Best Ball Handlers in NBA History: Masters of Dribbling and Control
In the history of the NBA, ball handling has been one of the most critical skills that separate the good players from the great ones. The ability to control the ball, navigate through defenses, and create opportunities for teammates is an art form mastered by only a few.
These players have dazzled fans with their creativity, precision, and flair, making ball handling one of the most exciting aspects of the game. This list celebrates the 10 best ball handlers in NBA history, highlighting their unique skills and impact on the game.
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Table of Contents
#10: Magic Johnson (1979-1991, 1996)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’9″, 215 lbs
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers
Magic Johnson revolutionized the point guard position with his exceptional ball-handling skills, especially for a player of his size. Known for his extraordinary vision, Magic’s ability to handle the ball allowed him to orchestrate the Lakers’ fast-paced “Showtime” offense.
His no-look passes, behind-the-back assists, and control in transition made him one of the most entertaining and effective ball handlers in NBA history. Magic’s combination of size, skill, and creativity set the standard for all point guards who followed.
#9: Jamal Crawford (2000-2019)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 185 lbs
Teams: Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets
Jamal Crawford, known for his dazzling dribbling skills, is one of the most creative and entertaining ball handlers in NBA history. With his signature crossover and smooth handles, Crawford often left defenders guessing and off-balance.
His ability to break down defenses one-on-one made him a prolific scorer off the bench, earning him three NBA Sixth Man of the Year awards. Crawford’s flair and confidence with the ball made him a fan favorite throughout his lengthy NBA career.
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#8: Jason Williams (2000-2013)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 190 lbs
Teams: Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat
Jason Williams, often known as “White Chocolate,” brought a streetball flair to the NBA with his incredible ball-handling skills. Known for his flashy passes and jaw-dropping dribbling moves, Williams was a highlight reel every time he stepped on the court.
His ball-handling ability allowed him to make no-look passes, behind-the-back assists, and other creative plays that captivated fans and confused defenders. Williams’ style of play made him one of the most unique and exciting players of his era.
#7: Tim Hardaway (1989-2003)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 175 lbs
Teams: Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers
Tim Hardaway was known for his “UTEP Two-Step,” a killer crossover move that became one of the most iconic dribbling moves in NBA history. His quick handles and ability to change direction on a dime made him a nightmare for defenders.
Hardaway’s ball-handling skills allowed him to create space for his shot and set up teammates, making him a prolific scorer and playmaker. His crossover remains one of the most feared and respected moves in the game.
#6: Pete Maravich (1970-1980)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 197 lbs
Teams: Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Jazz
Pete Maravich, nicknamed “Pistol Pete,” was one of the original ball-handling wizards in the NBA. Known for his flashy style, Maravich dazzled fans with his behind-the-back passes, dribbling exhibitions, and incredible court vision.
His ball-handling skills were ahead of his time, allowing him to perform moves that were rarely seen in the NBA during his era. Maravich’s creativity with the ball made him one of the most exciting players of his time, and his influence on ball-handling is still felt today.
#5: Chris Paul (2005-Present)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 175 lbs
Teams: New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs
Chris Paul, known as “CP3,” is one of the most technically sound ball handlers in NBA history. His precise control, quick dribble moves, and ability to protect the ball make him a nightmare for defenders.
Paul’s ball-handling skills allow him to orchestrate the offense effectively, creating space for his shot or setting up teammates with pinpoint passes. His combination of dribbling and court vision has made him one of the best point guards of all time, consistently leading the league in assists and steals.
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#4: Isiah Thomas (1981-1994)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 180 lbs
Teams: Detroit Pistons
Isiah Thomas was one of the most skilled and fearless ball handlers in NBA history. As the leader of the Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boys” era, Thomas used his exceptional dribbling skills to navigate through defenses and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
His ability to change direction with ease and his tight handles made him nearly impossible to guard one-on-one. Thomas was a two-time NBA champion and a Finals MVP, with his ball-handling being a key component of his success.
#3: Stephen Curry (2009-Present)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 185 lbs
Teams: Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry has redefined the point guard position with his incredible ball-handling skills and shooting range. Known for his quick, tight dribble and ability to change direction seamlessly, Curry’s handles allow him to create his own shot from anywhere on the court.
His ability to dribble through defenses, combined with his lethal shooting, makes him one of the most difficult players to guard in NBA history. Curry’s ball-handling has been a key factor in his success, leading the Golden State Warriors to multiple championships.
#2: Allen Iverson (1996-2010)
Position: Shooting Guard / Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 165 lbs
Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies
Allen Iverson, known as “The Answer,” was one of the most electrifying ball handlers in NBA history. His lightning-quick crossover, famously dubbed the “killer crossover,” became a signature move that left defenders scrambling.
The move involved a rapid change of direction, where Iverson would fake one way before quickly crossing the ball to the other hand, often leaving his defender off-balance. Iverson’s ability to break down even the toughest defenses made him one of the most unstoppable one-on-one players in NBA history, and his influence on the game remains unmatched.
#1: Kyrie Irving (2011-Present)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 195 lbs
Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks
Kyrie Irving is widely regarded as the best ball handler in NBA history, known for his exceptional control, creativity, and ability to maneuver through defenders with ease. His godfather, former NBA player Rod Strickland, was also known for his elite ball-handling skills, and Kyrie inherited and refined those skills to an unparalleled level.
Irving’s dribbling ability allows him to navigate tight spaces, break down defenders, and finish at the rim with both finesse and power. A defining moment in his career came during the 2016 NBA Finals, where his clutch dribbling and iconic game-winning three-pointer in Game 7 secured the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first championship, forever etching his name in NBA history.
Irving’s ability to mesmerize defenders with his handles continues to captivate fans and inspire the next generation of players.
