15 Best Signature Moves in NBA History

15) Manu Ginóbili – The Eurostep

Manu turned a crafty two-step into one of the deadliest weapons in the league. The Argentine legend popularized the Eurostep in the NBA, weaving past defenders with his unpredictable footwork and off-angle finishes. Now a staple in every scorer’s bag.

14) Jamal Crawford – The Shammgod

While God Shammgod invented it, Jamal made it a streetball art form on NBA courts. The exaggerated crossover with a hard push out and quick snatch-back left defenders stumbling. Few could do it with Crawford’s flair and smooth handle.

13) Patrick Ewing – Baseline Turnaround Jumper

The Knicks' franchise center made a living on that baseline fadeaway. Ewing would catch it on the block, fake middle, then spin baseline and knock down a high-arcing jumper over stretched arms — money in the clutch.

12) Tim Duncan – Bank Shot

It wasn’t flashy, but it was lethal. “The Big Fundamental” turned simple glass shots into a signature. From 15 feet out, at a perfect angle, Duncan’s bank shot became an unguardable, automatic bucket in halfcourt sets.

11) Hakeem Olajuwon – The Dream Shake

One of the prettiest post moves in NBA history. Hakeem would fake one way, pivot the other, maybe throw in another shimmy, and leave defenders frozen while he floated in a soft hook or jumper. Pure poetry in the paint.

10) Dirk Nowitzki – One-Legged Fadeaway

A 7-footer pulling off a one-legged fade like a guard? Dirk made it iconic. Leaning back, knee up, high release — it was unblockable and became a staple of his 30,000-point career. Today’s bigs still mimic it.

9) Allen Iverson – Crossover

The answer to your ankles. Iverson’s lightning-quick crossover devastated defenders, especially the infamous one he put on MJ as a rookie. It was so fast, Iverson would sometimes cross twice just to make sure you were cooked.

8) Michael Jordan – Mid-Range Fadeaway

MJ’s fade was the ultimate end-of-game weapon. Defenders knew it was coming but couldn’t stop it. The hang time, footwork, and release made it the most elegant, unstoppable mid-range move of its time.

7) Kevin Durant – Pull-Up Jumper

A 7-footer with guard skills, KD’s pull-up is basketball’s cheat code. He can rise up from 30 feet or inside the arc with his high release, and there’s nothing even elite defenders can do about it. Smooth, efficient, automatic.

6) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Sky Hook

The most unstoppable shot in NBA history. Kareem’s sky hook was virtually unblockable — a one-handed, sweeping shot from over his head that defenders could only hope to contest. It helped him score a record 38,387 career points.

5) Kobe Bryant – Turnaround Fadeaway

Modeled after MJ’s, Kobe’s turnaround was even deadlier at times. From either block, he’d jab, spin, and rise for a high-arcing fade. Late in games, with defenders draped on him, it was Kobe’s go-to dagger.

4) Shaquille O’Neal – Power Drop Step Dunk

When Shaq planted that drop step and spun baseline, it usually ended with a poster dunk and a broken rim. No one in NBA history combined size, speed, and brute force quite like Diesel under the basket.

3) Steph Curry – Logo Three

Steph turned shots from 30+ feet into layups. His ability to casually pull up from the logo changed the geometry of NBA offenses forever. Whether off the dribble or in transition, defenders had no chance.

2) LeBron James – Chase-Down Block

Few things in basketball are as electrifying as a LeBron chase-down. He’d track you from behind, then launch like a superhero to pin the ball against the glass. His 2016 Finals block on Iguodala might be the greatest ever.

1) Magic Johnson – No-Look Pass

The ultimate showtime move. Magic’s no-look dimes were equal parts skill and entertainment. Whether on the break or in tight halfcourt sets, he threw pinpoint passes without ever glancing at his target — and the Lakers ran on pure magic.