NBA: 10 strangest free throw routines of all time

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 1: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the LA Clippers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 1, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 1: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the LA Clippers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 1, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Photo by: Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images /

9. Karl Malone

Karl Malone was a very unique NBA personality. He had a very impressive collection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He wrestled against the likes of Dennis Rodman and Hulk Hogan on pay-per-view. In his free time he’s been seen hunting bears and wearing alligator boots. Why should his game on the court be exempt from his unique way of doing things?

The Mailman certainly delivered a very strange free throw routine throughout his 19-year NBA career. The Hall-of-Famer would talk to himself before every attempt at the line. 

Malone was a decent free throw shooter for his career, sinking 74.7 percent of his shots. But still, what was he muttering to himself while at the line? Was he talking to himself? Was it a conversation with the ball? Perhaps he was using the same technique that gamblers use when whispering to the dice at Las Vegas casinos.

The conversation would take place so fast and quietly that players in the game didn’t even know what he was saying. The two-time MVP has never divulged the information either. Whatever the words of encouragement may have been, they worked well enough to help a legendary player during a storied career with many accomplishments.