Rick Barry Advocates Underhand Free Throws for Knicks' Mitchell Robinson's Struggles
Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks faces a significant challenge as he recovers from a broken pinky finger, which he sustained under mysterious circumstances outside of games or practices. Following surgery, Robinson aims to return for the NBA Finals against either the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs. However, his free-throw shooting has been abysmal this postseason, hitting only 30.2% of his attempts. Rick Barry, the 82-year-old Hall of Famer, believes that switching to an underhand free-throw technique could be the solution for Robinson. Barry, known for his remarkable 89.3% free-throw shooting, argues that this method, scientifically proven to enhance control and arc, could help a player like Robinson, especially with his current injury. Barry suggests that the broken pinky would not hinder an underhand shot, stating, "The pinky has nothing to do with it." He believes that Robinson could master this technique with just a few days of practice before the Finals. Despite Barry's enthusiasm, the stigma surrounding underhand shooting may deter Robinson from attempting it, as athletes often worry about how they are perceived. Sports psychologist Dr. Leah Lagos emphasizes the challenge athletes face in overcoming public perception, which can hinder their performance. Barry proposes that teams should encourage players to adopt effective techniques, regardless of aesthetics, arguing, "If you make more, they're gonna play you more." As Robinson contemplates his options, Barry remains ready to assist, highlighting the importance of results over style in professional sports.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-30