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NBA: 30 most unguardable moves in league history

By Dylan Carter

INGLEWOOD, CA - JUNE 1982: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar #33 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Caldwell Jones #11 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the 1982 NBA basketball Finals at The Forum in Inglewood, California. The lakers won the Championship 4 games to 2. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CA - JUNE 1982: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar #33 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Caldwell Jones #11 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the 1982 NBA basketball Finals at The Forum in Inglewood, California. The lakers won the Championship 4 games to 2. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon (Photo by BOB STRONG / AFP) /

30 most unguardable moves in NBA history: 12. Hakeem Olajuwon, Dream Shake

There is a solid case to be made that Hakeem Olajuwon has the greatest footwork of any basketball player in NBA history. Despite being one of the most physically imposing players of his generation, Hakeem’s game was based on his skill more so than his strength. Though he’ll be remembered by many for being one of the game’s best defenders, his offensive talent stunned opponents time after time.

The ‘Dream Shake’ isn’t necessarily a uniform move that can be perfected by just anyone. Instead, it’s about the use of motion and misdirection to catch a defender off-guard to create a better look at the basket. A ‘Dream Shake’ could result in a dunk, layup, hook shot, or fadeaway, but it always consisted of a multi-step process based on Olajuwon’s footwork.

At first, Hakeem would gather the ball, usually with his dominant right hand before throwing a shoulder fake at the opponent. He spins off of his pivot foot to change the direction of his defender before making a calculated decision to shoot, layup or pass.

By chaining together these lightning-fast reactions, Hakeem oftentimes stunned his defender and created a shot opportunity. It was more likely than not that he’d create space for a fadeaway jumper, but on many occasions, he’d use that as a final fake before pushing off of his pivot foot for a lay-in.

Olajuwon has worked with many big men in the past, but none have learned to utilize the ‘Dream Shake’ quite like its inventor. The closest you’ll get is an occasional post move from MVP-candidate Joel Embiid, but even then it’s only an imitation of the original move.

The fact of the matter is that we’re never going to see someone pull off a dazzling ‘Dream Shake’ the way that the dream himself, Hakeem did in his prime. If you’re a basketball player who wants to be better, do yourself a favor and go watch some highlights of Hakeem’s footwork. There’s never been a better post player and considering the league’s transition to 3-point heavy offenses, we may never see one like him again.