The whole DeAndre Jordan free throw situation warrants all kinds of opinions, whether having to do with the controversial Hack-a issue or even feeling that Jordan should put more effort into improving his performance at the foul line.
Jordan’s own teammate, sharpshooter J.J. Redick, has had a theory for about two years now. He feels that Jordan, a noted lefty, should be shooting his free throws right-handed, via Dan Woike of the Orange County Register:
In the Clippers’ 40-point win over Phoenix on Monday, Jordan showcased his right hand, scoring in the post with it, putting the ball on the floor with it for a driving layup and even hitting a sweeping hook shot.
After the game, J.J. Redick, maybe jokingly and maybe seriously, said for the past two sesons he has told Jordan to shoot free throws with his right hand.
“He jumps off his left foot, which is how most right-handed people jump,” Redick said. “Their left foot is their dominant foot. He shoots every single jump hook, and tonight, running hook, with his right hand. He finishes around the basket with his right hand. He’s really good at it.”
Tuesday, Jordan made it clear.
Despite throwing with his right hand, despite jumping off his left foot, despite swinging a golf club or tossing a bowling bowl with his right hand, he’s not a righty – or even ambidextrous.
“No,” he said, “I’m left-handed.”
I’ll give Redick some credit here for trying to help out a teammate, and frankly, it’s sound advice. As a shooter who thrives in moving without the ball and coming off of screens, Redick knows a thing or two about footwork. He makes a valid point about Jordan’s left-foot jumping and the often impressive use of his right hand around the basket.
Jordan is a 42 percent free throw shooter. I’m not convinced that his shooting touch with his right hand would be that much of an improvement from his left hand. Testing this theory out would have to be something Jordan looks into during the offseason to avoid immediate and further damaging setbacks. There’s obviously no guarantee that Redick’s theory has been the key to the problem all of this tine, but it might be something that Jordan is willing to at least try if there is any sense of desire to attack his most glaring liability.
