Allen Iverson has seen just about every move in the book, but when it comes to ball handling, two names stand above the rest. The NBA legend says Kyrie Irving and Stephen Curry are on another level, praising Kyrie’s ability to “toy with people” and Steph’s rare mix of handles and limitless shooting.
“Irving’s got the best,” said Iverson. “Steph, his jumper will get him over a lot because when he crosses half court, he can let it go. He’s got the best handles ever. Kyrie will have you beat and bring it back, and play with it. He’ll toy with people.”
Interestingly, Shaquille O’Neal had a different answer to the question, giving a mention to Jason Williams.
“Where does my boy, White Chocolate, fall into that? That’s who I would say has the best handles ever,” said O’Neal.
Ball handling is a very important skill in the NBA, especially for point guards who are tasked with running the offense and setting up plays for teammates. There have been many elite ball handlers in NBA history, including Allen Iverson, who was known for his signature ankle-breakers. There’s also the iconic Magic Johnson, who had unmatched flash and efficiency with the basketball.
For Iverson, though, Kyrie Irving is the pinnacle of handles in the NBA. He’s a magician with the ball in his hands, often using quick dribbles to create space and get off clean shots. Irving toys with and abuses defenders, tricking them into going one way while he goes another.
With career averages of 23.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, Irving has the numbers to match such a status, and he also has the resume as an NBA champion and nine-time All-Star. Still, O’Neal isn’t ready to recognize his place as the GOAT ball handler.
He picked Jason Williams instead, AKA White Chocolate, who played from 1998 to 2011. Unlike Irving, Williams was never an All-Star in his career, but he was known as a high-level facilitator who led the Kings during their most successful era. He will always be known as one of the best and flashiest passers ever, but when it comes to controlling the basketball, it’s hard to top Irving.
Irving’s fluid, unpredictable movements make him impossible to guard, and fans constantly praise his unparalleled ability to score at will. Of course, at 33 years old, Kyrie is facing one of the toughest challenges of his career. After tearing his ACL in March, the road to recovery is long, but he’s already back in the gym and building up his strength.
If Irving can return this season and get back into his prime form, it may be enough to convince Shaq where he stands on the All-Time handles hierarchy. For now, all he can do is bide his time until he’s healthy once again.
Ball-handling debates in the NBA will never end, but Iverson’s word carries weight as someone who embarrassed countless defenders himself. Whether it’s Kyrie’s wizardry, Steph’s blend of dribbles and deep shooting, or even Jason Williams’ flash, the conversation shows how much artistry has defined the point guard position across generations.
