Howard’s go-to move compared to other Greats

An interesting article written by Kyle Hightower comparing Dwight Howard’s famous “short hook” move to other big men greats such as Shaq, Tim Duncan, Patrick Ewing, Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, Moses Malone and Kevin McHale.

"By far the thing that earned Magic center Dwight Howard his ” Superman” moniker under the basket can be traced back to his ability to dunk and send blocked shots flying into the Amway Arena crowd.But in many ways the hook shot has become Howard’s new toy of choice this season.It is also easily the key component of the new skill set he’s been developing in the post with mentor and Magic assistant Patrick Ewing, himself no stranger to dominance underneath the basket.No, Howard’s new shot won’t make you forget about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar‘s famous sky hook.But it is proof the 23-year-old’s game is expanding beyond just dunks.Here is a look at Howard’s hook as well as other go-to moves from the NBA‘s greatest big men.DWIGHT HOWARDTHE MOVE: Short HookHOW IT WORKS: It starts with a classic entry to Howard. He begins to back down his opponent, takes a quick dribble into the middle of the lane and uses his off shoulder to protect him as he releases the shot with the opposite hand.BUZZ: It’s a work in progress, but it keeps defenders guessing and keeps them from just setting up to take charges.WHAT HE SAYS ABOUT IT: “It’s not as easy for me to dunk the ball as it used to be. Knowing that I want to be able to get off the ground a little bit later in my career, I’m trying to develop my skills around the basket now. … My hook shot has been some of my most consistent shots this year with either hand. Hopefully they will continue to get better and I’ll be able to expand my game.”SHAQUILLE O’NEALTHE MOVE: Shaq Attack DunkHOW IT WORKS: Receiving the ball on the block, O’Neal uses either a quick spin move or dips his shoulder along with a power dribble before exploding up for the finish.BUZZ: Not the least bit bashful about his skills underneath, Shaq has even called himself the “most dominant ever” big man. O’Neal’s post game is in the spirit of Wilt Chamberlain, using his brute physical ability to create space and get to the rim.IN HIS WORDS: “You can’t let anyone intimidate you. Everything is yours. You get the ball and I’m going to dunk over your head.”TIM DUNCANTHE MOVE: Bank ShotHOW IT WORKS: Starting in the post, Duncan faces up his opponent about 15-18 feet from the basket and uses a fake or quick dribble to set up the angle for the classic kiss off the glass.BUZZ: A throwback to the NBA’s past, he is single-handedly keeping “going glass” stylish for this generation of players.IN HIS WORDS: “I hope not too many people pick that up because then they’ll get better than me. Then what will I be? Just another Joe.”PATRICK EWINGTHE MOVE: Baseline JumpshotHOW IT WORKS: Starting with a simple spin from the left side to the baseline and ending with a fully extended jumper that was nearly impossible to block.BUZZ: He first showed his love of the jumper at Georgetown and made it virtually unstoppable when he got into the league.IN HIS WORDS: “It’s not all about showing off your strength as a center. You need those extra things and that was one of mine.”HAKEEM OLAJUWONHE MOVE: Dream ShakeHOW IT WORKS: He would face up his opponent from about 12-15 feet out and make a drive toward the basket. He would fake, and when his defender leaned in one direction he’d quickly pivot to the other side for a short jumper or hook shot.THE BUZZ: Arguably the best player of his generation with his back to the basket, “The Dream” was aptly named.IN HIS WORDS: “That was a sucker move because they know you’re going to turn. But they don’t know which way or when.”MOSES MALONETHE MOVE: Shot PassHOW IT WORKS: Malone turned his propensity for knowing where a missed shot would come off into an art when he seemingly purposely tossed a short hook or layup attempt off the side of the rim and quickly rebounded it and scored.BUZZ: Known for his rebounding skills, his post moves were just as deadly for opponents.IN HIS WORDS: “Offensive rebounding is another way to score. You always try to get inside position and when you do, you got to make the most of it.”KEVIN McHALETHE MOVE: Jump HookHOW IT WORKS: Used double pumps, the stepthrough and long arms to create good angles and room to throw his straight-armed hook. His favorite spot was around the free-throw line and it was deadly.BUZZ: A lexicon of post moves, his skills opened up the floor for Boston Celtics teammates like Larry Bird.IN HIS WORDS: “I could have gotten into a rut, scoring 30 points a game with my back to the basket, but [Hibbing Minnesota High School Coach] Gary [Addington] forced me to learn the whole game.”By Kyle Hightower |Sentinel Staff Writer March 29, 2009  Orlando Sentinel"