Why Modern NBA Centers Struggle to Make 75% of Their Free Throws

The modern NBA has seen a shift in the importance of various skills, and one aspect that remains a challenge for many centers is hitting 75% of their free throws. This article explores the multiple factors that contribute to this difficulty and sheds light on the evolving roles of centers in the league.

Shooting Mechanics

Many centers in the NBA do not receive traditional shooter training. Instead, their focus is often on getting rebounds, blocking shots, and playing in the post. These skill sets require a different kind of physical and technical approach compared to free throw shooting. As a result, centers may struggle with refining their shooting technique, leading to lower free throw percentages.

Mental and Psychological Factors

Free throws can be a highly stressful situation for players, and this mental pressure can significantly impact performance. For centers, who are less often associated with high shooting percentages due to their physical size and playstyle, the pressure at the line can be especially intense. This can lead to increased anxiety and decreased confidence, further diminishing their free throw performance.

Physical Attributes

Centers generally have larger bodies and longer arms, which can affect their shooting mechanics. The higher center of gravity and the need to elevate further to release the ball can make it difficult to achieve the same shooting form as smaller players. Additionally, their size can make it challenging to maintain consistent ball control and release, leading to lesser precision in free throws.

Practice Focus and Priorities

The training regimens of modern centers often emphasize physical aspects such as strength and conditioning, which helps them perform better in the paint. However, this focus can sometimes come at the expense of time spent on shooting drills, including free throws. As a result, centers may not dedicate sufficient practice time to improve their free throw percentages, leading to lower overall shooting efficiency.

Evolution of the Game

The modern NBA is evolving to place greater importance on perimeter shooting, with centers often expected to stretch their shot range. This shift in focus can dilute the time and energy centers devote to improving their free throw shooting. The emphasis on expanding their offensive repertoire can mean that free throws, while crucial, may not receive the same level of attention in practice.

Statistical Variability

Even among skilled players, free throw shooting can be highly variable. This means that even with dedicated practice, the performance of free throwers can fluctuate. For centers, achieving a consistent 75% free throw percentage across different games and practice sessions can be particularly challenging due to this variability.

Introduction of Modern Centers

Traditionally, it has been rare for centers to hit 75% of their free throws. This trend has shifted, however, with centers being taught shooting techniques from a young age. Players like Karl-Anthony Towns (81%), Kristaps Porzingis (84%), and Jonas Valanciunas (76%) are examples of modern centers who excel in free throw shooting. This shift can be attributed to the increasing emphasis on coaching younger players in various shooting disciplines, including free throw shooting.

About the Hype and Reality

It is unreasonable to expect centers to hit better than guards from the free-throw line because of their specialization in different areas. Guards are known for shooting from long distances, while centers focus on post play and proximity shots. Even with extensive practice, hitting 75% of free throws is a significant challenge.

Historical Context

In previous eras, centers such as Ben Wallace, Shaquille O'Neal, Bill Russell, and Wilt Chamberlain struggled with free throw shooting, much like many modern centers. The taller and more muscular nature of these players made it particularly difficult for them to refine their free throw shooting mechanics. Nowadays, with players being coached earlier and more intensively, even big men are being taught to shoot effectively from the free-throw line.

Final Thoughts

While some modern NBA centers do achieve high free throw percentages, the combination of these factors contributes to the challenge of consistently reaching or exceeding a 75% mark. Talented centers who can shoot well from the free-throw line have a clear advantage, as their size alone often makes them valuable assets on the court. However, it is crucial for centers to understand the importance of free throw shooting and work on improving their technique, even if their primary focus lies elsewhere.