Who Has the Best Handles in the NBA?

min read
Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball during a game against the Los Angeles on November 25, 2023.
(Wikimedia Commons/Erik Drost)
Sameer Kumar @S_Kumar2 Sep 01, 2024, 6:37 PM
  • Kyrie Irving hit the game-winning 3-point shot in the 2016 NBA Finals.
  • Stephen Curry has the most 3-pointers in NBA history.
  • Kevin Durant was the 2014 NBA MVP.

Stars like Allen Iverson and Kyrie Irving have boosted their teams’ championship basketball odds while delivering some of the nastiest crossovers in the history of the NBA.

Their mixtapes leave NBA betting enthusiasts in awe, wondering how it’s possible to perform such wizardry while maintaining possession of the ball.

Let’s take a look at the best ball handlers in the NBA today.

Who Has the Best Handles in the NBA?

RankPlayerTeam
1Kyrie IrvingDallas Mavericks
2Stephen CurryGolden State Warriors
3Trae YoungAtlanta Hawks
4Ja MorantMemphis Grizzlies
5De'Aaron FoxSacramento Kings
6Damian LillardMilwaukee Bucks
7Luka DončićDallas Mavericks
8Donovan MitchellCleveland Cavaliers
9Kevin DurantPhoenix Suns

Best Handles in the NBA Right Now

1. Kyrie Irving — Dallas Mavericks

Kyrie Irving’s ability to keep the ball on a string and his ankle-breaking drives to the rim have led to some of the most electrifying finishes in NBA history. His hang time and ambidexterity allow him to switch hands midair, creating just enough space to finesse the ball into the basket.

Uncle Drew is also a master of the spin move, hesitation, and behind-the-back dribble, smoothly navigating through traffic and creating space off the dribble. His sidestep motion is particularly effective for getting his shot off, a skill that helped him sink arguably the biggest shot in league history during Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.

Irving’s dribbling wizardry has usually been likened to art throughout his career.

2. Stephen Curry — Golden State Warriors

Stephen Curry is the greatest shooter of all time, but he wouldn’t have shattered records, including the NBA’s all-time 3-point record, without mastering the ability to cross up defenders and keep a live dribble between his legs to create just enough separation.

The Chef’s dribbling prowess, combined with his constant threat from beyond the arc, also opens up driving lanes, allowing him to get to the rim for easy finishes.

The two-time MVP has helped the Golden State Warriors own great online sports betting championship odds throughout his career, which helped him earn four rings.

3. Trae Young — Atlanta Hawks

Trae Young is incredibly shifty with the ball, regularly crossing up defenders and either blowing past them to the rim or hitting a stepback jumper.

He’s also not afraid to dribble the ball through an opponent’s legs — much to the frustration of many defenders over the years.

Ice Trae’s long-distance treys only serve as icing on the cake.

4. Ja Morant — Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant’s ability to weave through the defence with his behind-the-back dribble makes him a constant threat to attack the rim, leading to many spectacular dunks and layups. 

Morant’s aerial pursuits have made him one of the most popular players in the NBA today.

5. De’Aaron Fox — Sacramento Kings

De’Aaron Fox’s blazing speed, crossover, and knack for changing pace on a dime create countless opportunities for finishes at the rim and midrange shots.

6. Damian Lillard — Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard is renowned for his range extending to the logo and his numerous clutch shots throughout his career, with his crossover regularly helping him shake off defenders.

Lillard also leverages his dribble and speed to attack the defence, converting many of his drives into dunks and layups.

7. Luka Dončić — Dallas Mavericks

Luka Dončić’s ball fakes frequently leave defenders mesmerized, creating ample space for him to attack the rim or pass to an open teammate.

If you press up on him, Dončić can also respond with a crossover, setting himself up for a stepback 3-pointer.

8. Donovan Mitchell — Cleveland Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell’s shiftiness, combined with his innate crossover, speed, and footwork, provides him with the runway needed to attack the rim, resulting in many exciting dunks and layups.

9. Kevin Durant — Phoenix Suns

Kevin Durant is the smoothest scorer to ever play the game, but his automatic jumper wouldn’t be possible without his lethal crossover, which often leaves opponents with broken ankles.

It’s incredibly rare for a near 7-footer to handle the ball and drive to the rim with the same frequency as the 2014 NBA MVP.

About the Author

Sameer Kumar

Read More @S_Kumar2

Sameer Kumar is an NBA writer for BetMGM who specializes in providing analysis on player performance and telling stories beyond the numbers. He graduated from SUNY Oswego with a B.A. in Broadcasting & Mass Communication.

Sameer Kumar is an NBA writer for BetMGM who specializes in providing analysis on player performance and telling stories beyond the numbers. He graduated from SUNY Oswego with a B.A. in Broadcasting & Mass Communication.