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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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Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant (Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports) /

30 most unguardable moves in NBA history: 3. Kevin Durant, pull-up jumpshot

When it’s all said and done, I don’t think anyone would be surprised if Kevin Durant was dubbed the greatest scorer in NBA history. Though injuries may have put a dent in his ability to reach the top of the NBA’s all-time scoring list, it’s clear as day that Kevin Durant is amongst the most talented offensive weapons in league history.

As a matter of fact, there’s a significant argument to be made that Durant is the most gifted and talented scorer the game has ever seen. A 7-footer with disrespectful handles, a smooth jump shot, explosive burst and a chip on his shoulder, there is no solution for opposing teams trying to stop Kevin Durant. All they can do is try their hardest and hope for the best.

Of the many moves he brings to the table, Durant’s pull-up jump shot is clearly the most devastating. Most pull-up shooters struggle to do so from distance, but Durant can shoot from just about anywhere on the court. By breaking a defender down with his dribble or calling for a screen, Durant can create enough space to nail his signature pull-up against any matchup.

The defining shot of Kevin Durant’s career so far came during Game 3 of the 2018 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. With under a minute to go, the Golden State Warriors possessed a 3-point lead. With multiple Hall of Fame contenders on the floor with him, everyone instinctively knew to clear out and get the ball in KD’s hands. With a screen and one dribble, Durant created space and entered his shooting form for a 3-point dagger from at least 30 feet from the basket.

It’s not just this shot either — KD has done it time after time. Durant can stop on a dime and his release point is so high that only bigs can contest it. Even then, they’re not quick enough to react in most cases. His physical gifts, genius-level understanding of the game and outrageous talent all come into play when meticulously planning out every shot he takes. Sometimes it’s easier than others but ultimately, Durant knows that he’s unstoppable.

By the time he decides to retire from professional basketball, Durant’s pull-up jumper may overtake the No. 1 spot on the list of the NBA’s all-time most unguardable moves.