Should the Spurs try and draw more fouls?

[racm]

The Spurs are 6th in FT% at 78.3% (!) yet are a mere 19th in FT/FGA at .197. One of the wrinkles of a great offense is getting to the line when shots aren't falling; although the Spurs are 3rd in eFG% at 53.2% there comes a time when the 3 pointers will dry up, and getting a lot of freebies is a good way to win playoff games, just ask Dirk Nowitzki.

So, why aren't the Spurs getting a lot of FTAs? (yes, in before the Stern hates us argument :lol )

[TrainOfThought5]

Because Stern hates us.

[DapDaGenius]

They should draw more fouls so I can stare at their butts longer....Diaw's butt.....Gary Neal's butt.....looks so soft.....if only Kawhi was back on the court :jack:jack:jack:jack:jack

EDIT: Oh and b/c Stern hates us... That and they should so I can stare at those buns more.

[Brunodf]

Because Stern hates us.

[Bruno]

I disagree with the idea that great offensive teams generates a lot of free throws.

Take a look at this year 4 factors:
Thunder are 1st in FT/FGA and 30th in TOV%. They are the 1st offense.
Lakers are 2nd in FT/FGA and 29th in TOV%. They are the 8th offense.
Wolves are 3rd in FT/FGA and 27th in TOV%. They are the 26th offense.
Bulls are 4th in FT/FGA and 28th in TOV%. They are the 19th offense.

The 4 teams that goes the most to the line are the 4 teams that turns the ball the most. Among these 4 teams, there are, great, average and bad offensive teams.

The explanation of that is quite simple. A part of these free throws generated comes from players forcing the issue. When a player force the issue, it generate turnovers.

[Seventyniner]

Basically, the Spurs don't shoot many FTs because that's not the way the offense is built. Less isolation plays tend to lead to fewer fouls, I would think.

[jestersmash]

Manu used to be a big contributor from the free throw line in his prime.

At his athletic peak (04-05) Manu received 7.3 free throw attempts(FTA)/36 minutes.

At what some would argue was his "overall" peak (07-08) - 6.9 FTA/36 minutes.

2012-2013? 4.5 FTA/36 minutes, his second lowest after his rookie year where he received 4.3 FTA/36 minutes.

Tony Parker has also received an unusually low number of free throw attempts given his propensity to score in the paint. He's averaging 4.2 FTA/36 minutes this season.

Last season? Tony received 5.3 FTA/36 minutes. However, the '12-'13 data takes Tony's unusually passive start into account.

Most people agree that Tony started playing up to his potential after that Clippers game. In fact, since that clippers game, Tony's averaging 5.0 FTA/36 minutes - much closer to his free throw output last season and to his peak FTA/36 min. (5.4 during the 07-08 season).

[racm]

Manu used to be a big contributor from the free throw line in his prime.

At his athletic peak (04-05) Manu received 7.3 free throw attempts(FTA)/36 minutes.

At what some would argue was his "overall" peak (07-08) - 6.9 FTA/36 minutes.

2012-2013? 4.5 FTA/36 minutes, his second lowest after his rookie year where he received 4.3 FTA/36 minutes.

Tony Parker has also received an unusually low number of free throw attempts given his propensity to score in the paint. He's averaging 4.2 FTA/36 minutes this season.

Last season? Tony received 5.3 FTA/36 minutes. However, the '12-'13 data takes Tony's unusually passive start into account.

Most people agree that Tony started playing up to his potential after that Clippers game. In fact, since that clippers game, Tony's averaging 5.0 FTA/36 minutes - much closer to his free throw output last season and to his peak FTA/36 min. (5.4 during the 07-08 season).

Didn't Tony have around 11-12 FTAs in the Milwaukee game?

[racm]

I disagree with the idea that great offensive teams generates a lot of free throws.

Take a look at this year 4 factors:
Thunder are 1st in FT/FGA and 30th in TOV%. They are the 1st offense.
Lakers are 2nd in FT/FGA and 29th in TOV%. They are the 8th offense.
Wolves are 3rd in FT/FGA and 27th in TOV%. They are the 26th offense.
Bulls are 4th in FT/FGA and 28th in TOV%. They are the 19th offense.

The 4 teams that goes the most to the line are the 4 teams that turns the ball the most. Among these 4 teams, there are, great, average and bad offensive teams.

The explanation of that is quite simple. A part of these free throws generated comes from players forcing the issue. When a player force the issue, it generate turnovers.

Still don't get how more FTs = more turnovers. :wow

[jestersmash]

Didn't Tony have around 11-12 FTAs in the Milwaukee game?

Correct. He had 11 FTA in 36 minutes vs Milwaukee (12/5, after the arbitrary "Clipper game" cutoff that I imposed (11/19))

He also had 10 FTA vs Memphis the game before.

[DesignatedT]

No, they should try to draw less fouls.

[Bruno]

Still don't get how more FTs = more turnovers. :wow

Basically, to get FTs, you have to attack the basket either with drives or post moves. Drives and post moves generate turnovers.

[Trainwreck2100]

maybe they don't have many because their ball movement gives then open shots. Open shots means there's nobody there to foul you