Shaquille O’Neal, commonly known as Shaq, is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Standing at an imposing 7 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 325 pounds, Shaq dominated the NBA with his incredible strength and agility. While he was a dominant force on the court, his free throw shooting was often a subject of scrutiny and ridicule. So, just how many free throws did Shaq make throughout his illustrious NBA career? Let's explore.

What made Shaq's free throw shooting so controversial?

Shaquille O'Neal's unique playing style combined with his underwhelming free throw shooting made it a hot topic of discussion. Despite being a dominant force inside the paint, Shaq's free throw percentage was disappointingly low, making him an easy target for opponents. Throughout his career, his free throw shooting percentage was often below 60%.

What was Shaq's free throw shooting percentage in college?

Before his NBA career, Shaq attended Louisiana State University (LSU). During his three-year college career, he shot free throws at an average percentage of 57.6%. Although not outstanding, it gave an early indication of his struggles at the line.

How many free throws did Shaq make in his NBA career?

Over his 19-year NBA career, which spanned from 1992 to 2011, Shaq made a total of 5,935 free throws.

What was Shaq's career free throw percentage?

On average, Shaq's career free throw percentage stood at a mere 52.7%. This low percentage was often the cause of frustration for his teammates, coaches, and fans.

Did Shaq ever improve his free throw shooting?

Despite the criticism, Shaq struggled to improve his free throw shooting. He experimented with different techniques, such as the "granny style" underhand free throw, but failed to consistently improve his accuracy. However, it is worth mentioning that he had a slightly better free throw shooting percentage in his later seasons, primarily due to decreased playing time and fewer attempts.

How did Shaq's free throw shooting affect his game?

While Shaq's ability to dominate the paint and overpower opponents was unquestionable, his poor free throw shooting affected certain aspects of his game. Opposing teams would often exploit his struggles by intentionally fouling him, resorting to the "Hack-a-Shaq" strategy to force him to shoot free throws. This tactic aimed to disrupt his rhythm, slow down his team's offense, and minimize his scoring impact.

Did Shaq's free throw shooting impact his overall career achievements?

Despite his struggles at the free throw line, Shaq's career accomplishments are unparalleled. He won four NBA championships, was the NBA Finals MVP three times, and was selected as an All-Star a staggering 15 times. Shaq's dominance in the paint made him a force to be reckoned with, helping his teams to achieve great success. Shaquille O'Neal's career in the NBA leaves an enduring legacy. While he faced criticism for his free throw shooting, it did not overshadow his remarkable career achievements. Although his free throw shooting percentage may be considered low compared to other basketball legends, Shaq's impact on the game goes well beyond this single aspect. He will forever be remembered for his formidable presence on the court and his contribution to the sport.
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