Best Handles In NBA 2K26

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The NBA 2K26 ratings rollout continues with the highly anticipated ball handling rankings, showcasing the game’s most skilled dribblers. Following the three-point shooting reveals, this top 10 list highlights players with exceptional control and creativity when navigating the court. Each elite ball handler maintains a minimum 92 rating, indicating superior dribbling capabilities that separate them from average players.

Ball handling represents one of the most crucial offensive attributes in 2K26, directly impacting your ability to create shots, break down defenses, and control the game’s tempo. Understanding these ratings helps you build more effective offensive strategies and select players that match your preferred playing style.

For the second consecutive installment, Kyrie Irving stands alone as the only player awarded the perfect 99 ball-handling rating. His unparalleled dribbling repertoire includes complex crossovers, behind-the-back maneuvers, and hesitation moves that consistently leave defenders off-balance. Irving’s technical proficiency makes him virtually impossible to strip when used correctly.

What makes Irving’s 99 rating particularly valuable is how it integrates with his shooting and finishing abilities. When controlling Irving, you can execute advanced dribble combinations into step-back threes or drive to the basket with exceptional control. His signature size-ups create approximately 2-3 feet of separation from defenders, providing clean looks at the basket.

Pro Tip: Use Irving’s hesitation crossovers to freeze defenders before accelerating past them. The timing window for these moves is generous due to his elite rating, but proper stick control remains essential.

Steph Curry maintains his 97 ball-handling rating for the second straight year, combining elite dribbling with his historic shooting prowess. Curry’s handles are particularly effective in creating space for three-point attempts, using quick dribbles and changes of direction to find openings.

Ja Morant makes a significant jump into the top three with a 96 rating after missing last year’s top five entirely. His explosive first step combined with creative finishes makes him particularly dangerous in transition and half-court sets.

Trae Young retains his 96 ball-handling rating from 2K25, showcasing his exceptional playmaking and dribbling in traffic. Despite uncertainty about his team future, his ability to navigate screens and create off the dribble remains among the league’s best.

Common Mistake: Many players over-dribble with these elite handlers. Remember that 2-3 dribbles typically create optimal separation—excessive dribbling increases turnover risk.

The 2K26 cover athlete Shai Gilgeous-Alexander secures the fifth position with a 95 ball-handling rating. His MVP and Finals performance last season validated his placement among these elite veterans, demonstrating controlled yet explosive dribble drives.

Jalen Brunson may lack the flashiness of other top handlers, but his 95 rating reflects exceptional efficiency in creating separation. His methodical approach proves that effective ball handling doesn’t require excessive flair.

James Harden continues his long-standing presence among elite ball handlers, maintaining his 95 rating despite advancing age. His signature step-back and hesitation moves remain effective weapons in his arsenal.

Luka Doncic joins the 95-rated group with his unique combination of size and dribbling creativity that defies traditional positional expectations.

Devin Booker enters the rankings with a solid 93 ball-handling rating, demonstrating his growth as a complete offensive threat. His improved handle allows him to create his own shot more effectively than earlier in his career.

Kevin Durant rounds out the top 10 with a 92 rating, remarkable for a player of his height. His crossover and between-the-legs moves create mismatches against smaller defenders.

Mastering advanced dribble combinations requires understanding situational context. Use crossovers when defenders overplay your strong side, hesitation moves when they sag off, and spin moves when driving to the basket. Each situation demands specific techniques for optimal results.

Optimization Tip: Combine dribble moves with speed boosts by double-tapping the sprint button. This technique can create explosive drives to the basket, especially with high-rated ball handlers.

For players looking to improve their overall game knowledge, our Complete Guide offers comprehensive strategies that translate across different gameplay mechanics.

Ball handling directly connects to shot creation efficiency. Players with 90+ ratings typically generate 15-25% more open looks compared to average ball handlers. Understanding these ratings helps in building effective offensive schemes and selecting the right players for your Class Guide strategy sessions.

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