Houston Rockets C Dwight Howard shoots free throws blind
Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard’s struggles at the free throw line have been well-documented. The 27-year old big man has shot 57.7% from the charity stripe for his career, including a career-low 49.1% for the Orlando Magic during the 2011-12 season. He nearly matched that low by shooting 49.2% with the Los Angeles Lakers last season (and shot 44.4% in the postseason).
It’s not like Howard hasn’t tried to improve. In Orlando, he’d routinely stay after practice and shoot free throws and even hired his own personal free throw coach to try to help him.
None of it has worked.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Howard may have a new technique.
Howard challenged guard James Harden to a free throw contest, but the catch was both players would have to close their eyes during the contest. Howard hit eight of his 10 free throws to defeat Harden.
“I might have to start [shooting with] my eyes closed in games,” Howard said, according to the Chronicle. “I have a good percentage. I am 8 for 10 with my eyes closed.”
This comes on the heels of the news that Howard is getting a documentary (Oh boy).