Why do you think LMA can be so clutch shooting at the end of games, but can't seem to hit clutch free throws?
There's a lot more time to think during a FT than a regular shot. When you overthink an action, you start doing it mechanically rather than by muscle memory.
I'm not too worried, and I tried to frame the question in an inquisitive way instead of just a negative way.
So that means LMA is good enough to get us to game 7 of the finals, sure, let him take the shot, he has obviously improved big time to get us this far.
Darkwebs nailed it. We see that with a lot of players - they think too much instead of letting their training take over.
So when shaq was missing 4th free throws; he's just a robin too? How about when clippers sit griffin late in the fourth? Missing free throws are mental; but it doesn't take away the value of a player.
Shaq was a crappy FT shooter. Aldridge is a crappy FT shooter in clutch time. Shaq actually had a better FT% in clutch time than he did the rest of the game
Aldridge is a rhythm shooter and shoots well from the elbow when he catches and shoots, or is able to jab step and shoot. He should change his free throw routine to incorporate more motion. A good example is Andre Miller who does the same dribble routine, spins the ball almost like he catching it, and goes up to shoot without breaking rhythm. I think it's a problem for LMA to hold the ball in the shooting position at the line because it just builds tension in his hands and forearms. Oh yeah, and he sucks and we should trade him for Kevin Garnett.
Aldridge is a good FT shooter for a PF. He's just in a funk from the line so far in Feb., I think 7-18. Most of those weren't taken in crunch time so I don't think that has anything to do with it.
Is there a rule that you have to have both feet on the ground during a free throw? Because the guy should catch the ball from the ref, immediately rise up and can the jumper. You just know he'd hit those at an 80% clip. That's his entire game. Hell, if he still misses the timing is going to throw everybody off and we'll have a chance for an offensive board.
Shaq had other skills that far outweighed his struggles at the stripe. Shooting is Aldridge's main strength and he kind of sucks at it in crunch time.
I doubt there's a rule against that, but I think these guys are too proud to do anything of the sort because it makes them look different. It's similar to Rick Barry pleading for Shaq to shoot his FTs underhanded but Shaq never listening to him.
He didn't jump but I believe Van Excel (I think that it is who it was - can anyone corroborate?) used to shoot free throws almost from the 3 point line.
