The TV game show Jeopardy! takes aim at Dwight Howard’s free throw shooting. In a question (actually an answer in Jeopardy! rules) to contestants, the host Alex Trebek asks:
“Geometric arch that is the natural path of a projectile: a narrower one helps free throws, Dwight Howard.”
It is never a good sign when you are an paid NBA player, and you are mentioned on Jeopardy in comparison to a bowl shaped figure.
Less than a week ago, Howard lost in a free throw shooting contest to Los Angeles Times sportswriter T.J. Simers’ daughter, Kelly Nielsen, who is a mother of three. The bet was that Dwight could make more free throws shooting left handed than Kelly could right handed. If Dwight was the loser of the bet he would have to pay $5,000 dollars to charity, and if Kelly lost she would have to pay $500 to a charity of their choosing. Howard ultimately ended up only making 3-9 free throws, while Kelly made 5-10 free throws to win the contest.
—- See Dwight Howard through the years in photos! —-
Howard was determined to become a better free throw shooter for the Lakers in the 2012-13 season. He worked with Lakers assistant coaches on tightening up his shot from the free throw line. Assistant coaches claimed that he was over 80 percent in practice. The problem with Dwight is not his shot, but it his mental approach during game time situations. Howard overthinks from the free throw line hence he struggles making free throws.
Howard shot a career low this last season with the Lakers at 49.2 percent which is .1 percent better than his worst free throw percentage in his last season with the Orlando Magic. Dwight’s inaccuracy from the free throw line hurt the Lakers in close games. If the Lakers are going to improve, they need Howard to start consistently making shots from the line.
Alex Trebek and Jeopardy must be on to something. Dwight Howard needs more arc on his shot if he is going to be productive from the charity stripe.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
VIDEO: Kobe Says He’ll Have The Final Word On Dwight Howard
Don’t forget to click here to subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
