-handling prowess is often highlighted in various highlight reels and training sessions, showcasing his quick twitch movements and deceptive dribbling. His performances have garnered attention from basketball enthusiasts and analysts alike, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's premier ball handlers. One of the quickest crossovers the league has ever seen.
20) Rajon Rondo
Signature Move: Show-n-Go, Fake Around The Back, Reverse Through The Legs
Years Active: 2006-2019
Hometown: Lousville, KY
High School: Oak Hill Academy
College: University of Kentucky
Rajon Rondo’s ball-handling was one of the most underrated aspects of his game, allowing him to break down defenses and control the tempo of the game with ease. Standing at 6'1", Rondo used his agility, quickness, and deceptive dribbling to navigate through crowded defenses. His handles weren’t flashy for the sake of it; they were calculated, efficient, and often designed to set up his next move or create a scoring opportunity for his teammates. Rondo had an uncanny ability to keep defenders off balance with an unpredictable mix of low dribbles and sharp crossovers, combined with his elite court vision.
What truly set Rondo apart was his ability to handle the ball in tight spaces, something that many point guards with more traditional builds struggled with. Whether it was using his Show-n-Go to freeze defenders, faking a behind-the-back pass to shift his defender’s position, or using his reverse through-the-legs dribble to maintain control while changing direction, Rondo’s ball-handling kept opponents guessing at all times. His skill in these areas was a key reason he was able to lead offenses and break down defenses in ways few players could replicate during his era.
21) Ja Morant
Signature Move: Spinmove, Crossover
Years Active: 2019-Present
Hometown: Dalzell, SC
High School: Crestwood High School
College: Murray State
His signature moves include the spin move, which he uses to change directions in a flash, and the hesitation dribble, which he uses to freeze defenders before driving to the basket. He can break ankles with his change of pace, and his explosive first step lets him blow by defenders with ease.
22) Kenny Anderson
Signature Move: Spinmove, Crossover, Around The Back Crossover
Years Active: 1991-2005
Hometown: Queens, NY
High School: Archbishop Molloy
College: Georgia Tech
Kenny Anderson was a ball-handling prodigy who grew up in the heart of New York City. His high school years were legendary, where his skills on the court were second to none. He became a household name with his dazzling moves, including his signature spin, crossover, and the deceptive around-the-back crossover..
One of his most memorable moments came in college when he broke down Bobby Hurley on a triple around the back crossover. His vision, quickness, and handles made him one of the most exciting point guards of the ‘90s.
23) Baron Davis
Signature Move: Around The Back, Double Crossover, Hesitation, Boom Diddy
Years Active: 1999-2012
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
High School: Crossroads
College: UCLA
Baron Davis was known for his unique blend of power, speed, and exceptional ball-handling. His game was characterized by his ability to seamlessly combine explosive quickness with a physical edge, making him a force on the court. His signature moves, including the double crossover and hesitation dribble, allowed him to break down defenders with ease.
During his time in the NBA, Davis was one of the most dangerous point guards in the league. His agility and creativity on the ball made him a standout playmaker and a nightmare for defenders, capable of changing the flow of a game in an instant. Whether it was running the offense or breaking down defenses with his signature moves, Davis’s ball-handling ability was among the best during his prime years.
24) Deron Williams
Signature Move: Double Crossover
Years Active: 2005-2016
Hometown: Dallas, TX
High School: The Colony High School
College: Illinois
Similar to Baron Davis, Williams had excellent size, strength, and quick dribbling, which allowed him to navigate past defenders with ease. His signature move, the double crossover, was a testament to his ball-handling prowess and deceptive quickness.
Throughout his career, Williams's ability to control the game with his dribbling and playmaking was unparalleled. He could break down defenders, set up teammates, or score on his own, making him one of the most complete point guards of his era. His strength and ability to change direction quickly kept defenders on their toes, and he could seamlessly shift between power and finesse to create opportunities.
25) Kemba Walker
Signature Move: Hesitation Crossover, Double Crossover, Spinmove
Years Active: 2011-2024
Hometown: Bronx, NY
High School: Rice High School
College: UCONN
Kemba Walker earned the nickname "E-Z Pass" and "Flashdash" on the streetball courts of New York City due to his electrifying moves and lightning-fast play. His signature hesitation crossover allowed him to freeze defenders and create separation in the blink of an eye. One of his most iconic moments came during the 2011 Big East Tournament, where his game-winning shot became legendary and is still replayed every March. Walker's combination of quickness, creativity, and clutch ability made him one of the most exciting point guards to watch during his career.
BONUS - Penny Hardaway
Signature Move: Spinmove, Reverse Spin
Years Active: 1993-2008
Hometown: Memphis, TN
High School: Treadwell
College: Memphis
Our pick for the best ball handler over 6'5" is Penny Hardaway, and it's not even close. Forget Magic Johnson, Paul George, Tracy McGrady, and Kevin Durant, Hardaway was on a different level. In his prime with Orlando, he handled primary point guard duties, something no other big guard can truly claim. Despite being hounded by defenders much shorter than him, Penny's unique mix of size and ball-handling skill set him apart. If you're looking for the best ball handler at 6'5" or above, it's Penny Hardaway, hands down.
Honorable Mention Best NBA Ball Handlers Ever
Stephon Marbury, Magic Johnson, Nick Van Exel, Luka Doncic, Guy Rodgers, James Harden, Tracy McGrady, Paul George, Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Clyde Frazier, LaMelo Ball, Lamar Odom, Mugsy Bouges, Brandon Jennings, Ricky Rubio, Earl Boykins, Tyreke Evans, Kevin Durant, Grant Hill, Joe Johnson, Jason Kidd, Tony Parker, Kevin Johnson, Cade Cunningham, Terrell Brandon, Earl Monroe, Brevin Knight, Donovan Mitchell, Dwayne Wade