Mitchell Robinson, the New York Knicks' center, is facing a free throw crisis, and his refusal to try a unique solution has sparked debate. With a dismal 39.3% free throw accuracy this season, Robinson is in dire need of improvement. But when offered a potential fix, he bluntly rejected it, calling it 'silly as hell'.
The solution? Adopting the underhand free throw technique made famous by NBA legend Rick Barry, who shot an impressive 90% from the line using this unconventional method. Barry even offered to personally teach Robinson, as reported by Stefan Bondy in the New York Post.
But Robinson, who has spent his entire NBA career with the Knicks, remains unconvinced. Despite a career free throw percentage of 50.9%, he believes his struggles are due to a lack of practice on outside shots, not his technique. He claims that focusing on lay-ups and hook shots in practice has left him uncomfortable with free throws.
And here's where it gets controversial: Robinson's reluctance to adapt could be seen as a missed opportunity. His 68.4% free throw success in the 2024-25 season proves he can do better. Yet, he seems set in his ways, stating that he only practices free throws in the summer, which doesn't translate to in-game success.
Despite his free throw woes, Robinson excels in other aspects of the game. His rebounding, defense, and energy are invaluable to the Knicks, who are chasing their first NBA Finals appearance in over two decades. In a recent game against the San Antonio Spurs, his impact was evident, even without scoring from the free throw line.
As the Knicks aim for a third consecutive win against the Toronto Raptors, the question remains: Could Robinson's stubbornness cost the team in the long run? Is his refusal to try something new a missed opportunity, or is it a matter of personal preference that should be respected?
