The players with the 10 best handles in NBA history have mesmerized fans and embarrassed defenders with elite ball control. Great ballhandlers change games by creating space, beating traps, and controlling tempo. Their dazzling dribbling turns tough matchups into highlight reels and impacts every possession.
Elite handles aren’t just flashy – they’re effective tools that shift defenses and generate scoring opportunities. These players keep defenders off balance and open lanes for teammates. Because of their creativity, they often influence NBA picks and player props.
From quick crossovers to tight spin moves, their dribbling is both art and strategy. Some used speed, while others relied on rhythm and misdirection. All of them mastered the ball under pressure and excelled in isolation.
Whether it’s a legendary street move or a clutch playoff drive, these ballhandlers created unforgettable moments. They combined flair with fundamentals and never lost control. Each player on this list used their handle to dominate and entertain.
Their ball skills helped shape modern basketball and inspired generations of players. These are the floor generals and iso kings who left defenders frozen. Let’s count down the elite artists who truly had the best handles in NBA history:
Chris Paul: The “Point God” Commands the Rock
Career Stats: 17.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 9.2 APG; 47.0 FG%, 37.0 FG3%, 87.1 FT%
Notable Achievements: 1x NBA Rookie of the Year (2005-06), 12x NBA All Star, 21x All-NBA selections
Chris Paul ranks 10th on the list of the 10 Best Handles in NBA History because of his control, precision, and consistency. The “Point God” uses tight crossovers, hesitation dribbles, and quick direction changes to control tempo and create space.
He never relies on flashy moves. Instead, he uses efficient dribbling to set up teammates or get to his spots. This poise makes him one of the most reliable ballhandlers ever. His ability to protect the ball in pressure situations sets him apart.
Paul often uses hesitation moves to freeze defenders, then pulls up for a jumper or finds an open teammate. As one of the all-time NBA assist leaders, his handles fuel his playmaking ability. He reads defenses quickly and uses dribble moves to manipulate defenders.
Throughout his career, Paul has consistently broken presses, navigated tight defenses, and set the pace for elite offenses. Whether in pick-and-roll or isolation, his handle remains dependable and sharp.
While he may not have the flashiest style, Paul’s handles are among the smartest and most effective. For his skill, vision, and spot among NBA assist leaders, Chris Paul earns the 10th spot on this elite list.
Tim Hardaway: Master of “The Killer Crossover”
Career Stats: 17.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 8.2 APG; 43.1 FG%, 35.5 FG3%, 78.2 FT%
Notable Achievements: 5x NBA All-Star, 6x All-NBA selections
Tim Hardaway ranks 9th on the list of the 10 Best Handles in NBA History because of his signature crossover and speed. He developed one of the most feared moves in basketball – “The UTEP Two-Step” or the “Killer Crossover”. This lightning-fast crossover left defenders stumbling and fans amazed.
Hardaway used his handle to explode past defenders and control the pace of the game. He combined quick footwork with low dribbles and sharp changes in direction. His crossover became his trademark and a nightmare for opposing guards.
He used both hands equally well, keeping defenders guessing and off balance. His ability to stop on a dime and accelerate created separation with ease. Whether in transition or half-court, Hardaway controlled the tempo using dribble moves.
In his prime, Hardaway consistently broke down defenses and created shots for himself and teammates. He averaged over 8 assists per game for his career. His tight handles helped him dominate matchups and initiate offense effortlessly.
Though others brought flash, Hardaway’s crossover was all business. It worked every time and never lost its edge. For his explosiveness, creativity, and iconic move, Tim Hardaway earns the 9th spot among the players with the best handles in NBA history.
Jamal Crawford: J Smoove’s Shifty Shimmies Made Him a Must-Have Sixth Man
Career Stats: 14.6 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 3.4 APG; 41.0 FG%, 34.8 FG3%, 86.2 FT%
Notable Achievements: 3x NBA Sixth Man of the Year
Jamal Crawford ranks 8th on the list of the 10 Best Handles in NBA History because of his creativity, flair, and isolation skill. Crawford made defenders look silly with lightning-quick crossovers, behind-the-back moves, and jaw-dropping hesitation dribbles.
He was unpredictable with the ball, constantly changing rhythm to keep defenders guessing. His handles created endless space, allowing him to hit deep jumpers or drive past opponents with ease. Crawford’s flashy style turned every possession into a highlight opportunity.
Though he often came off the bench, Crawford played like a starter. He won the NBA Sixth Man award three times. His instant offense and killer crossover made him one of the most feared scorers in the league.
He often used spin moves, ankle-breaking crossovers, and fake-outs to destroy defenders in isolation. Few players could handle the ball with such smooth control and balance. Crawford was equally dangerous in tight spaces or open court situations.
He scored over 19,000 career points, mostly thanks to his ability to create off the dribble. Defenders knew what was coming but couldn’t stop it.
Jason Williams: White Chocolate Brought Streetball Swag
Career Stats: 10.5 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 5.9 APG; 39.8 FG%, 32.7 FG3%, 81.3 FT%
Notable Achievements: 1x NBA Champion (Miami Heat, 2006), 1x All-NBA selection
Jason Williams ranks 7th on the list of the 10 Best Handles in NBA History due to his flash, creativity, and precision. “White Chocolate” stunned defenders and fans with no-look passes, spin moves, and behind-the-back crossovers.
He used flair to disguise his next move, keeping defenders completely off balance. His dribbling style was unpredictable, yet highly controlled. Williams frequently made risky plays look effortless, thanks to his elite ball-handling and quick hands.
He combined streetball flash with NBA-level court vision, turning fast breaks into showtime performances. His handles opened up passing lanes and spacing opportunities. Though flashy, his handles were rooted in strong fundamentals and timing.
Williams often used hesitation dribbles, stutter steps, and sudden crossovers to freeze defenders. He kept the ball low and used both hands with confidence. He thrived in open-court situations, creating magic in transition or isolation.
Though he never made an All-Star team, his style changed how fans viewed point guard play. He brought entertainment without sacrificing effectiveness. Williams made highlight reels part of his daily routine.
James Harden: The Beard Cooks with Crossovers and Step-Backs
Career Stats: 24.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 7.2 APG; 43.9 FG%, 36.2 FG3%, 86.1 FT%
Notable Achievements: 1x MVP, 1x Sixth Man of the Year, 3x NBA scoring champion (2018-2020), 11x All-Star, 8x All-NBA selections
James Harden ranks 6th on the list of the 10 Best Handles in NBA History because of his control, deception, and scoring ability. Harden’s signature step-back three-pointer begins with elite ball-handling that freezes defenders. He uses hesitation dribbles, crossovers, and jab steps to create separation with ease.
Harden is patient and deliberate with his dribble, making defenders guess constantly. He controls pace better than almost any modern guard. His ability to change speeds while keeping his dribble tight sets him apart from most players.
Though not the flashiest, his handle is surgical and effective. He keeps the ball low, protects it well, and attacks with purpose. Harden can break down defenders one-on-one and consistently gets to his spots with minimal wasted motion.
As one of the best NBA shooting guards, Harden combines scoring and playmaking, using his handle to unlock both. He creates passing lanes and draws double-teams with ease. His dribbling fuels his step-back jumper and drives to the basket. This made him a great candidate for NBA player props during his prime, since he offers instant offense.
“Pistol” Pete Maravich: A Magician with the Basketball
Career Stats: 24.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.4 APG; 44.1 FG%, 66.7 FG3%, 82.0 FT%
Notable Achievements: 5x NBA All-Star, 5x All-NBA selections
Pete Maravich ranks 5th on the list of the 10 Best Handles in NBA History because of his flair, control, and imagination. “Pistol Pete” turned dribbling into performance art. He used behind-the-back moves, spin dribbles, and lightning-quick crossovers with ease.
Maravich grew up mastering the ball, often practicing hours a day with creative drills. That dedication made his handling second nature. He used fakes, misdirection, and sudden changes of pace to confuse defenders and slip through tight gaps.
His ball control allowed him to pass from impossible angles, often without looking. Maravich made fast breaks unpredictable and exciting. Even in half-court sets, he could create offense out of nothing with just his dribble.
Though he played before the three-point era, Maravich still dazzled as a scorer and playmaker. He averaged 24.2 points and 5.4 assists per game. His handle opened up space for himself and others, keeping defenders on their heels.
He brought streetball flair to the NBA while maintaining elite effectiveness. Fans came to watch the show, and he delivered every time.
Isiah Thomas: Tight and Lightning-Quick Crossovers
Career Stats: 19.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 9.3 APG; 45.2 FG%, 29.0 FG3%, 75.9 FT%
Notable Achievements: 2x NBA Champion, 1x NBA Finals MVP (1990), 1x NBA Rookie of the Year (1981-82), 12x NBA All-Star, 6x All-NBA selections
Isiah Thomas ranks 4th on the list of the 10 Best Handles in NBA History because of his quickness, balance, and fearlessness. Thomas had one of the tightest handles ever, combining speed and finesse to control any defender in front of him.
He used crossovers, spin moves, and hesitation dribbles to glide through defenses with ease. His ability to shift direction instantly made him nearly impossible to trap. Thomas also dribbled low and strong, protecting the ball under pressure.
Despite being undersized, he drove into traffic and finished against bigger defenders. His ball-handling gave him total command of the court. He could set up teammates or create his own shot effortlessly.
During playoff runs, Thomas’ dribbling repeatedly shifted NBA odds in Detroit’s favor. He carried the offense through defenses using only his footwork and handle. His control in crunch time helped Detroit win back-to-back championships.
Thomas averaged 19.2 points and 9.3 assists per game over his career. His handle played a key role in his success. He broke full-court pressure, ran fast breaks, and executed in isolation. Isiah Thomas was fearless with the rock, blitzing by defenders for a shot, or a clever pass to his teammates.
Stephen Curry: Chef Curry Isn’t Just About Shooting
Career Stats: 24.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.4 APG; 47.1 FG%, 42.3 FG3%, 91.1 FT%
Notable Achievements: 4x NBA Champion, 1x NBA Finals Champion, 2x NBA MVP, 11x NBA All-Star, 11x All-NBA selections
Stephen Curry ranks 3rd on the list of the 10 Best Handles in NBA History because of his creativity, quickness, and control. Curry’s elite ball-handling allows him to create space for his shot from anywhere on the floor. He uses crossovers, hesitations, and behind-the-back dribbles to freeze defenders.
His dribble combinations flow smoothly, helping him navigate tight defenses with ease. Curry often strings multiple moves together to break down any defender. He stays low, keeps the ball tight, and reacts quickly to pressure.
Because of his handle, defenders must guard him well beyond the three-point line. That constant threat opens up driving lanes and passing options. His handles perfectly complement his scoring, making him one of the best NBA shooters of all time.
Curry’s handles allow him to shoot in rhythm off the dribble, even from 30 feet. His step-backs and side-steps are made possible by tight control and balance. He breaks traps and double-teams with minimal effort.
He also thrives in isolation, using misdirection and tempo changes to shake defenders. Curry’s combination of ball-handling and shooting changed how the game is played. Curry’s innovation, control, and status as the best NBA shooters of all time, ranks him 3rd on this list.
Allen Iverson: Unapologetically The Answer
Career Stats: 26.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.2 APG; 42.5 FG%, 31.3 FG3%, 78.0 FT%
Notable Achievements: 1x NBA MVP, 1x NBA Rookie of the Year (1996-97), 11x NBA All-Star, 8x All-NBA selections
Allen Iverson ranks 2nd on the list of the 10 Best Handles in NBA History because of his speed, creativity, and fearlessness. Iverson’s lightning-quick crossover became legendary, freezing even the league’s best defenders. His handle was tight, explosive, and unpredictable.
He used sharp crossovers, hesitations, and spin moves to break down opponents in isolation. Iverson kept the ball low and close, giving defenders little chance to steal it. He attacked the basket fearlessly, using his handle to create space.
Iverson famously crossed over Michael Jordan as a rookie, instantly proving he belonged. His handle became his trademark and biggest weapon. He constantly shifted direction and tempo, keeping defenders on their heels every possession.
Despite his size, Iverson led the league in scoring four times. His handle opened up driving lanes and mid-range shots. He used his dribble to escape double-teams and pressure defenses with ease.
Iverson often carried the offensive load, using his handle to create opportunities for himself and teammates. He thrived in high-pressure moments and embraced contact. Every move had purpose and style. Iverson’s fearlessness and handles earns him second place on this list.
Kyrie Irving: Kai Has the Best Handles in NBA History
Career Stats: 23.7 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 5.6 APG; 47.4 FG%, 39.4 FG3%, 88.8 FT%
Notable Achievements: 1x NBA Champion, 1x NBA Rookie of the Year (2011-12), 9x NBA All-Star, 4x All-NBA selections
Kyrie Irving tops the list of the 10 Best Handles in NBA History because of his unmatched control, creativity, and precision. Irving’s ball-handling is smooth, instinctive, and impossible to predict. He uses crossovers, spin moves, hesitations, and fakes with perfect timing and balance.
Irving dribbles equally well with both hands, making it hard for defenders to force him in any direction. He constantly changes pace, direction, and angles while maintaining full control. His footwork and hand coordination work in perfect sync.
No matter the defender or situation, Irving finds a way to create space. He often gets to the rim with ease despite tight coverage. His handles are not just flashy – they are functional and devastatingly effective.
In isolation or clutch moments, Irving remains calm and poised. He famously used his handle to create the game-winning shot in the 2016 NBA Finals. Few players can dribble in traffic or finish around the rim like him.
He combines streetball flash with NBA efficiency, making his handles both entertaining and unstoppable. Irving’s control, balance, and unmatched creativity, makes him the player with the best handles in NBA history.
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