Is Nate Thurmond blocking a Kareem SKYHOOK attempt?

[CavaliersFTW]

http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/221/5/d/skyhookblocknate_by_dantheman9758-d5aj2t6.gif

I can't tell if this is a legit skyhook by Kareem - if it is than Nate looks to be capable of blocking skyhooks too :eek:

[jlauber]

http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/221/5/d/skyhookblocknate_by_dantheman9758-d5aj2t6.gif

I can't tell if this is a legit skyhook by Kareem - if it is than Nate looks to be capable of blocking skyhooks too :eek:

I think Kareem had many skyhooks blocked, but Chamberlain was the only one who could block it at it's apex. In most all of the other blocks, the ball is still in Kareem's hand.

Once again, Chamberlain was routinely blocking it.

BTW, Thurmond supposedly had a higher standing reach than Chamberlain.

[SyRyanYang]

Doesn't look like a typical skyhook, nice block nevertheless

[fpliii]

Thurmond was quite the vascular man...

[jlauber]

And no one else played Kareem tougher defensively, than Thurmond, either.

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=263453

[CavaliersFTW]

I think Kareem had many skyhooks blocked, but Chamberlain was the only one who could block it at it's apex. In most all of the other blocks, the ball is still in Kareem's hand.

Once again, Chamberlain was routinely blocking it.

BTW, Thurmond supposedly had a higher standing reach than Chamberlain.
Wait tho, Kareem didn't have many skyhooks blocked. I don't doubt that it was possibly blocked by a few players in his career but I think it was ultra rare and I can't think of more than half a dozen players who would have even been capable of reaching it, regardless of where it was after leaving his hands, no? Altering a (Kareem) skyhook isn't an every day shot blocking ability - if Nate is touching a Kareem skyhook its something special IMO

[imnew09]

He was barley going up, but yea it was a nice, clean block.

[jlauber]

Wait tho, Kareem didn't have many skyhooks blocked. I don't doubt that it was possibly blocked by a few players in his career but I think it was ultra rare and I can't think of more than half a dozen players who would have even been capable of reaching it, regardless of where it was after leaving his hands, no? Altering a (Kareem) skyhook isn't an every day shot blocking ability - if Nate is touching a Kareem skyhook its something special IMO

I SAW almost ALL of the Wilt-Kareem H2H's. And Chamberlain was ROUTINELY blocking the skyhook. As it is we have a KNOWN 30 blocks, in just SEVEN of their 28 H2H's (and in another, the recap claimed "numerous" blocks." Now, I couldn't tell you how many of those 30 were skyhooks, but given the fact that Kareem's go-to shot was the skyhook, the assumption has to be that at least some 20 were skyhooks (and once again...in SEVEN of their 28 H2H's.) Furthermore, if Chamberlain were not blocking the skyhook (and he indeed was), why would Kareem have taken any shot besides the skyhook against him?

The fact was, it had become so routine, that it was seldom even mentioned in recaps. The recaps just listed the blocks on Kareem.

And, since the two played in 28 H2H games, and given the fact that Wilt had averaged over four blocks in those seven games, there is a good chance that Wilt probably blocked some 50 skyhooks in their 28 H2H's.

[jlauber]

Wait tho, Kareem didn't have many skyhooks blocked. I don't doubt that it was possibly blocked by a few players in his career but I think it was ultra rare and I can't think of more than half a dozen players who would have even been capable of reaching it, regardless of where it was after leaving his hands, no? Altering a (Kareem) skyhook isn't an every day shot blocking ability - if Nate is touching a Kareem skyhook its something special IMO

Even the relative unknown 6-8 Bill Willoughby blocked the skyhook.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r09WtKVwaMU

Of course, that was not a PRIME Kareem, though.

[jlauber]

BTW,

IF we could get all six games of the '72 WCF's, there would be a SUBSTANTIAL amount of evidence of Chamberlain routinely blocking the skyhook.

It has always amazed me that we have ZERO footage of the '72 WCF's, of which EVERY game was televised in prime time.

It may have been Chamberlain's finest hour...

[CavaliersFTW]

Even the relative unknown 6-8 Bill Willoughby blocked the skyhook.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r09WtKVwaMU

Of course, that was not a PRIME Kareem, though.
That is NOT a skyhook attempt, Kareem clearly positioned himself for a dunk in that video. His first step resembles his approach for a skyhook only vaguely and after half way into that step the way he positions his body and arcs his arm backwards after is clearly not the motion of the otherwise robotic, deliberate looking skyhook. To me the shot that Willoughby blocked is Kareem's signature 1 handed dunk that I've seen him throw down often in 70's footage back when he still had great athleticism. The youtube uploaders title is misleading

[kennethgriffin]

most unstopable shot ever is the dirk/kobe step back fade


never been blocked before. the high knee seperates you from the defender

[fpliii]

most unstopable shot ever is the dirk/kobe step back fade


never been blocked before. the high knee seperates you from the defender

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24PeGG_Vf74

[jlauber]

That is NOT a skyhook attempt, Kareem clearly positioned himself for a dunk in that video. His first 2 steps resemble his approach for a skyhook only vaguely and after those steps the way he positions his body and arcs his arm backwards after is clearly not the motion of the otherwise robotic, deliberate looking skyhook. In fact it is clearly the motion of him prepping for his signature 1 handed dunk that I've seen him throw down often in 70's footage back when he still had great athleticism. The youtube uploaders title is misleading

Debatable. It certainly resembles his skyhook form. Once again, though, the ball is still in his hand. To my knowledge, Chamberlain was the only player to ever block it after it was released.

[jlauber]

Incidently, Chamberlain used to overplay Kareem to his natural right side, which is where Kareem would launch the skyhook. By overplaying it, he was getting to the "opening" on that side, and with his incredible vertical, was easily capable of blocking it. Kareem probably got a few easy baskets because Chamberlain overplayed so much to that side, by faking right, and spinning left.

[jlauber]

I believe Julizaver found a recap in their very FIRST meeting, which credited Wilt with a block on Kareem's skyhook. Hopefully he will read this, and confirm.

[CavaliersFTW]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn200/nbacardDOTnet/zz%20NBA%20Photo%20Gallery/y%20NBA%20etc/1%20Golden%20State%20Warriors/Nate%20Thurmond/natethurmond1.jpg

http://youtu.be/OJ4B5O6TAiI

Nate Thurmond

[jongib369]

I believe Julizaver found a recap in their very FIRST meeting, which credited Wilt with a block on Kareem's skyhook. Hopefully he will read this, and confirm.
I cannot begin to express to you how jealous I am that you got to see these games on TV let alone attend them lol.....Is it true Thurmond played better D on Wilt than Russell? And have you ever heard Russell say where he ranks Thurmonds defense? If im not mistaken I think i remember Wilt saying thurmond played better 1 on 1 D on him....Considering how long chamberlain is, the fact nate had a higher standing reach makes him sound like a mutant lol.

Btw, can you explain this??? Chamberlain's name is 3rd from right


http://snownymph.smugmug.com/Other/2010-Mar-3-KU-KS-Basketball/11422088_RV95wX/1/802998009_egCGD#!i=802999094&k=gPutA&lb=1&s=A

[jongib369]

I've seen the muhhamed ali chamberlain wingspan tale of the tape...7'8 wingspan...but why would a kansas memorial say 7'2??

[CavaliersFTW]

I cannot begin to express to you how jealous I am that you got to see these games on TV let alone attend them lol.....Is it true Thurmond played better D on Wilt than Russell? And have you ever heard Russell say where he ranks Thurmonds defense? If im not mistaken I think i remember Wilt saying thurmond played better 1 on 1 D on him....Considering how long chamberlain is, the fact nate had a higher standing reach makes him sound like a mutant lol.

Btw, can you explain this??? Chamberlain's name is 3rd from right


http://snownymph.smugmug.com/Other/2010-Mar-3-KU-KS-Basketball/11422088_RV95wX/1/802998009_egCGD#!i=802999094&k=gPutA&lb=1&s=A
I believe he said "just as good"

and can we try to talk about Nate and not Wilt in this thread? There's had to have been at least a dozen Wilt threads this past week alone I'm trying to shine some light on Nate Thurmond

[senelcoolidge]

Even the relative unknown 6-8 Bill Willoughby blocked the skyhook.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r09WtKVwaMU

Of course, that was not a PRIME Kareem, though.

Wow, Bill Willoughby. If I remember correctly he was the first or one of the first NBA player drafted straight out of high school. Didn't live up to what he was projected to be. But a nice block none the less. He had a near 50 inch vertical leap.
Thurmond was a great defensive big man. Very overlooked. Other than Chamberlain I could see Thurmond blocking the sky hook.

[jongib369]

Sorry was just trying to ask a question, should of asked it in a PM. Not trying to steal the spotlight from Nate, just didnt think adding another question along with one about nate would be a problem.

[CavaliersFTW]

Sorry was just trying to ask a question, should of asked it in a PM. Not trying to steal the spotlight from Nate, just didnt think adding another question along with one about nate would be a problem.
That wasn't directed just to you that was to Jlauber too lol, threads about anything 60's/center related tend to get derailled and hijacked into Wilt threads lol

[BlueandGold]

Even the relative unknown 6-8 Bill Willoughby blocked the skyhook.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r09WtKVwaMU

Of course, that was not a PRIME Kareem, though.
Thanks for posting this, we can debate the semantics and details of what exactly a "blocked skyhook attempt" actually means but from first appearances it definitely looks like Willoughby did block that particular attempt and also thurmond and wilt routinely did block the skyhook?

[kennethgriffin]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24PeGG_Vf74

lol thats not even remotely close to a dirk style 1 legged step back fade

that was a run to the left jump off 2 foot leaner

[jongib369]

haha I gotcha, makes sense though...Talk about Drexler in the 90s you know its going to turn into a Jordan thread lol.

Could you possibly PM your take on what I asked Jlauber? Considering your the one who opened my eyes to how good Wilt was in the first place...Was always a fan but never saw that much footage/ seen the info on wingspan etc.


ANYWAYS, people seem to forget about thurmond...I'd love to see how he'd effect Shaq's FG%.

http://i40.tinypic.com/292xmra.jpg

[Deuce Bigalow]

Nice quality gif, especially from the 70s :applause:

[bluechox2]

haha I gotcha, makes sense though...Talk about Drexler in the 90s you know its going to turn into a Jordan thread lol.

Could you possibly PM your take on what I asked Jlauber? Considering your the one who opened my eyes to how good Wilt was in the first place...Was always a fan but never saw that much footage/ seen the info on wingspan etc.


ANYWAYS, people seem to forget about thurmond...I'd love to see how he'd effect Shaq's FG%.

http://i40.tinypic.com/292xmra.jpg

lebrons idol :coleman:

[millwad]

Still waiting for Jlauber to actually post any proof that Wilt blocked 20+ skyhooks in his '72 playoff meeting against Kareem.. :facepalm

Oh, wait, Jlauber REMEMBERS them blocks, the same guy who couldn't remember how good the era he "watched" 'til he checked some boxscores and youtube-videos remembers in detail how many skyhooks Wilt blocked..

Jlauber, still waiting for anything that proves your nonsense, and I don't mean mistyped youtube-comments from CavaliersFTW.. :facepalm

[millwad]

I SAW almost ALL of the Wilt-Kareem H2H's. And Chamberlain was ROUTINELY blocking the skyhook. As it is we have a KNOWN 30 blocks, in just SEVEN of their 28 H2H's (and in another, the recap claimed "numerous" blocks." Now, I couldn't tell you how many of those 30 were skyhooks, but given the fact that Kareem's go-to shot was the skyhook, the assumption has to be that at least some 20 were skyhooks (and once again...in SEVEN of their 28 H2H's.) Furthermore, if Chamberlain were not blocking the skyhook (and he indeed was), why would Kareem have taken any shot besides the skyhook against him?

The fact was, it had become so routine, that it was seldom even mentioned in recaps. The recaps just listed the blocks on Kareem.

And, since the two played in 28 H2H games, and given the fact that Wilt had averaged over four blocks in those seven games, there is a good chance that Wilt probably blocked some 50 skyhooks in their 28 H2H's.


You retarded ****, so all your spamming about Wilt blocking 20-30 skyhooks was a pure assumption?

Wow, you're beyond retarded.

[Harison]

Its wasnt a true skyhook, but there is really no shot in the basketball which is 100% unblockable, including skyhook.

[Story Up]

What does Wilt have to do ith this thread? Stfu already.

[Rake2204]

Thanks for posting this, we can debate the semantics and details of what exactly a "blocked skyhook attempt" actually means but from first appearances it definitely looks like Willoughby did block that particular attempt and also thurmond and wilt routinely did block the skyhook?
Again, you're right in that it's semantics, but upon first look I actually thought that move appeared to be an attempted Kareem drop-in or dunk. I wouldn't call it Kareem's signature Sky Hook. It's be similar to watching Dirk Nowitzki finding himself underneath the basket, pump-faking, then shooting a contested "power" fall-away (i.e. not his signature fallaway) and getting blocked. Technically, it'd be a fallaway getting blocked, but not what we know as "The Dirk".

Also, the original clip did not quite seem to be a full-fledged Sky Hook either. Both appear to be hybrids that, as illustrated, were left vulnerable to opposing defenders.

[Batz]

That was a normal hook shot.

[dunksby]

jlauber is full of shit, that much we all know.

[ILLsmak]

http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/221/5/d/skyhookblocknate_by_dantheman9758-d5aj2t6.gif

I can't tell if this is a legit skyhook by Kareem - if it is than Nate looks to be capable of blocking skyhooks too :eek:

All things considered, that's a foul. He came across his body and made body on body contact before he got the ball.

-Smak

[L.Kizzle]

All things considered, that's a foul. He came across his body and made body on body contact before he got the ball.

-Smak
Yeah, maybe if LeBron was doin' the skyhook. No Foul.

[pauk]

most unstopable shot ever is the dirk/kobe step back fade


never been blocked before. the high knee seperates you from the defender

its dirks move entirely, which at 7' pure shooter makes it unstoppable, kobe is just an immitator and it doesnt work equally well as a 6'5 guy with also less accuracy, just like he is immitating much from jordan aswell which none of it works equally well considering jordan hit those shots at 50%-55% and at bigger production...

[CavaliersFTW]

Yeah, maybe if LeBron was doin' the skyhook. No Foul.
yup, Nate hit all ball, and that's what the refs will look at

[Pointguard]

Thurmond got it before it reached its Zenith in that clip. Nate studied Kareem and his footwork just as he did everybody else. I can't say for sure but it looked like Nate studied the movement before the last step in opposing centers. You see him position his weight on guys just before their full momentum gets in stride. He also just fought in denying guys their favorite spots as well. Nate did too much body work on Reed, Kareem and Wilt to block them a lot. Nate used timed body bumps and denial of position unlike anybody since him.

In Kareem's early years the hook wasn't as predictable or deliberate. He had a shake move and his springs were flat out quicker - his step before the left foot leap was much quicker and shorter. I think Kareem positioned his body better in the '80's but he wasn't always consistent with that. Wilt had great timing, height and a somewhat delayed jump which is why he got it more than anybody else. Wilt, like Thurmond in this video, knew how to step into Kareems timing. It was just one more thing Wilt could do that nobody else could. And younger Wilt, say '67, would likely have played ping pong with it being that Wilt got it a good amount of times when past his prime and severe surgery didn't stop the block party in '71.

[jlauber]

Thurmond got it before it reached its Zenith in that clip. Nate studied Kareem and his footwork just as he did everybody else. I can't say for sure but it looked like Nate studied the movement before the last step in opposing centers. You see him position his weight on guys just before their full momentum gets in stride. He also just fought in denying guys their favorite spots as well. Nate did too much body work on Reed, Kareem and Wilt to block them a lot. Nate used timed body bumps and denial of position unlike anybody since him.

In Kareem's early years the hook wasn't as predictable or deliberate. He had a shake move and his springs were flat out quicker - his step before the left foot leap was much quicker and shorter. I think Kareem positioned his body better in the '80's but he wasn't always consistent with that. Wilt had great timing, height and a somewhat delayed jump which is why he got it more than anybody else. Wilt, like Thurmond in this video, knew how to step into Kareems timing. It was just one more thing Wilt could do that nobody else could. And younger Wilt, say '67, would likely have played ping pong with it being that Wilt got it a good amount of times when past his prime and severe surgery didn't stop the block party in '71.

Great post. The fact that we never saw a PRIME Chamberlain go up against Kareem is one of the biggest "what-if's" in sports history.

Of course, CavsFan doesn't want this to be about Chamberlain...

and of course, I already provided ALL 43 H2H games (with as much known info, anyway) of the Kareem-Nate matchups.

As for blocking the skyhook. Not a big deal. Kareem's skyhook was blocked many times in his career.

[DatAsh]

I think Kareem had many skyhooks blocked, but Chamberlain was the only one who could block it at it's apex. In most all of the other blocks, the ball is still in Kareem's hand.

Once again, Chamberlain was routinely blocking it.

BTW, Thurmond supposedly had a higher standing reach than Chamberlain.


:oldlol:

Great first reply for a Thurmond appreciation thread :applause:

[jlauber]

:oldlol:

Great first reply for a Thurmond appreciation thread :applause:

Give me some credit though...right after that post...


And no one else played Kareem tougher defensively, than Thurmond, either.

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=263453

Which is really more than anyone else did regarding Nate.

[dude77]

not a sky hook by the definition of a kareem sky hook .. torso's facing the basket .. good defense though

[SHAQisGOAT]

Nate Thurmond - Greatest post defender of all time


Still the skyhook is the best NBA move ever