30 most unguardable moves in NBA history: 10. LeBron James, tomahawk dunk
Disclaimer: LeBron James’ signature move is the chase-down block. LeBron popularized this high-octane defensive play with his unreal athleticism and awe-inspiring will to compete. His chase-down block on Andre Iguodala in the 2016 NBA Finals may be the single most important play of LeBron’s career, but it doesn’t count as a “move,” per se.
How many players do you know that were throwing down tomahawks like LeBron does before he entered the league? It’s not a sleight to the incredible athletes throughout the NBA before the LeBron James era, but he changed the game with his tomahawk jam.
When LeBron goes up for his tomahawk dunk, he cocks the ball back farther than anyone else. He soars through the air like a fighter jet in a dogfight and detonates at the rim with a powerful throwdown every time. Some might say it was this signature dunk that singlehandedly ended Jason Terry’s basketball career.
Between LeBron James’ strength, size, leaping ability and determination, it’s seemingly inconceivable to block this dunk consistently and for that, it’s deemed “unguardable.” However, James’ go-to dunk isn’t higher on the list because it’s less attainable than other moves on the list.
Oftentimes, LeBron won’t go for this tomahawk unless the paint is absolutely clear. It’s not very often that he attempts it in traffic against a rim protector with a reputation of blocking shots. While the tomahawk dunk is certainly iconic, it’s not practical like the moves ahead of it.
Please be advised that LeBron’s ability to cash in on any 3-point attempt in which he stares at the ball first was under consideration. It didn’t make the cut because each player only gets one entry and there’s not enough comprehensive research on this shot to fully gauge its mystifying success rate.