NBA: 30 most unguardable moves in league history

30 most unguardable moves in NBA history: 8. Shaquille O’Neal, dropstep

At first glance, many people would assume that Shaq’s physical profile was the leading reason for his success as a pro basketball player. There have been 7-foot-1 basketball players in the past, but few compare in terms of sheer power and force on the interior. Even so, Shaquille O’Neal boasted a wide range of basketball skills honed over many years. He was remarkably agile for such a massive figure and used that to his advantage on the low block.

Shaq’s signature drop step was an incredible display of physical dominance and intellectual positioning on the basketball court. On one hand, his drop step from the low post leveraged his height, weight and physical positioning to bully his opponent inside. On the other hand, Shaq knew how to attack at the perfect angle to catch his defender off-guard despite them knowing exactly what was coming.

Oftentimes, Shaq would stand just outside of the paint on the low block. He’d catch the ball and bump his defender, putting his weight on one side while getting to a strong position near the basket. Then in one split second, he’d do a 180 and catch his defender slipping in the process.

Since guarding Shaq took such physical exertion, he’d either lose his defender entirely or position them so that their only option was to foul him following a drop step. He wasn’t afraid to go over either shoulder and no matter how the defense reacted — Even in a double team — The historic big man found the right angle to get his shot off.