I mean, let's talk about some of the most talented ball handlers in NBA history. Seriously, guys like Kyrie Irving take the art of dribbling to a whole new level. With his insane handles, it's not just about getting to the basket; it's about making defenders look utterly ridiculous while doing it. Remember that game where he dropped 57 points against the Spurs? Watching him cut through defenses feels like witnessing a master sculptor at work. You can't help but appreciate the magic, especially when he’s clocking in with a stellar 90% free throw percentage as of the last season. That’s just efficiency on top of flash.
Then, there's Allen Iverson, the guy who practically invented the modern crossover. Back in the late '90s and early 2000s, he was the face of gritty, relentless offense. You could almost feel the arena vibrate when he crossed up Michael Jordan—that’s a historical moment. It's not just nostalgia; his moves were revolutionary. Iverson averaged 26.7 points per game over his 14-year career, a stat that tells you how effective his handles were. Plus, he did all this while being only 6 feet tall in a league filled with giants. Talk about overcoming size limits with pure skill and agility.
Stephen Curry’s handles need no introduction. Sure, he's known for his insane three-point shooting, but people often overlook how his dribbling skills get him those open looks. In the 2015-2016 season, he made 402 three-pointers—incredible. His quick, efficient dribbling allows him to create just enough space to let off those lightning-fast release shots. You watch him live, and it’s like, blink, and you’ll miss it. The way he controls the ball can be likened to a video game character on turbo mode.
Remember Jamal Crawford? A true Sixth Man of the Year, twice, to be exact. He’s like the Houdini of the hardwood with his ball-handling magic. Crawford’s between-the-legs crossovers and behind-the-back maneuvers are legendary. One of my favorite moments is his four-point play highlights. Not many players can turn a seemingly impossible situation into a scoring opportunity quite like him—seriously, that's some next-level stuff. He’s crafted a reputation not just as a scorer but as an entertainer.
Chris Paul, also known as the Point God, has handles that are so tight; it's like watching a high-wire act. He’s not the flashiest, but he's undoubtedly one of the most efficient. Throughout his career, Paul has maintained a near 4-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, which is no small feat when you consider how much he handles the ball. He orchestrates the offense with precision, always seeming to find the right angle or the perfect moment to execute a dribble move that leaves his defender flat-footed.
And who can forget Magic Johnson? Okay, he might not leap to mind as a ball-handling wizard, but let's be real; he was doing things with a basketball that seemed otherworldly, especially for a guy who stood at 6'9". His no-look passes and ability to control the tempo of the game were something else. Back in the '80s, when the NBA was experiencing a boom in popularity, Magic was at the forefront, dazzling fans with his unique combination of size, vision, and incredible dribbling acumen. He had career averages of 11.2 assists per game. That’s nuts when you think about it.
Even newer faces like Ja Morant are starting to carve out their place in this conversation. Morant’s rookie season in 2019-2020 was nothing short of spectacular, averaging 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game. His vertical leap is jaw-dropping, and his handles allow him to navigate through defenses like he’s slicing through butter. Watching him gives you that nostalgic feeling of observing the start of something potentially legendary. It’s quite exhilarating. Young, quick, and incredibly decisive, his future looks extraordinarily bright.
So, when talking epic NBA ball handlers, these performers aren't just playing basketball; they're creating an art form that captivates millions, myself included. They make you want to lace up a pair of sneakers and hit the nearest court, even if you know you can never pull off what they do effortlessly. If you’re as captivated by their skills as I am, check out arena plus for some amazing highlights and more.