NBA: 30 most unguardable moves in league history

30 most unguardable moves in NBA history: 13. Wilt Chamberlain, finger roll

As mentioned previously when discussing George Gervin, the finger roll was first introduced to the NBA by Wilt Chamberlain, who didn’t even really need it. Few players, let alone human beings, have been as physically imposing as Wilt was. With broad shoulders, long, toned arms and a stout frame, Wilt could bully anyone in the paint on any given night. It’s why his name is etched throughout the NBA record books and stands atop the single-best performances in the history of the sport.

In scenarios in which most post players would take a jump hook to avoid their defender, Wilt welcomed contact. He even initiated it himself quite often and drew plenty of and-one calls using his famed finger-roll layup.

From a regular post-up, Wilt would take a dribble or two to knock his defender back. Instead of turning around to avoid his defender, he’d extend into the middle of the paint from the block and gently lay the ball in. While his game was so largely based on physicality and outmuscling and hustling his opponent, his signature shot is as graceful as they come. Wilt would take one good leap and let the ball roll off his fingertips and into the cup.

In addition to being stronger than most of his opponents, Chamberlain was also deceptively quick for a player of his size. That swift movement speed allowed him to grab offensive rebounds and gently lay them back in throughout every game that he played. It also enabled him to catch defenders off-guard by quickly going up for a finger roll in scenarios in which most players would try to back down, fadeaway, shoot a jump hook or pass.

Gervin likely perfected the finger-roll, but Wilt is the one who brought it to the forefront of the NBA and for that, he deserves his credit.