Are crossovers overrated?

Cycklops · Post #1 » by **Cycklops** » Wed Jun 17, 2015 2:29 pm

I was watching this old clip of Lebron in 2003...at 4:17 he does a nasty crossover move.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a3k0Du9jXA[/youtube]

A lot of people in the comments are pointing out that Lebron seemed to have better handles then then he does now, where he just picks a side, first steps and bulls his way to the basket.

I noticed something similar with Jordan. He had excellent handles and a good crossover (just ask Dan Majerle), but the majority of the time he would just jab step once or twice then explode past people without any extra faking. It seems like if you have a power or speed advantage, you can use either one to get to the rim as long as you don't drop the ball.

So how important is it to have a tricky handle, really?

Sc0pe92 · Post #2 » by **Sc0pe92** » Wed Jun 17, 2015 2:32 pm

At this point I'm about to create a thread if basketball is overrated. That seems to be the trend in this forum now. Everything is under rated or overrated

Mr Puddles · Post #3 » by **Mr Puddles** » Wed Jun 17, 2015 2:38 pm

You're using the wrong players to illustrate your point. For genetically gifted players who can get to the basket at will based on sheer physicality and athleticism alone, crossovers are not as important. For players that rely more on dribbling skills/craftiness to free themselves up, crossovers are likely one of a number of key moves (along side hesitation dribbles, step backs, floaters etc.)

MasterRyu2011 · Post #4 » by **MasterRyu2011** » Wed Jun 17, 2015 2:44 pm

I wouldn't say they are overrated, but they are not necessary for a very athletic player to get to the rim or to get open for a shot. It's all about putting the ball through the basket. How you get to that point, it's different for everyone.

Cycklops · Post #5 » by **Cycklops** » Wed Jun 17, 2015 3:00 pm

Mr Puddles wrote:You're using the wrong players to illustrate your point. For genetically gifted players who can get to the basket at will based on sheer physicality and athleticism alone, crossovers are not as important. For players that rely more on dribbling skills/craftiness to free themselves up, crossovers are likely one of a number of key moves (along side hesitation dribbles, step backs, floaters etc.)

But physicality isn't a constant. Both Lebron and Jordan used less crossovers as their athleticism decreased (and experienced increased) instead of more. That's the key point.

Green89 · Post #6 » by **Green89** » Wed Jun 17, 2015 3:08 pm

It's all about finishing. A good crossover means nothing if you don't hit the shot.

Michigantown · Post #7 » by **Michigantown** » Wed Jun 17, 2015 3:12 pm

Green89 wrote:It's all about finishing. A good crossover means nothing if you don't hit the shot.

Devilzsidewalk · Post #8 » by **Devilzsidewalk** » Wed Jun 17, 2015 3:45 pm

Curry and Harden buttered their bread getting guys off balance w/ crossovers into a stepback 3 or else a drive to the rim

LuxTheGoat · Post #9 » by **LuxTheGoat** » Wed Jun 17, 2015 3:48 pm

Sc0pe92 wrote:At this point I'm about to create a thread if basketball is overrated. That seems to be the trend in this forum now. Everything is under rated or overrated

This post is underrated.

Sc0pe92 · Post #10 » by **Sc0pe92** » Wed Jun 17, 2015 4:08 pm

LuxTheGoat wrote:
Sc0pe92 wrote:At this point I'm about to create a thread if basketball is overrated. That seems to be the trend in this forum now. Everything is under rated or overrated

This post is underrated.

It is haha :lol: