Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the NBA. The two-time MVP has led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first championship in 50 years, and has established himself as a dominant force on both ends of the floor. However, there is one aspect of his game that has drawn criticism and controversy: his free throw routine.
Antetokounmpo has one of the longest and most elaborate free throw routines in the league. He starts by staring at the rim for several seconds, then dribbles the ball three times, then spins it in his hands, then takes a deep breath, then finally releases the shot. This process can take up to 15 seconds or more, which is well beyond the 10-second limit imposed by the NBA rules.
The NBA rulebook states that “when a free throw is awarded, an official shall put the ball in play by delivering it to the free throw shooter. The shooter shall be above the free throw line and within the upper half of the free throw circle. He shall attempt the free throw within 10 seconds of controlling the ball in such a way that the ball enters the basket or touches the ring before it is touched by a player. The 10-second count starts when the ball is at the disposal of the free throw shooter.”
The inconsistency and leniency of the referees in enforcing the rule has frustrated fans, players, and coaches of the opposing teams. They have resorted to counting out loud or using their fingers to signal the time elapsed when Antetokounmpo is at the line, hoping to pressure him or the officials to speed up the process. Some fans have even brought signs or banners with numbers or clocks to the arenas to mock Antetokounmpo’s routine.
Interestingly enough, fans didn’t halt from counting loudly during Giannis’ free throw routine at the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis.
As the Bucks star went to the line to shoot his free throws, fans loudly counted and Giannis joined in on the fun… but eventually missed his free throw.
Das ist schon lustig pic.twitter.com/j1diCQL9ar
— Len Werle (@RealLennyCarlos) February 19, 2024
