TrueHoop: Tony Parker’s “signature” move one of the best in NBA

Jun 2, 2012; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) passes against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half in game four of the Western Conference finals of the 2012 NBA playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

The upper echelon of NBA players have dynamic repertoires and a few moves they can consistently rely on for a source of points.

Tim Duncan’s bank shot is certainly one and so is Manu Ginobili’s patented Euro step and various quirky methods that he uses to get to the rim. (James Harden has essentially replicated a vast majority of these moves.)

Beckley Mason compiled the best signature moves in the NBA at TrueHoop and Tony Parker’s push-off with the ball move made the cut. (It’s funny because since I watch the Spurs so much it didn’t register as a signature move. I have just grown to subconsciously process his move without a second thought. If it’s difficult for me to process, imagine how difficult it is to defend.)

Mason described Parker’s signature move:

“For being a relative shrimp who can’t really jump, Parker sure is a killer finisher around the rim. His great     footwork and dexterous finishing helps, but he also has a move that is probably an offensive foul yet may     never be called as long as he plays. When his defender is able to get in front of him on a drive, Parker     brings the ball to his waist and pushes his defender with the ball. The defender is sent backward, creating     space for a finish, and often Parker gets the foul call to boot.”

If you watch the accompanying video below, this technically illegal move is an effective way to generate space without using an arm. This is significiant because it reduces the likelihood of an offensive foul because it’s just so funky and hard to catch in real time. This move is pretty difficult to replicate, too, as it requires speed and the ability to finish at the rim in occasionally difficult positions.

This isn’t a move that anyone can simply incorporate in their game. When juxtaposed with Parker’s speed, it is definitely one of the signature moves that are incredibly difficult to stop.

Now, why isn’t Ginobili on this list?

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