Mitchell Robinson's ongoing issues with free throws elicit harsh criticisms.
In the world of basketball, even the smallest details can make or break a game. For New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, his free throw attempts could either boost or hamper their chances of victory.
With a 2-1 second-round lead over the Boston Celtics, the Knicks' success hinges on mastering the fundamentals. Unfortunately, Robinson's free throw struggles are a cause for concern.
Throughout this series, Robinson has gone 7 for 23 at the free-throw line, drawing widespread criticism on social media. From sports analysts to casual fans, everyone seems to have an opinion on Robinson's shooting woes.
NBA legend Rick Barry, renowned for his own struggles at the stripe, offered to help Robinson with his free throws. Barry suggested that Robinson focus on the underhand free throw technique during the offseason to increase his value to the team.
During warm-ups before Game 4, fans and analysts noticed Robinson's free throw practice. Some praised his rebounding abilities, while others criticized his free throw misses and extra chances given to the opposition.
Boston's coach, Joe Mazzulla, exploited Robinson's free throw weakness in Game 3 by encouraging illegal fouls. The Knicks are striving to maintain their edge against a resurgent Celtics team and advance to the Eastern Conference finals.
Meanwhile, injuries have struck the Celtics as well. Jayson Tatum was spotted in a wheelchair after Game 4, while OG Anunoby appeared to suffer a hamstring injury during the game.
Mitchell Robinson isn't alone in his free throw struggles. Big men like Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O'Neal, and Rick Barry have faced similar difficulties. Chamberlain, a generational talent, resorted to shooting underhanded. Despite his struggles, Barry managed an impressive 89.3% free throw percentage using the underhanded technique.
Historically, big men have had mixed results with free throws. However, with guidance and practice, players like Robinson can improve their shooting accuracy and contribute more effectively to their teams.
In the current NBA playoffs, Mitchell Robinson's free throw struggles remain a significant concern for the New York Knicks, as his poor performance at the line could potentially hamper their shot at victory, given their close series against the Boston Celtics. Additionally, the underhand free throw technique, often employed by basketball legends such as Rick Barry, could potentially improve Robinson's free throw accuracy, making him a more valuable asset to the team.
