I happened to see on your website reference to a contest on most important skill in basketball. The only reason I am commenting is I overheard some AAU coaches and parents talking on the subject recently and I thought they had a very one-side opinion (mainly viewing athleticism as much more important than skill). Having kids that do not have a high degree of inherent athleticism this peaked my interest.
As the layman, I look at “skill” being one of three critical components of a basketball player. The other two being character (passion, mental toughness, coachability, good teammate, etc.) and individual physical gifts (size and inherent athleticism).
Watching the game evolve over the years, I believe that unless you are 6’ 10” or a freakish athlete, the most valuable skill in basketball is simply shooting. Obviously there are many complimentary skills that are needed (moving without the ball, ball handling, changing speed, getting separation, etc.) but if you can do all these things and you can’t shoot you can be defended. If you can shoot, it opens everything else up for you and your team. A close second maybe defense (if you can’t defend you won’t be on the floor).