Should NBA Players Bring Back the Hook Shot?

Its throwback Thursday, and instead of posting a cute baby picture of myself on Instagram, I want to delve back into something much greater.

Just yesterday, NBA players were rocking high-top sneakers, short-shorts and afros. Now we’re left with the questionable styles of NBA fashionistas, Russell Westbrook and Dwayne Wade, demonstrating that the game is always evolving and changing.

While this isn't necessarily a negative thing, one of the greatest losses over the years has been the disappearance of the hook shot.

Last week, Jeremy Lin posted a video of his dad putting him through some extreme training exercises. In the video, Lin’s father suggested that if his son wants to become a superstar in NBA, he must add the hook shot to his repertoire.

While this statement was clearly a joke, shown by Lin blocking an attempted hook shot by his dad, I couldn't agree more with Papa Lin.

The hook shot isn't the manliest of shot attempts. However, it has been the bread and butter for many great NBA legends, proving to be one the most effective moves in the game.

Perhaps the greatest to ever perfect the sky hook, is none other than Kareem Abdul-Jabaar.

Abdul-Jabbar states that he doesn't remember ever getting blocked when attempting a hook shot, according to an interview with J.A. Adande of ESPN.

While he may have over exaggerated a bit—here is a video of the center getting blocked by Wilt Chamberlain—the point still remains: the sky hook is a difficult shot to defend.

The inability of defenders to alter the shot makes the sky hook a very high percentage attempt.

Just take a look at Abdul-Jabbar's career statistics, he ended his career with an outstanding 59.9 field goal percentage.

That is why Abdul-Jabbar, who utilized the sky hook to score the most points in the history of the NBA, is baffled at players who refuse to learn the hook shot.

So, if the shot is that effective why aren't more players attempting it?

Today’s players have opted for the flashier dunk, leaving the hook shot in the dirt.

In addition, the league is dominated by hybrid point guards like Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose who have taken on more scoring responsibility than previous point guards, creating a scarcity of offensively dominant centers in the NBA.

Perhaps the last truly great center was Shaquille O’Neal, who elevated his game by adapting the ‘baby’ hook shot into his arsenal of moves.

Today's centers, such as Dwight Howard and Roy Hibbert would all benefit greatly by adding the hook shot to their game.

Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies seems to be the glimmer of hope that is keeping the hook shot alive in the NBA. 

Should more players attempt the hook shot in the NBA? Would the move be effective in today's game?

Let me know what you think in the comments.