We would all agree that Chris Paul is now the NBA standard of point guard play. His record setting play-off performances have us waiting for more next year. In the meantime, what makes him the man? His handle. And what move is just killing the comp . . . the crossover. Unlike AI who gets low and goes into his ninja-style knee-level cobra strike cross to paralyze-pause you . . .
Iverson with the knee-level icy-smooth double-cross
. . . Paul’s crossover has two very unique things happening. The first is that he has the ability to cross you high (waist to knee level), changing directions like a running back. That might sounds crazy, but if you watch closely, he is always forward with little lower body lean. Secondly, Paul’s hand speed matches his foot speed with the ball. This allows him to get out of his moves with extreme smoothness unlike anyone I’ve seen…
Chris Paul with the “3-Cross-Ginsu-Chop”
Now go back and put your playground thinking cap on. Who repped the streets of
New York for years, giving out the crossover as his signature move? See the highlights and similarities before you start to boo! Gotta give credit where it is due, and big up to BK for building players on the asphalt!
Ask Fat Joe who “The Street” is.
June 29th, 2008 at 1:53 am
Jeremy Ripley says:
Uhh…I’m too jealous of Chris Paul!
I remember watching an Isiah Thomas “Hoops Tips” video (or something to that effect) and he mentioned bringing the crossover below the knees. Since then, I’ve done the same. It’s a great way to get do some teaching when your defender gets to reaching…
June 29th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Seldom Seen says:
cool but no Tim Hardaway?
June 29th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Bobbito Garcia a.k.a. Kool Bob Love says:
tim hardaway credited his crossover to none other than BK’s master of the in and out dribble Pearl Washington. and i always thought marbury’s success with his crossover was actually taking his right hand and crossing the ball in the air by his waist then dropping it off his right hand on his left side, similar to how jordan and doc rivers used to do it back in the ’80s.
June 30th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Sean Couch says:
Perl’s cross was ultra-low, body positioning was always
in a low crouch with shoulders down. Had trouble in the pros
with that because he lacked the explosion to finish over taller players. However, he had no problems getting by people.
Steph’s cross was upright hesitation similar to Paul believe it or not. His footwork isn’t on Paul’s level. Paul’s rhythm is smoother and his foot work is choppier allowing him to change directions quicker. Both crosses are elite given both their accomplishments.