Tracy McGrady, a Hall of Famer and one of the most gifted scorers of his generation, built his NBA legacy on elite athleticism, smooth shooting, and unmatched versatility. Known for his high basketball IQ, McGrady has earned credibility not only for what he did on the court but for his deep understanding of the game. Recently, the Orlando Magic legend weighed in on one of basketball’s most debated barbershop topics—who owns the best handles in NBA history? Surprisingly, his pick wasn’t Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving.
McGrady didn’t shy away from acknowledging Irving’s greatness. In a recent appearance on The Old Man and the Three podcast, hosted by J.J. Redick and Tommy Alter, McGrady praised Dallas player but also made a bold claim—there’s one player he believes had better ball-handling skills.
“Still love watching Kyrie [Irving],” he said. Host Tommy Alter asked him, “Is there anyone you have seen with a handle like that?” to which McGrady said, “Yeah. Jamaal Tinsley. … I don’t think nobody had better handles than Jamaal Tinsley, even Kyrie.”
That answer might raise eyebrows across NBA circles. Irving is widely considered one of the most creative and unpredictable dribblers the league has ever seen, with many current and former players putting him atop that list. But McGrady’s choice of Tinsley—a name often overlooked in these discussions—adds an intriguing wrinkle to the ongoing conversation.
Jamaal Tinsley #10 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns
Jamaal Tinsley’s journey
Jamaal Tinsley crafted a memorable NBA career defined by his exceptional ball-handling and basketball instincts. Selected 27th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Vancouver Grizzlies and immediately traded to the Indiana Pacers, Tinsley made his presence felt early. As a rookie, he averaged 9.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2002. His streetball-inspired flair brought excitement and unpredictability to Indiana’s backcourt.
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Tinsley remained a key part of the Pacers’ core throughout the early 2000s. As the starting point guard, he helped lead Indiana through multiple playoff runs, including a trip to the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals under head coach Rick Carlisle. Though injuries and roster changes occasionally limited his minutes, Tinsley was widely respected for his ability to control tempo and find open teammates in tight spaces.
After parting ways with the Pacers in 2008, Tinsley had brief stints with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Utah Jazz. Though his role was reduced in the later stages of his career, he remained a savvy floor general and a mentor to younger players. His time in Utah during the 2012–2013 season marked the end of his NBA journey, but his legacy as a ball-handling wizard endured.
Across 11 NBA seasons and 547 games, Tinsley averaged 8.5 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He never made an All-Star team, but his playground creativity, vision, and ability to orchestrate an offense left a lasting impression. A proud product of New York City’s legendary streetball scene, Tinsley brought that same swagger to the NBA—a point guard remembered not just for flash, but for feel and finesse.
