From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook, an near-unstoppable scoring weapon, to Michael Jordan’s fadeaway midrange jumper, which defined multiple clutch moments, every era has produced moves that are both iconic and game-changing. More recently, Stephen Curry and James Harden have redefined modern offensive skillsets with their ability to maximize the threat of the three-point line. These signature moves don’t just define careers—they shape and influence the evolution of basketball itself.
Signature moves are more than just flashy tricks; they are the embodiment of a player’s mastery over the game. Most don’t understand that these moves are one of the many skills that the NBA player has in their bag, the signature move is often a counter to how the defense is playing these superstars. These counter moves put all-league defenders in quandaries and really underscore how talented offensively NBA players are.
The 20 Most Iconic Signature Moves in NBA History
To be considered a true signature move, it must be more than a rare highlight—it has to be a consistent weapon, something players relied on to dominate defenders night after night. That’s why dazzling moments like Tracy McGrady’s off-the-backboard alley-oops and John Wall’s 360 midair layup didn’t make the list. While breathtaking, they weren’t regular parts of their arsenals. True signature moves are the ones opponents saw coming—but still couldn’t stop.
For fans who appreciate the artistry behind these legendary moves, basketball betting offers a way to engage even further. Specialized sportsbook pages with no deposit bonuses featuring top-ranking operators, handpicked by NoDepositBonus.guide, provide exciting chances to bet on players executing these game-changing moves in real time. But before you get carried away in all the excitement of basketball betting, here’s a list of 27 of the most-influential signature moves.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Sky Hook Shot
No move in basketball history has been as effective for as long as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook. With a towering 7’2″ frame and a near-perfect shooting touch, Kareem used the skyhook to dominate defense for decades. The ball left his hand at an angle that was virtually unblockable (save for a couple times that Wilt Chamberlain got it), allowing Kareem to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer – a title he held for decades before LeBron James recently surpassed him.
Jabbar’s consistency and mastery of this shot helped define his legendary career — it was so much of a signature move that a tribute song called “I’m Soo Happy (Captain)” was created by Roger Troutman for his iconic sky hook.
The song and video was featured in the NBA Superstars video VHS tape that came out in the 1980’s.
Michael Jordan’s Fadeaway Jumper
Jordan started out his career dazzling crowds with his gravity-defying layups and high-flying dunks, using his elite athleticism to dominate opponents at the rim. However, as he matured and evolved his game, he developed the fadeaway jumper, a nearly unstoppable weapon that helped him maintain his dominance in the second half of his GOAT career. By utilizing impeccable footwork, balance, and a high-arcing release, Jordan would create just enough separation to rise and release a high-arcing shot, making it nearly impossible to block.
MJ’s fadeaway became a signature move during his later years with the Chicago Bulls, allowing him to maintain his scoring dominance, protect himself from being fouled in the lane even as his athleticism dipped slightly (with emphasis on slightly). The move contributed to Jordan’s six championships and solidified his status as the greatest NBA player of all time.
Manu Ginobili’s Euro Step
One of the league’s most-unusual players, Manu Ginobili brought a new level of creativity to the game by slowing the the game down and popularizing the Euro Step so much so that it’s attributed to Ginobili. What was once referred to pejoratively is now a offensive fundamental for players coming up; it absolutely changed the game. The Euro Step is a deceptive move that allowed the slithery Ginobili to evade defenders in the lane. By taking long, exaggerated steps in one direction while shifting his body left to right and right to left, Manu made it difficult for defenders to predict his final move. The Euro Step has since become a standard move for NBA guards, but Ginobili’s flair and effectiveness made it a signature part of his game.
Stephen Curry’s Deep Threes
Stephen Curry’s deep three-point shooting has completely redefined modern basketball, stretching defenses beyond their limits. His ability to pull up from well beyond the arc—sometimes from the logo—forces defenders to guard him at distances never seen before. What makes Curry’s deep threes even more devastating is his off-ball movement; he constantly relocates, sprints around screens, and finds open spots before defenders can react. This relentless motion, combined with his lightning-quick release, makes him nearly impossible to contain.
Steph’s deep-range shooting has not only changed defensive schemes but has also inspired a new generation of players to extend their shooting range, solidifying his place as one of the most influential scorers in NBA history.
Dirk Nowitzki’s One-Legged Fadeaway
When someone says he pulled a “Dirk” most basketball fans will know what that means. Dirk Nowitzki revolutionized the role of big men in the NBA. His signature one-legged fadeaway was nearly impossible to defend and was developed as a counter to taller, more athletic defenders trying to contest his shot. With his seven-foot frame, high release, and impeccable balance, Nowitzki could create space effortlessly, leaning back on one leg while fading away, making his shot nearly unblockable.
The move became his go-to weapon, allowing him to dominate defenders well into his late career. More than just a signature move, it redefined how big men played, inspiring a new generation of stretch forwards and centers to develop perimeter skills. The move has became a staple of his game mimicked by even great scorers like Kevin Durant. The move helped Nowitzki secure an MVP award and lead the Dallas Mavericks to an NBA Championship in 2011.
James Harden’s Step-Back Three
Harden’s step-back three-pointer is one of the most recognizable and effective offensive moves in modern basketball and arguably one of the most-impactful moves in terms of inspiring the next generation. The step back is must-have offensive move in the toolkit of a top level perimeter scorer. By faking an attack to the basket, Harden then uses a quick, exaggerated step-back motion, creating enough space between himself and his defender, allowing him gather himself to get off a clean shot.
Harden’s ability to execute this move while maintaining balance and accuracy has made him one of the NBA’s premier scorers. Harden’s mastery of the step-back three has led to multiple scoring titles and established him as one of the most dynamic offensive players of his generation.
Hakeem Olajuwon’s Dream Shake
Hakeem Olajuwon’s Dream Shake was a masterpiece of footwork and finesse, making the 6-10 center nearly unstoppable in the post. It wasn’t just a combination of shot fakes, footwork, spins, spin fakes, up-and-unders, and quick pivots, but the nuances were in the shoulders and a when to employ the mix of countermoves. Olajuwon would lull defenders into reacting before seamlessly countering in the opposite direction for an easy basket. His ability to sell fakes with precise body control and soft touch around the rim left even the best defenders guessing.
The Dream Shake wasn’t just a move—it was an art form, solidifying Olajuwon as one of the most skilled big men in NBA history so much so The Dream is reportedly charging $50,000 to teach players his bag of low post countermoves.
Allen Iverson’s Crossover
Allen Iverson’s crossover dribble wasn’t just a move—it was a weapon that left defenders helpless and an entire generation in awe. His blend of speed, agility, and ball-handling wizardry popularized ankle breaking moves in the NBA. What made Iverson’s crossover so effective was how exaggerated the crossover was, dribbling and holding the ball to the left before shifting back to his right hand often leaving his defender in his wake. Early in his career with the 76ers, his crossover was so effective that many thought AI was illegally carrying the ball and the NBA had to step in to clarify the rules around palming the ball.
The most legendary moment came in 1997 when he crossed up Michael Jordan, a defining highlight that cemented the move’s place in NBA history. But beyond the highlight reels, Iverson’s crossover was a statement—of confidence, defiance, and the fearless attitude that made him one of the most electrifying players the game has ever seen.
Tim Duncan’s bank shot
Much like his personality, there was no unnecessary flair, just pure efficiency. His bank shot wasn’t just a signature move; it was a symbol of his understated dominance, proving that basketball greatness doesn’t always have to be flashy.
Tim Duncan’s bank shot was as fundamental and unflashy as the man himself, yet it was one of the most effective weapons in NBA history. While others relied on dazzling moves and highlight-reel plays, Duncan mastered the art of using the glass, turning simple mid-range jumpers into automatic points. With perfect footwork, patience, and precision, he would calmly line up his shot, kiss the ball off the backboard, and watch it drop in—time and time again.
Tim Hardaway’s Killer Crossover
Tim Hardaway’s killer crossover was one of the most devastating moves in NBA history, leaving defenders stumbling and helpless. Known as the “UTEP Two-Step,” Hardaway’s crossover was a rapid, shifty dribble that combined speed, precision, and unpredictability. By quickly shifting the ball from one hand to the other with a low, explosive motion, he created separation with ease, often leaving opponents frozen in place. His move became a staple of his game, influencing future generations of ball handlers and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest dribblers in NBA history.
LeBron James’s Chase Down Block
It’s odd and a testament to LeBron’s greatness that the league’s all-time leading scorer doesn’t have an all-time signature move on the offensive side and that his most well-known for is his chase-down blocks. His transition help defense has become one of the most feared non-offensive plays in the NBA. There are no players that can match LeBron’s IQ, ability to sprint the length of the court and timing a block perfectly from behind.
James’ most famous chase down block came in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, when he denied Andre Iguodala’s layup, a play that helped the Cleveland Cavaliers secure their first championship. LeBron’s defensive awareness and athleticism make this move a signature part of his legacy.
Kobe Bryant’s Shooting (and Making) Bad Shots
While Kobe Bryant was no doubt an amazing scorer, his signature shot was arguably the contested, fadeaway mid-range jumper often after a couple pump fakes or pivots —is, by modern analytics, a bad shot. There’s a reason why players in the early 2000’s were yelling “Kobe!” when they took a wild shot.
In any case, today’s NBA teams prioritize efficient, high-percentage shots like three-pointers and layups, while long two-pointers are considered the least valuable. Yet, for Kobe, this “bad shot” was his greatest weapon and one of the reasons why Kobe had as many haters as those that worshipped his. With elite footwork, balance, and an unshakable “Mamba Mentality,” he mastered the art of taking and making heavily contested fadeaways, often over multiple defenders. While many players are coached to avoid these difficult attempts, Kobe thrived on them, proving that for a truly elite shot-maker, the only bad shot is one you can’t make.
George Gervin’s Finger Roll
One of the smoothest scorers the NBA has ever seen, Gervin popularized the finger roll. While the move existed in many different forms before The Iceman, Gervin made the finger roll a move of style and efficiency that wanted to be replicated. With his incredible touch, Gervin could glide past defenders and gently flick the ball off his fingertips, allowing it to roll softly into the basket. His ability to finish from various angles, even over taller shot-blockers, made the finger roll nearly impossible to stop. Gervin’s effortless scoring and signature move became a defining part of his Hall of Fame career, influencing generations of players who sought to master the art of finishing at the rim.
Magic Johnson’s No-Look Passes
While Magic Johnson didn’t invent the no-look pass, a 6-9 point guard leading the fastbreak throwing no look dimes became the signature of the “Showtime” Lakers from the 1980s. Magic’s size and flair revolutionized the game. Few players in NBA history have embodied the excitement of basketball quite like Magic. As the engine of the Lakers’ high-octane offense, he turned fast breaks into must-watch moments, delivering pinpoint passes to teammates in stride—often without even looking their way. His ability to read the floor, anticipate plays before they unfolded, and thread passes through the tightest windows made him one of the greatest passers ever. Whether it was a behind-the-back dish, a full-court outlet pass, or a no-look dime, Magic’s fastbreak wizardry defined an era and set the standard for playmaking excellence.
Kevin McHale’s Up & Under Move
With his long arms and footwork, Kevin McHale’s up and under move became a masterclass in post scoring, frustrating defenders with his elite footwork, strength, and shoulder fakes. With a deep bag of moves in the low post, McHale would patiently back down his defender, fake a shot, and as they reacted, smoothly step through for an easy layup or hook shot.
McHale’s wingspan, soft touch and high release made his shot nearly impossible to block, and his ability to counter any defensive adjustment turned him into one of the most efficient scorers of his time. The move became a signature part of McHale’s offensive game and remains a fundamental skill for big men learning the post today.
James Worthy’s Post-Up Spin Move
James Worthy’s post-up spin move was as much of his signature as his sports goggles. Worthy’s combination of size, speed, and soft touch made the move highly effective, especially in transition made him one of the most dangerous finishers in the league. Worthy was a blur of quickness and finesse, accumulating points while running the lanes and catching no looks from Magic .
However when the Showtime Lakers got into the halfcourt, they had options with Kareem on one black and Worthy on the other. When the Lakers would post-up Worthy he would use his lightning-fast spin move to shed leaning and more physical defenders in an instant. James would often catch the ball with one hand, look the toward the paint before seamlessly turning toward the baseline with one dribble and before anyone knew it, Worthy would be laying it softly over the rim or one hand dunking it. Whether in the post or attacking off the dribble, his signature spin move helped earn him the nickname “Big Game James,” as he consistently delivered in the biggest moments.
Deron Williams’ Crossover
Deron Williams’ crossover may not have been as iconic or influential as Allen Iverson’s or Tim Hardaway’s, but it was arguably more deadly. His blend of power, precision, and deceptive quickness made him nearly unguardable at his peak. Unlike the flashy, ankle-breaking moves of others, Williams’ crossover was a combination of two killer crossovers — crossing over in one direction at one speed then powerfully crossing back over, using his strength to keep defenders off balance while creating space for his pull-up jumper or a drive to the rim.
Though Deron’s signature didn’t redefine the game like some others, his crossover was a nightmare for defenders and a key weapon in his arsenal as one of the league’s top point guards at that time.
Vlade Divac’s Flopping
Vlade Divac is a well-known player considering his impact on the league. That’s in large part because Vlade contributed more than his 11.8 points, 8.2 rebounds. and 3.1 assist he just didn’t infamously (or famously) mastered the flop—he help popularized flopping as a strategic countermove in the NBA. As a skilled big man with great basketball IQ, Divac knew he couldn’t always outmuscle, outjump, or outrun his stronger and faster opponents in the paint, so he turned to a little deception instead by exaggerating contact and selling fouls to the referees like a used car salesman. Vlade frustrated offensive players (and opposing fans) and disrupted opposing teams’ rhythm.
Vlade’s flopping often drew offensive fouls on dominant big men like Shaq, giving his teams a valuable defensive edge. While flopping has since become a controversial part of the game, Divac’s ability to manipulate the refs made it a signature move that influenced generations of players looking for an extra advantage and it’s been adopted by superstars and role players alike, so much so that the NBA started fining players for flopping too much.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Emasculating Dunks
Shaquille O’Neal’s signature move wasn’t about finesse or trickery—it was pure, unstoppable power. His dominant dunks were a force of nature, overwhelming defenders with sheer size, strength, and aggression. One of his most devastating weapons was the “Black Tornado”—a quick, powerful spin move in the post that allowed him to shed defenders before exploding to the rim. Once Shaq got position, there was little anyone could do to stop him; he would bulldoze his way to the basket and throw down thunderous slams, often shattering the confidence of those who dared to challenge him.
Carmelo Anthony’s Jab Step Mid-Range
Carmelo Anthony’s jab step mid-range jumper was a textbook example of one-on-one scoring mastery. With elite footwork and a lightning-quick first step, he used his jab to keep defenders guessing—either creating space for a smooth pull-up jumper or forcing them to bite so he could drive past them. Melo’s strength and balance allowed him to get his shot off against any defender, making this move a staple of his offensive arsenal. Whether in isolation or the triple-threat position, Carmelo’s jab step became one of the deadliest mid-range weapons of his era, defining his scoring prowess throughout his career.
The NBA’s signature moves are more than just highlights—they are the defining weapons of the league’s greatest players, showcasing their skill, innovation, and dominance. These moves aren’t just about flash; they are battle-tested counter moves that shaped careers, influenced generations, and forced defenders to adjust. From Kareem’s skyhook to Curry’s deep threes, each iconic move wasn’t just a move, but often reflected or influenced the era.
As the game continues to evolve, new stars will rise and bring their own unique skills to the court. Just as the legends before them did, they will refine, innovate, and perfect moves that could one day be remembered among the greatest in NBA history.
17739
