5 Biggest Choke Artists in the NBA

Arguably the NBA's two best young stars, the Miami Heat's LeBron James and the Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose, put on a dazzling display of showmanship this past weekend in Miami.

Rose led the Bulls with 34 points, but he was upstaged by James' 35-point effort as Miami won 97-93 in the first of four games between the Eastern Conference's two best teams. The game was a rematch of last year's conference final between the two; the Heat won the series 4-1.

While both superstars left fans in awe with their jaw-dropping, highlight reel plays, it was their inability to deliver in the clutch—as both players missed two free throws each that could have sealed the win for their respective teams—that everyone will remember.

Both James and Rose have misfired at times throughout their young careers, costing their teams victories, both in the regular season and postseason.

So which five NBA players are the biggest choke artists?

Read and enjoy!

5. Carlos Boozer: Chicago Bulls

Carlos Boozer of the Chicago Bulls definitely belongs on this list of choke artists.

The talented but enigmatic Bulls power forward has managed to put up stellar numbers throughout his career during the regular season; however, in late-game situations, he becomes invisible.

Evidence: the 2011 NBA Playoffs.

Chicago led the league with a 62-20 record. After eliminating both Indiana and Atlanta, the Bulls faced the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Boozer, who averaged 10.0 (against Indiana) and 13.3 (against Atlanta), looked for redemption against the Heat, but he was a non-factor, averaging 14.4 points.

Boozer struggled in the series, both offensively and defensively. His lack of production was a reason the Bulls lost to the Heat 4-1. Several Bulls fans have become disenchanted with his inability to produce at crucial times; his backup, Taj Gibson, has taken most of his minutes in the fourth quarter.

4. Pau Gasol: Los Angeles Lakers

Despite winning two NBA titles and receiving every accolade you can name, Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol is something of a choke artist also.

When Gasol plays well, his numbers backup his status as one of the NBA's best. However, when his numbers are the opposite, Laker fans calls for his head.

Evidence: the 2011 NBA Playoffs.

The Lakers were swept in four straight by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round. Gasol was the scapegoat for the Lakers' playoff implosion. Gasol averaged only 13.5 points and 6.8 rebounds against Dallas; he had averaged 18.8 points and 10.2 rebounds during the regular season.

Gasol's choke artist label is almost unfair. As everyone knows, Kobe Bryant is the MAN for the Lakers and as Kobe goes, the Lakers go. However, when things don't go well for them, Gasol becomes the target.

But Gasol has to play better in the clutch for Los Angeles.

3. Dwight Howard: Orlando Magic

Until Dwight Howard converts at least 72 percent of his free throws, the Orlando Magic center will always be at the center in late-game situations.

Howard is shooting under 50 percent from the line this season, and his poor free-throw shooting has cost Orlando several victories this season. If he does not improve his average, the problem will be fatal come playoff time.

No player in the NBA is fouled more than Howard (12.2 attempts a game). Howard is an imposing physical force under the basket, so instead of letting him get in position for easy dunks, teams are fouling him at a record pace.

Evidence: Jan. 12 against the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors fouled Howard a record 39 times; he converted 21 of them in a 117-109 Orlando win.

Trade rumors involving Howard have been a hot topic all season long and whether or not he is traded, Howard will have to make his free throws.

2. Derrick Rose: Chicago Bulls

Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls has his detractors despite his excellent basketball skill set.

The biggest NBA superstars are known for their ability to take charge when the season is on the line. Being too passive is not one of the traits of having a killer instinct; being too passive may be the problem with Rose. His laid-back approach and not being too vocal needs improvement.

The NBA's MVP a year ago struggles at times late in games, especially at the free-throw line—despite being a good shooter, overall, from the line. A week ago against the Miami Heat, Rose bricked two attempts with under 30 seconds remaining that would have given the Bulls a one-point lead, but he missed both and Miami won 97-93.

His misfire at the line was a repeat performance of the 2008 NCAA championship game. Rose was at the line with 10 seconds remaining with his Memphis Tigers leading the Kansas Jayhawks 62-60. Again, Rose failed to deliver, missing the first of two attempts. His miss allowed Jayhawks' guard Marion Chambers to hit a game-tying three-pointer before the buzzer to force overtime. Kansas went on to win 75-68.

Rose led Chicago to a league-best 62-20 record last season, but the Bulls were eliminated 4-2 by the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Rose averaged 23.4 points against the Heat; in Chicago's previous two playoff series, Rose averaged 29.8 against the Atlanta Hawks and 27.6 against the Indiana Pacers.

A player with Rose's ability should take over a game at crucial times. Instead of being passive, Rose should take a page from his great Bulls predecessor, Micheal Jordan. Jordan was also like Rose when he entered the league, young and quiet. His ability to lead a team took off when he became very vocal.

If Rose is to shed his choke artist label, he will have to evolve like Jordan did. Other players Rose could emulate are Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade.

1. LeBron James: Miami Heat

Are you surprised that the Miami Heat's LeBron James is labeled a choke artist?

For all of his awards and everything else, "King James" has failed come crunch time. No other NBA player can dominate a game for three quarters like James. However, the fourth quarter is when James appears to vanish.

Recently, James scored a season-high 40 points in a 105-97 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. James scored 24 points in the first quarter, but he struggled the rest of the way—six points in the final quarter. Fourth quarter flameouts are nothing common for James.

Evidence: the 2011 NBA Finals.

After signing with the Heat last offseason in the infamous move, "The Decision," James joined Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to help bring a title to South Beach. The trio led Miami to the finals against the Dallas Mavericks. James averaged 26.7 points during the season but only 23.7 against Dallas. The fourth quarter was where he really struggled. James was ineffective, not taking enough shots, being indecisive with the ball and deferring to Wade to bail him out. Dallas won the championship series 4-2.

James leaves his fans and basketball insiders asking questions about his inability to take over games in the clutch. A player who is unmatched in physicality should dominate when needed, but James is the opposite. Win or lose, the best players (present and past) take control regardless of the outcome. However, it appears that James does not want to be known as the guy who could not deliver. For two straight seasons, "King James" has enticed everyone with his highlights in the regular season, only to leave everyone wondering why he failed to come through when it counted.

Right now, he is playing lights-out basketball, but if "King James" fails to lead Miami to a title this year, his ability to lead a team will take a serious hit.