The Art of Bank Shots: Legends and Statistics in NBA History

Bank shots off the glass have been a fascinating part of the NBA for decades. While there isn't an official statistic tracking the number of bank shots in NBA history, players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Tim Duncan have been particularly adept at this technique. This article delves into the importance of bank shots, the predominant players who used them, and their significance in modern basketball.

Understanding Bank Shots Off the Glass

Bank shots are known for being a high-percentage play. They occur when a player shoots the ball off the backboard, creating an arc that allows the ball to hit the backboard and still find the bottom of the rim. This play has been a hallmark of certain players' games since the early days of the NBA. While it is not as common now, it continues to be a valuable offensive tool when executed properly.

Tim Duncan: The Master of Bank Shots

Tim Duncan was known for his efficient scoring and his use of the bank shot. He retired in 2016 after 18 NBA seasons, during which he took 1934 bank shots over the final 13 years of his career, from 2003 to 2016. These statistics were provided by the NBA and cover both regular-season and playoff games. According to the league’s data, Duncan’s 1934 bank shots are the most claimed by any player in that period, which is nearly three times as many shots as Dwyane Wade, who is second on the list with 754.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: The Skyhook and Bank Shots

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, affectionately known as the “Big Leaner,” used the skyhook to great effect, and he also frequently utilized bank shots off the glass. Playing from the early 1970s to the late 1990s, Abdul-Jabbar had a long and successful career, extending the use of bank shots in the game for several decades.

Comparison to Modern Basketball

The era in which Duncan and Abdul-Jabbar played saw a shift in offensive strategies. With post play and traditional 2-point jumpers being discouraged, players like Duncan found alternative ways to score. The bank shot, like the skyhook, is now less common in today's game, where mid-range jump shots are often preferred due to the higher probability of making the shot.

Other Legends of Bank Shots

Sam Jones, a shooting guard for the Boston Celtics, and John Havlicek, a small forward for the same team, were also known for their accurate and effective bank shots. These players were able to execute bank shots with consistency, making them invaluable assets to their teams.

Conclusion

The bank shot off the glass has been a cherished part of basketball history. Players like Tim Duncan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar exemplified the significance of this technique. Despite the decline in popularity due to changes in offensive play, the bank shot remains a valuable offensive tool when employed by skilled players.