NBA: 10 strangest free throw routines in NBA history

NBA: 10 strangest free throw routines of all time

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4. Bill Cartwright

Bill Cartwright was the big man for the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls. While he was a role player at best, he’s credited with helping Michael Jordan capture his first three NBA championships. Prior to playing alongside Jordan, his awkward free throw motion may have gone unnoticed. But when MJ is on the floor, the spotlight tends to shine brighter on everyone.

Cartwright’s routine was quite a sight. He would start by pounding the ball into the hardwood. Then he’d get really stiff for a moment and load up a shot that he’d release way above his 7’1” frame. The entire ordeal was today’s equivalent of waiting for spotty wi-fi connection. Don’t believe me? Just watch it for yourself.

You have to credit the other players on the floor for not laughing at the odd mechanics. I don’t know if they would have been able to manage if Cartwright made it to the line more than his average of 4.6 attempts per night.

The strange release had some moderate success in the NBA, however. Cartwright shot over 80 percent from the free throw line twice in his NBA career. That’s all relative when your teammate is picking the ball up and shooting free throws with his eyes closed though.