Most Unusual Free Throw Techniques the NBA Has Ever Seen

Tuck in elbow. Line up ball. Set feet apart. Balance body. Spread fingers. Snap wrist. Follow through. Swish, rinse, repeat. 

Really, kids, is there an easier shot to execute than the 15-foot free throw, the only unguarded shot in team sports?

Why, of course not. As pro basketball continues to gravitate toward entertainment at the expense of fundamentals and competition, the free throw circle has morphed into a grand stage to showcase creativity to put it in a kind way. Which is another way to say, the simple art of the free throw has morphed into a complicated mess in many cases.

For better or for worse, here’s the shortlist of the most unconventional, downright awful and strangely effective free throw styles in NBA history.

Position: Guard

Career: 11 seasons (1985-1996)

Teams: Sacramento Kings (1985-86), Washington Bullets (1986-87, 1991-94), Denver Nuggets (1987-91), Charlotte Hornets (1994-96)

Career free throw percentage: .849

Mighty Mike flipped out his right elbow like a chicken wing ever so briefly. No harm, no foul. He regrouped in time to take a push shot from the chin. 

The career overachiever shot no worse than 82 percent in nine consecutive seasons. 

Position: Guard

Career: 18 seasons (1996-2014)

Teams: Phoenix Suns (1996-98, 2004-12), Dallas Mavericks (1998-2004), Los Angeles Lakers (2012-14)

Career free throw percentage: .904

Before the owner of the second best free throw percentage in NBA history was handed the ball, he toed the line and simulated his motion three times then licked his fingers. 

But if this guy was so good, then how did he miss 324 free throws in 3,384 attempts?