- Mitchell Robinson is exploring underhand free throws with NBA legend Rick Barry’s guidance to improve his dismal shooting record.
- Robinson’s broken pinky and poor free-throw shooting have been significant concerns for the New York Knicks in high-pressure situations.
- The underhand technique, popularized by Rick Barry, has been proven effective, with Barry shooting 90% from the line over his career.
- The New York Knicks are counting on Robinson to adapt to the new style and make a positive impact in the playoffs.
- Underhand free throws could be the answer for Mitchell Robinson, who is desperate to turn his fortunes around at the line.
Mitchell Robinson, the New York Knicks center, is dealing with a broken pinky and a dismal free-throw shooting record, but he’s not letting that stop him from playing in the NBA Finals. With the help of NBA legend Rick Barry, Robinson is considering a drastic change to his free-throw technique: underhand shooting. This unorthodox method, made famous by Barry, could be the solution to Robinson’s problems at the line.
The Current State of Affairs
Robinson’s injury and poor free-throw shooting have been a significant concern for the Knicks, especially in high-pressure situations like the NBA Finals. His inability to convert from the line has led to frustration and criticism from fans and pundits alike. However, with Barry’s guidance, Robinson may be able to turn his fortunes around. The underhand technique, although unusual, has been proven to be effective, with Barry himself being a testament to its success. As the Knicks push forward in the playoffs, all eyes will be on Robinson to see if he can adapt to this new style and make a positive impact on the game.
A Look Back at Rick Barry’s Career
Rick Barry, a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, is no stranger to controversy and criticism. His underhand free-throw technique, which he used throughout his career, was often mocked and ridiculed by fans and players alike. However, the numbers don’t lie: Barry shot an impressive 90% from the line over his career, making him one of the most accurate free-throw shooters in NBA history. His success with the underhand technique is a significant reason why he’s urging Robinson to give it a try. With his experience and expertise, Barry is confident that Robinson can overcome his injury and become a reliable free-throw shooter.
The Key Players Involved
Mitchell Robinson and Rick Barry are the two main figures in this story, but there are other key players involved as well. The Knicks coaching staff, led by head coach Tom Thibodeau, will play a crucial role in helping Robinson adapt to the new technique. Additionally, Robinson’s teammates, including Julius Randle and RJ Barrett, will need to be patient and supportive as he works through this transition. As for Barry, his involvement is not just about helping Robinson but also about vindicating his own unorthodox technique. With Robinson’s success or failure, Barry’s legacy as a shooting pioneer will be put to the test.
The Potential Consequences
If Robinson is able to successfully implement the underhand technique, it could have significant consequences for the Knicks and the NBA as a whole. For the Knicks, it could mean a more reliable and consistent contributor on the court, which could be the difference between winning and losing in the playoffs. For the NBA, it could lead to a resurgence in the use of underhand free-throw shooting, as players and coaches look for new ways to gain an edge. However, if Robinson fails to adapt, it could lead to further criticism and scrutiny, not just for him but also for Barry and his technique.
The Bigger Picture
The story of Mitchell Robinson and Rick Barry is not just about one player’s struggles with free-throw shooting; it’s about the evolution of the game and the willingness to think outside the box. In an era where analytics and technology dominate the NBA, it’s refreshing to see a player and a coach willing to try something new and unconventional. As the NBA continues to grow and change, stories like this will become more common, and it will be interesting to see how players, coaches, and fans respond to these innovations. For more information on the history of underhand free-throw shooting, visit Wikipedia.
As the NBA Finals continue, all eyes will be on Mitchell Robinson and his attempts to master the underhand free-throw technique. With Rick Barry’s guidance and support, Robinson may be able to overcome his injury and become a reliable contributor for the Knicks. Only time will tell if this unorthodox method will pay off, but one thing is certain: it will be an interesting and exciting story to watch unfold. For the latest updates on the NBA Finals, visit CBS Sports.
Source: CBS Sports