The title of “Worst Shooter in NBA History” is not one any player aspires to, yet it is an intriguing topic for basketball fans. While the NBA boasts incredible talent, some players have struggled with their shooting efficiency. In this article, we will explore the statistics, context, and notable examples that contribute to this discussion.
Understanding Shooting Efficiency
Shooting efficiency in basketball is typically measured using shooting percentage metrics such as field goal percentage (FG%), three-point percentage (3P%), and free-throw percentage (FT%). A player’s shooting efficiency is critical in determining their overall impact on the game.
List of Worst Shooter in the NBA History
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Shaquille O’Neal:
- Free-Throw Struggles: Shaquille O’Neal, despite his dominance on the court, is known for his poor free-throw shooting. He has a career free-throw percentage of 52.7%.
- Hack-a-Shaq Strategy: Opponents often exploited this weakness by intentionally fouling him, leading to the “Hack-a-Shaq” strategy.
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DeAndre Jordan:
- Free-Throw Woes: DeAndre Jordan, a formidable center, has a career free-throw percentage of around 46.5%.
- Shooting from the Field: While his field goal percentage is high due to dunks and close-range shots, his free-throw shooting has been a significant liability.
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Andre Drummond:
- Free-Throw Troubles: Andre Drummond has struggled with free-throws, posting a career percentage of around 47.3%.
- Improvement Efforts: Despite efforts to improve, Drummond’s free-throw shooting has remained a point of criticism.
Read:
- Who Has the Worst Record in the NBA? The Complete List and Factors Responsible
- Who Has the Worst 3 Point Percentage in the NBA Right Now?
Factors Contributing to Poor Shooting
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Technique and Form:
- Players with unconventional shooting forms often struggle with consistency. Proper shooting mechanics are crucial for accuracy.
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Pressure Situations:
- Performance under pressure can significantly impact shooting efficiency. Some players excel in high-stakes situations, while others falter.
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Role and Playing Style:
- Players who focus more on defense or rebounding may not prioritize shooting practice. Their role in the team can influence their shooting stats.
Statistical Analysis
Let’s look at some statistics to compare the shooting efficiency of these players:
| Player | Field Goal % | Free-Throw % | Three-Point % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaquille O’Neal | 58.2% | 52.7% | 4.5% |
| DeAndre Jordan | 67.1% | 46.5% | 0.0% |
| Andre Drummond | 54.0% | 47.3% | 12.5% |
The table highlights the disparity between field goal percentages and free-throw percentages for these players, showcasing their struggles at the free-throw line.
More Notable Examples
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Ben Wallace:
- Career Overview: Known for his defensive prowess, Ben Wallace was a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
- Shooting Efficiency: His career free-throw percentage is a mere 41.4%, making him one of the worst free-throw shooters in NBA history.
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Joakim Noah:
- Shooting Challenges: Joakim Noah, a two-time NBA All-Star, has a career free-throw percentage of 70.1% but struggled with shooting from the field, particularly outside the paint.
- Form and Mechanics: His unconventional shooting form contributed to his inconsistent performance.
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Michael Kidd-Gilchrist:
- Shooting Form: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s shooting form was widely criticized. Despite working with shooting coaches, his form remained a significant hindrance.
- Career Stats: His career three-point percentage stands at 27.2%, reflecting his struggles beyond the arc.
Impact on Teams
- Strategic Adjustments:
- Teams often need to adjust their strategies to accommodate poor shooters. For example, deploying players in positions where their shooting weaknesses are less exposed.
- Offensive Efficiency:
- Poor shooters can lower a team’s overall offensive efficiency. Teams may find it challenging to maintain a high offensive rating with players who miss high-percentage shots.
- Defensive Exploitation:
- Opponents may exploit poor shooters by fouling them, forcing them to the free-throw line. This strategy, often used against players like Shaquille O’Neal and DeAndre Jordan, can disrupt a team’s offensive flow.
Efforts to Improve Shooting
- Coaching and Training:
- Many players have worked extensively with shooting coaches to improve their form and consistency. For instance, Shaquille O’Neal and Andre Drummond invested in personal shooting coaches to address their free-throw woes.
- Practice Regimens:
- Consistent practice and repetition are essential for improvement. Players often engage in intensive shooting drills to enhance muscle memory and accuracy.
- Technological Aids:
- Modern technology, such as video analysis and biomechanical feedback, helps players refine their shooting techniques. Tools like shooting sleeves and virtual reality training are also becoming popular.
Case Studies of Improvement
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Jason Kidd:
- Career Transformation: Jason Kidd, initially a poor shooter, transformed his shooting ability over his career. He improved his three-point shooting percentage from 27.2% in his rookie year to 40% in his final season.
- Work Ethic: His dedication to improving his shooting form and technique serves as an inspiring example.
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Blake Griffin:
- Shooting Development: Blake Griffin, known for his athleticism, worked diligently to expand his shooting range. His career three-point percentage improved from 21.8% in his rookie season to over 36% in later seasons.
- Impact on Playstyle: This improvement allowed Griffin to become a more versatile player, contributing both inside and beyond the arc.
The Bottom Line
Identifying the “Worst Shooter in NBA History” involves examining various metrics and contexts. Players like Shaquille O’Neal, DeAndre Jordan, and Ben Wallace, despite their other contributions, struggled significantly with shooting efficiency. However, efforts to improve and adapt show that even the worst shooters can work towards better performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the worst NBA player in NBA history?
Determining the worst NBA player is subjective, but some consider players with minimal impact, such as Anthony Bennett, the 2013 first overall pick who struggled significantly in the NBA.
Who has the worst 3pt percentage in the NBA?
Charles Barkley holds one of the worst career three-point percentages at 26.6%, despite being a Hall of Famer.
Who is the slowest shooter in the NBA?
There is no definitive answer, but players with slow shooting mechanics, like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, are often cited for their slower release times.
Who has the lowest 3pt contest score?
Michael Jordan scored 5 points in the 1990 Three-Point Contest, which is among the lowest scores in the event’s history.
Who never missed a shot in the NBA?
Wilt Chamberlain holds the record for most field goals made without a miss in a single game, making 18 out of 18 shots on February 24, 1967.