What is the rarest play in basketball?

The rarest play in basketball is subjective, but often cited examples include Kyrie Irving's five-point play (three-pointer + foul, missed free throw, offensive rebound, layup) or plays that literally never happen, like a defender jumping entirely over an opponent for a dunk (the "All-American dunk") or the "Pull the Chair" move, where a defender unexpectedly backs away from a post player, causing them to fall. While four-point plays happen, these other scenarios are far more unique, sometimes only occurring once in history or never at all in a live game.

What is the rarest play?

In MLB, a total of fifteen players have fielded an unassisted triple play, making this feat rarer than a perfect game. Of these fifteen players, eight were shortstops, five were second basemen and two were first basemen.

What's the hardest move in basketball?

There's no single "hardest" move, but top contenders include the spin move (especially with a hop step and shot fake) for its speed and unpredictability, signature shots like the Skyhook, and complex dribble combos like the In-and-Out with a Cross Jab, which require elite coordination, balance, and deception to freeze defenders and create space. These moves are difficult because they blend speed, change-of-direction, body control, and timing to break down defenders.
 

What is the rarest number in basketball?

The rarest NBA jersey numbers are those that have only been worn by a single player in history, with numbers like 07 (Paul Noel), 09 (Bobby Wanzer), 58 (Jack McVeigh), and 59 (Rayjon Tucker) appearing on lists of numbers worn by just one person across all seasons, though some might be seen more as "never worn" by modern players due to league rules changes. Numbers like 69 and those above 99 (before the new rules) have been avoided or banned due to potential offensiveness or league restrictions, making them extremely rare or non-existent in the NBA. 

Can you get a 5 point play in basketball?

No, there isn't a designated 5-point line in standard basketball, but a 5-point play can happen as a rare sequence: a player makes a 3-pointer, gets fouled, makes the subsequent free throw, and the opposing team gets a technical foul on the same play, resulting in another free throw, totaling 5 points in one possession. Another, even rarer, way is a 3-pointer, foul, missed free throw, rebound, and putback layup, though this is a 5-point possession by one player. 

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Why can't you wear 69 in the NBA?

The NBA hasn't officially banned the number 69, but it's unofficially prohibited because of its "sexually suggestive connotations," preventing players from wearing it due to league image concerns, famously stopping Dennis Rodman from wearing it in 2000 when he switched to #70 instead for the Mavericks, even though jerseys were made. 

Has anyone ever had a 30-20-20 game?

Yes, Nikola Jokić achieved the first-ever 30-20-20 game in NBA history in March 2025, with 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 22 assists, a feat never before accomplished in the league's history. While players have had 30-point triple-doubles or 20-rebound triple-doubles, meeting the 30-point, 20-rebound, and 20-assist threshold in one game was unique to Jokić until then. 

Is 88 banned in the NBA?

No, the number 88 is not banned in the NBA; several players, like Markieff Morris, have worn it, though it's less common than lower numbers, with the NBA generally restricting numbers above 99 and prohibiting #00, with specific rules around digits for certain position eras (though these are looser now). 

Why is 7 an illegal number in basketball?

No 6, 7, 8, or 9s allowed. In a 2015 New York Times article, an NCAA basketball official said the rule was meant to make it easier for referees to signal to the scorekeeper using their hands. With five fingers, once you get to the number six, you'd need extra digits.

What is the toughest position in basketball?

The point guard is widely considered the hardest basketball position due to its immense mental load as the "floor general," requiring leadership, high basketball IQ, and constant decision-making to control tempo and orchestrate plays, making it mentally and physically demanding as they handle pressure and run the offense. While centers face intense physical challenges, the point guard's need to be an extension of the coach, knowing all plays and teammates' tendencies, sets it apart in difficulty, notes Area Scouts.
 

What are the 4 types of dribbling?

The four basic types of basketball dribbles often taught are the Control Dribble, used for general movement and protection; the Power Dribble, for driving through defenders; the Speed Dribble, for fast breaks; and the Crossover Dribble, for changing direction, with other key moves including Between the Legs, Behind the Back, and Hesitation for advanced players. 

What are the top 7 moves in basketball?

The 7 best basketball moves often center on dribbling and creating space, including the fundamental Crossover, Hesitation, In-and-Out, Through the Legs, and Behind the Back, often combined with fakes like the Jab Step or Spin Move, to beat defenders off the dribble or create post scoring opportunities like the Fadeaway or Jump Hook. Different coaches emphasize different combos, but these core moves form the foundation for effective one-on-one play. 

Can you wear 69 in baseball?

Yes, you can wear #69 in Major League Baseball (MLB), as there's no specific rule against it, but it's rarely issued due to potential adult connotations, though some players like Bronson Arroyo and A.J. Cole have worn it, with the Pittsburgh Pirates being a frequent issuer of the number. While it's allowed, many teams hesitate to assign it, and players who wear it often don't keep it long or switch numbers. 

What is the #1 hardest sport in the world?

There's no single "number 1 hardest sport," as difficulty depends on criteria, but Boxing consistently ranks at the top across many lists (like ESPN's) for its brutal combination of physical endurance, skill, mental toughness, and direct confrontation, followed closely by Ice Hockey, Wrestling, and MMA, which demand incredible physicality and grit. Other contenders often cited include Gymnastics (precision & strength) and Rugby (high-impact, no pads).
 

What game is 5000 years old?

The Royal Game of Ur (from ancient Mesopotamia) and the Egyptian game Senet are both considered around 5,000 years old, making them some of the world's oldest known board games, with physical boards and rules (or clear historical context) dating back to the early 3rd millennium BC (c. 3000-2600 BCE). While Senet's rules are partially reconstructed, the Royal Game of Ur has cuneiform tablets detailing its rules, making it playable today, and it's also seen as an ancestor to games like backgammon.
 

How tall is Mikan?

Invariably playing with thick, round spectacles, the 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m), 245 lb (111 kg) Mikan was one of the pioneers of professional basketball. Through his size and play, he redefined basketball as a game dominated in his day by "big men".

Did Michael Jordan play in 99?

He returned to the Bulls in 1995 and led them to three more championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998, as well as a then-record 72 regular season wins in the 1995–96 NBA season. Jordan retired for the second time in 1999, then returned for two NBA seasons from 2001 to 2003 as a member of the Washington Wizards.

Why is 69 banned?

No NBA player has ever worn the number 69, which is believed to be implicitly banned due to its sexual connotations; the NBA has never confirmed this. Dennis Rodman allegedly requested the number 69 when he joined the Dallas Mavericks but was refused by then-NBA Commissioner David Stern and instead wore 70.

Is it illegal to flop in the NBA?

Under the rule, when a game official calls a flop, the offending player is charged with a non-unsportsmanlike technical foul, and the opposing team is awarded one free throw attempt, which can be attempted by any player who is in the game when the technical foul is assessed.

Is 6 9 short for NBA?

Basketball is a sport dominated by tall people. Less than 1% of all men in the United States are 6-foot-9 or taller, but more than half of the MVP awards in NBA history have been won by players at least that height.

Who got 55 rebounds in a game?

Wilt Chamberlain holds the NBA record for the most rebounds in a single game, grabbing 55 rebounds for the Philadelphia Warriors on November 24, 1960, against the Boston Celtics and their star center, Bill Russell. This legendary performance occurred in a losing effort, with the Warriors falling to the Celtics 132-129.
 

Has LeBron ever had a 27-7-7 game?

No, LeBron James has famously never recorded an exact 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists (27/7/7) game in his NBA career, despite having career averages that round to that figure and coming extremely close many times. He's had games with similar stats, like 27/7/8 or 28/7/7, but never the precise 27/7/7 line in a professional game, which is considered one of sports' strangest statistical anomalies. 

Which NBA player is retiring?

Several NBA veterans are nearing retirement or have recently stepped away, with Chris Paul confirming his 2025-26 season will be his last, while players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry continue defying age, though Curry has recently hinted at retirement soon after 2026. Recent retirees include veteran forward Danilo Gallinari (Dec 2025) and former player Michael Carter-Williams (Oct 2024), with many stars considering their future as their careers wind down.