30 most unguardable moves in NBA history: 17. Kevin McHale, up-and-under
Many have tried to implement the up-and-under move but few have the concentration and prowess to actually pull it off. Boston Celtics legend Kevin McHale was one of the few players who actually caught defenders slipping on a consistent enough basis to use the up-and-under often.
McHale would post up with some space on either block and would throw some shoulder fakes and back down to get his defender engaged. He’d find an angle to the basket and attack, knowing his defender will likely jump to deter his shot. McHale was proficient at up-faking like he was taking a post hook or layup and stunning his defenders. As quickly as he pumped in the first place, McHale would use his pivot foot to drop the ball into the basket.
Beyond just his up-and-under, McHale was an extraordinary post player who learned to attack from every angle. His ability to feel the pressure of his matchup and find ways to exploit them made him a surefire bucket in the low post and a Hall of Famer by the time it was all said and done.
McHale remains one of the game’s more underrated players. That’s the price you pay as a player who’s second fiddle to an all-time great. Scottie Pippen, who didn’t make the cut, is another prime example of a guy who could’ve led his own team but remained the reliable No. 2 to a player who dominated the show.