The Greatest Dribblers in NBA History
The Best Dribblers in NBA History
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is home to some of the greatest athletes ever to play the game.
From legendary scorers to shutdown defenders, the NBA has seen an incredible array of talent, including some amazing ball handlers.
Kyrie Irving - great shooter and amazing dribbler
Dribbling is an art form specific to the game of basketball, and a few players stand out as the greatest dribblers in NBA history.
In this article, read about the 5 greatest dribblers in the history of NBA.
1. Allen Iverson
During his time in the NBA, Iverson was a master of the crossover dribble.
His famous move was known as the “Ankle Breaker” and it left defenders helpless as he drove to the basket.
During his career, he was well-known for his lightning-fast speed and unparalleled dribbling skills. He played 14 seasons in the NBA, mostly for the Philadelphia 76ers, and was a 10-time NBA All-Star.
Iverson's ability to dribble through defences and score points made him one of the most feared players on the court. Iverson was a four-time scoring champion and made 11 All-Star appearances.
What set Iverson apart was his ability to dribble the ball at high speeds, often switching directions and breaking ankles in the process.
His crossover dribble was one of the most lethal moves in basketball, and he used it to great effect throughout his career.
Iverson's aggressive and dynamic style of play made him a fan favourite, and his legacy as one of the greatest dribblers of all time is cemented in NBA history.
He was also the league’s MVP in 2001, and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
2. Tim Hardaway
Hardaway famously invented the “killer crossover” move.
He was a five-time All-Star and made the All-NBA First Team in 1997.
Hardaway was an incredible ball handler, and his ability to break down defenders was unrivalled. His signature move is one of the most iconic in basketball history.
Hardaway's dribbling skills were characterised by his ability to change direction quickly and unexpectedly, leaving defenders off-balance and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
His signature move, the "UTEP two-step," involved a quick stutter step followed by a crossover, allowing him to get past defenders and into the paint.
One of the reasons that Hardaway's dribbling skills were so effective was his use of both his right and left hands.
He was ambidextrous, meaning he could dribble with either hand equally well, making it difficult for defenders to anticipate his moves.
In addition to his crossover and UTEP two-step, Hardaway was also known for his behind-the-back and between-the-legs dribbling moves.
These flashy moves not only helped him get past defenders but also made him one of the most entertaining players to watch on the court.
Top NBA dribbler Tim Hardaway
3. Kyrie Irving
Irving is one of the most decorated players in the league, having won four MVP awards and leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to an NBA Championship in 2016.
Irving is known for his incredible ball-handling skills, and he has a signature move called the “Uncle Drew,” which is a combination of the crossover, step-back and spin move.
Irving's dribbling style is a mix of finesse and power, allowing him to break through defences and create space for his shots.
His handles are so good that he has even been compared to some of the greatest dribblers in NBA history, such as Allen Iverson and Tim Hardaway.
Irving's ability to control the ball with precision and speed has made him one of the most exciting players to watch on the court.
In addition to his impressive ball-handling skills, Irving also has excellent vision and passing ability.
He is able to find open teammates with precision and accuracy, making him a valuable asset to any team.
4. Steve Nash
Nash was a two-time MVP in 2005 and 2006 and a 7-time All-Star. He was known for his incredible court vision and his ability to break down defenders with his dribble.
Nash had an unorthodox style, but it was highly effective.
One of Nash's signature moves was his hesitation dribble, which he used to freeze defenders and create space for himself or his teammates.
He was also known for his behind-the-back dribbling, which he used to navigate through traffic and set up scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Nash was particularly effective at using his dribbling skills to create opportunities in transition.
He was a master at pushing the ball up the court and using his speed and agility to evade defenders and find open teammates.
His ability to control the ball and create scoring opportunities in the open court made him a dangerous offensive weapon for any NBA team he played for.
Overall, Steve Nash's dribbling skills were a major part of what made him such a dynamic and effective player on the court.
His ability to control the ball and create opportunities for himself and his teammates set him apart as one of the greatest point guards of all time.
He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
5. Jason Williams
Williams was also known as "White Chocolate," a highly skilled ball-handler and one of the most entertaining players in NBA history.
He was known for his flashy, unorthodox dribbling style, which included behind-the-back passes, no-look passes and hesitation moves.
Williams was particularly effective at using his dribbling skills to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
He was a master at setting up his teammates for easy baskets, often using his dribbling to draw defenders out of position before making a quick pass.
Williams was also known for his ability to create his own shot off the dribble.
He had a quick first step and was able to get past defenders with ease, using his dribbling skills to keep them off-balance.
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