NBA Free-Throw Percentage Is Unacceptable

No one ever accused NBA players of being too nice.

Yet, for every four free points offered, the league's players have said in essence, "Thanks, but I'll only take three."

In 2006, NBA teams averaged over 26 free throw attempts per game, making an average of 19. That's seven points available, but not snatched up—per game.

Just reclaiming five of those seven points per game over the course of the season would be huge for any team—especially those in the lower echelon.

Ponder further—is it not conceivable that a team averaging 90 percent from the line would make a few more aggressive drives to the basket—and opponents, aware of that high percentage, would subconsciously back off an extra inch or two on defense?

Should I mention the added benefit as the "bonus" comes into play? Or the fact that made free throws represent a subsequent inbounds play, nullifying any fast-break opportunity for the opponent?

Yes, coaches constantly harp on the importance of converting those foul shots. And how many times have we heard the refrain "free throws would have made the difference" after a close loss?

Yet the league average hovers right around 73 percent—for a shot that is, in truth, a gimme.

The free throw is the one aspect of the game which does not require speed, strength, intelligence, or talent. It is an uncontested, straight-on shot with a backboard helper. It is a discipline which requires only form, concentration, and repetition. It can be mastered by almost anyone on the street, given enough practice.

Perhaps the free throw has been devalued by its very name, like that car Daddy gave to Junior. Because nothing was required on Junior's part, there was never a real sense of ownership or pride.

That's a misconception. The price of a free throw is paid in practice—and sometimes on the court, in the form of a hard foul.

On the subject of value, here's a nut to chew on—I would argue that a missed free throw has the same negative value as a turnover in the overall scheme of the game. Trust me, I've done the math.

The three-point shot has also devalued the free throw, in my opinion. Misses at the charity stripe have become acceptable, in that one successful three-pointer can cover a multitude of sins at the line.

I'm an advocate of the three-point shot, but if we have long-range specialists who can perfect their art to the tune of 44 percent in unpredictable game-time action, with defenders in their face, can we not expect athletes at the highest level, getting paid millions, to convert 90 percent of their uncontested, robot-precision 'free' throws?

Next time you check out the boxscore, after you've scanned the field goals, rebounds and assists, linger a little longer on the free throw percentage. Was your team polite enough to graciously refuse some of the tasty fare offered?

In the immortal words of the voice of the Portland Trailblazers, Bill Schonely, "You've got to make your free throws!"

I concur and add, "No more Mr. Nice Guy!"

photo credit: kalcom.typepad.com