In case you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard the latest controversy surrounding Dwight Howard.
The Houston Rockets center is under review by the NBA after he was caught using a “sticky substance” on his hands during Saturday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks. The incident, and Howard’s revelation that he’s been using sticky stuff on his hands for five years, has produced all sorts of reactions, from some saying it’s no big deal to others calling for a harsh punishment.
But fellow NBA big man Steven Adams opted for a different take Monday when asked about the situation.
Steven Adams on Dwight Howard stick-em: "Maybe that's why he misses free throws, mate." pic.twitter.com/5x2Y91PtuJ
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 21, 2016
The best part about Adams’ response is that he sounds 100 percent serious. The Oklahoma City Thunder center, himself a career 55 percent free throw shooter, explained how he has trouble shooting basketballs that have extra grip on them.
A look at Howard’s free throw numbers reveal that Adams might be on to something. Howard didn’t shoot lower than 58 percent from the free throw line during the first seven seasons of his career, but in the 2011-12 season — roughly five years ago, when he says he started using Stickum — that number dropped to 49 percent. Since then, he hasn’t shot better than 55 percent from the charity stripe.
We’re not saying Adams’ theory is totally accurate, but given the stink this controversy has created, maybe Howard should listen to the New Zealander.
h/t to FOX Sports
Thumbnail photo via Mark D. Smith/USA TODAY Sports Images
