Flashy dunks are fun, and showy passes are exciting, but there’s nothing that can make your jaw drop more than a skillful handle in an NBA game.
We’ve seen Stephen Curry pull off insane off-the-dribble threes and James Harden executes a perfect step back off the handle many times, but none of them compare to what Kyrie Irving does as a ball handler. Even LeBron James thinks he is the best.
The Dallas Mavericks guard has left many elite defenders in his wake many times in his 12-year NBA career. Although Curry and Harden are great ball handlers, Irving is more innovative, pulling off moves that leave fans wondering, “How did he do that?”
Creative ball handling is necessary for guards in today’s NBA, especially if the opponent is deploying athletic defenders who cut off every point of attack. Irving can destroy any defender off the dribble and can pull off fadeaway, which is aided by his incredible footwork, per CBS Sports.
He can also comfortably finish around the rim with both hands, and he rarely gets blocked because of his stupendous acrobatic ability and timing.
Irving is arguably the best dribbler in NBA history. It is hard to argue against that.
LeBron James’s compliments Irivng
James and Irving played together as members of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The duo helped the Cavaliers pull off the greatest comeback in NBA history. They erased a 1-3 deficit to win the 2016 NBA title, with both players excelling.
Therefore, James has seen Irving up close and knows how devastating his handle can be.
James was reacting to a tweet by @JohnnyHSD that said: “This has nothing to do with his ‘all-time ranking’ but this is the best player with the ball in his hands we’ve ever seen.”
James is one of the best players in the history of the NBA; therefore, that carries a lot of weight coming from the 38-year-old. Kevin Durant also said he always gets hyped when watching highlights of Irving and Michael Jordan.
Irving lands shoe deal
Sports Brief earlier reported that Irving landed a five-year endorsement contract with sportswear brand ANTA.
The landmark deal also makes the guard the Chief Creative Officer at the Chinese company. A11Even, which is the Mavs star’s management company, negotiated the blockbuster deal.