How efficient was Kareem's skyhook? Would it be valuable today?

[tsherkin]

I mean, I have Kareem 3-4 all time, but there's really no disputing his skyhook would be much less potent today.

That doesn't make any sense, no.

[Chronz]

Put me in the camp that thinks it wasn't super efficient.

[Cavsfansince84]

Kareem in his best years had an efg% of between 57 and 60%(10 times) which were mostly all in the years he was known for using the skyhook more often. League average efg% is at 53-54% in recent years which leads me to think that having Kareem as a high volume offensive anchor would still work perfectly fine.

[70sFan]

Put me in the camp that thinks it wasn't super efficient.

Even with the numbers we have showing it was?

[ellobo]

[Edit: Oops, I meant to post this on the current General Board thread, but accidentally posted it on this thread that was linked within that one.]

Kareem was very efficient with the skyhook. And it was such a great weapon because he could get it off reliably at pretty high volume. He was great at moving without the ball and getting position. He could shoot out to 15 foot range; he didn't have to have deep position or back his man down close to the basket. He could shoot it with either hand. He had drop step counters so defenders couldn't just sit on the skyhook. He was a very good passer so he could punish double teams and use the threat of his passing to make help defenders hesitate and create space for himself. He could shoot it without a dribble:

Watch on YouTube

The current player probably most associated with the hook shot is a little guy, Zavier Simpson, known as "Captain Hook," although he shoots more of a running hook:

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube