OT: Andre Drummond Open to Shooting FTs Underhanded
As a Pistons fan, I'm happy about this. He just had the worst FT season in NBA history, so it's not like he could get any worse if he started shooting underhanded.
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/04/28/drummond…
April 29th, 2016 at 10:52 AM ^
Worked for Arnold Shortman
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April 29th, 2016 at 11:45 AM ^
Trust the ball Tucker
April 29th, 2016 at 10:52 AM ^
With the money involved, you'd think some of the poor FT shooters would see past the "Granny-Style" stigma and give it a try.
It's not like people aren't joking about Drummond already when he walks to the line.
Just try it as an alternative style in practice. Then use the style in games that you are more successful with in practice.
April 29th, 2016 at 11:01 AM ^
Berry worked with Shaq in the 90s on this style of shooting, and he said Shaq was getting really good at it. Then he got a call one day from Shaq who said he's no longer going to consider using this method because he's "a hip-hop guy."
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So did Rick BARRY
April 29th, 2016 at 10:53 AM ^
Good for him. He's a real quality person, and a top 10 NBA caliber player. He's so young - his future and Detroit's future is so bright with him in the middle.
I'm not sure if he will actually shoot underhand, but if he does, I would respect him even more.
The Bad Boys Version III are just beginning to grow.
April 29th, 2016 at 10:58 AM ^
Seriously. I don't get the "I don't wan't to look like an idiot" or "It isn't cool so no way man" attitudes.
You know what isn't cool and makes you look like an idiot? Being a professioanl basketball player and shooting 36% from the line. As Muttley pointed out, they're already making fun of you for sucking at what is arguably the easiest thing to do in basketball.
April 29th, 2016 at 11:13 AM ^
You've already got a group of hugely successful coworkers, physically dominating each other. Looking like an idiot matters to everyone. The technology exists to severely limit concussions in the NFL. How many guys use it?
Hell, just look at how slow adoption of helmets were in hockey - even masks for goalies! Baseball coaches are upset at having to wear helmets to the baes... Just look at motorcycle helmet laws! Or seatbelts! People do all kinds of dumb things to avoid looking like an idiot - or somehow lesser than their peers.
The ProCap lost favor because the NFL was concerned about axial loading and catastrophic neck injuries. The fear was that in a collision, the soft surface of the ProCap would grip the other helmet for long enough to twist the user's neck. In addition, the ProCap was seen as an "alteration" to the helmet that would absolve the helmet-maker of liability in the case of any injury.
Now, I have no idea whether those concerns are true, or how those risks would balance against the risks of concussions. I know the makers of ProCap argued that the research into neck injuries was colored by money from Riddell and other helmet manufacturers. But it wasn't just the fear of looking stupid that led to players abandoning the ProCap. The Chiefs actually prohibited Steve Wallace, the player in your photo, from wearing the ProCap after he signed with them.
I didn't know those details about the ProCap, I think my larger point stands though. There was no reason for hockey players not to wear helmets, etc.
Do they outlaw the full face cage in the NHL? If so, why?
Mainly because fighting is still legal. I think fighting should be banned too (I'm amazed they didn't after all those enforcers committed suicide in one summer), and I think once they do full cages will be allowed.
April 29th, 2016 at 11:50 AM ^
The question is what "looks worse":
1) shooting under hand
or
2) shooting 35% from the line and having to be taken out for the last 5 minutes of close games. Not to mention more than occasional air balls.
April 29th, 2016 at 11:24 AM ^
I really want to see this. The underhand method seems like it'd be pretty easy once you get it down. Your arms are in a much more relaxed position. I bet it'll help him.
April 29th, 2016 at 12:08 PM ^
If he would adopt the underhand style and start shooting 80% from the line. He'd be so, so, so much more valuable.
April 29th, 2016 at 12:22 PM ^
Man if he could just shoot 60% he'd be much more valuable.
April 29th, 2016 at 12:14 PM ^
I don't care if he turns around and snaps them like he's David Molk or something. Just make the damn things on a semi-consistent basis.
April 29th, 2016 at 12:32 PM ^
I'm more open to the NBA changing it's rules so that it's not a foul fest on big men.
If he's got the ball and you foul him. Fine. No problem with that.
But bear hugging him 90 feet from the basket is fucking ridiculous.
April 29th, 2016 at 12:48 PM ^
I would hate to see a rule change that helps people play in the NBA that have no skill other than being tall. If someone is garbage at shooting the ball they shouln't get away with that. In addition, it sets a scary precedent to change rules whenever a player needs it. That being said a rule change would help the pistons, so I could kinda live with it.
I agreed with your first part that we should not change the rule. Free throws are part of the game, and they are a "gift" to you and your team for the other team doing something "bad".
You are given a chance to score with NO ONE guarding you and with very little time pressure, and because you suck at it we should change the rule??? How about improving your skills in the facet of the game!!!
I'd like to see the rim raised either 6" or 1 foot to take away more of the advantage of just being tall and not having other basketball skills.
Nobody wants to change the rule because he's a bad shooter. An intentional foul is an intentional foul. It should be two shots and the ball! The NBA sucks my ass with how little actual defense is attempted. It's why I don't watch much. Ole' defense and intentional fouls is what makes it unbearable. It's like watching the all star game over and over again. God I miss the good old days!
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April 29th, 2016 at 12:33 PM ^
I mean, physically, it's just a matter of repetition. Have they brought in a sports psychologist to talk to him?
April 29th, 2016 at 12:49 PM ^
Yes they have actually. And a shooting coach and someone else too.
It's not just a mental issue. It can be tricky for a lot of big men to shoot free throws (or perimeter shots in general) as it's harder for them to get proper rotation due to the ball feeling smaller in their hands.
Great news , it'll increase his FT%, marketing ability, popularity, and his bank account. I'm sure it's pride that gets in the way of people like Dwight Howard, Drummond, Shaq, etc. that don't let them try underhand.
to any player that shoots under 50%. they end up releasing the ball closer to the hoop and with less moving parts, it can be more consistent.