Maybe all those body lotions the big guy advertises are working, because Shaq seems to have some very sensitive skin. In a new video on sportsonearth.com that focuses on Rick Barry’s iconic underhand free throw shooting style, Barry wonders why someone like Shaq wouldn’t have at least attempted the approach to improve his dismal shooting percentage. For perspective, Barry shot a sterling 90+% from the Charity Stripe over his career, compared with Shaq’s 53%.
Shaq didn’t appreciate the suggestion. "Rick Barry’s resume is not even good enough to come into my office to apply for a job." The sad truth is, on the court, style is often more important than results. "Listen," says Shaq, "I would shoot negative thirty percent before I would shoot underhand."
Barry who wasn’t known to back down during his Hall of Fame career – and built up a long enemies list to prove it – is just as stubborn at insisting more pros should give the style a chance. Check out the video if you want to see more about a guy who never seemed to meet a battle he wasn’t ready to fight.
LOVED THIS!!! Such a huge Rick Barry fan. It's crazy how pro ballers these days are style over substance- how could you possibly prefer to shoot a lower percentage just because you look cooler losing? ridiculous! I know Barry has a bad rep, but you can't argue with a 90+% charity line average. everybody else needs to take note and stop hating!
here's a direct link to the video if anyone else wants to check it out: The Charity Stripe