There’s been a lot of controversy lately surrounding the “Hack-a-Shaq” method, which is intentionally fouling a bad free throw shooter, usually a big man like Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan. It was really popularly used on Shaquille O’Neal, hence the “hack-a-Shaq” name. There’s been talks about possibly creating a rule that would prevent this method from being used. San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich used it to his advantage during their first round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, which they eventually lost in 7 games. Popovich employed the strategy on DeAndre Jordan and now that the Spurs are out, he was asked about his thoughts.
From his season-ending exit interview, via Dan McCarney of the San Antonio Express-News:
“There will be a lot of discussion about the fouling, as there should be. But principle-wise, I fee’ really strongly that it’s a tactic that can be used. If someone can’t shoot free throws, that’s their problem. As I’ve said before, if we’re not allowed to do something to take advantage of a team’s weakness, a trade should be made before each game. ‘We won’t foul your guy, but you promise not to block any of our shots.’ Or, ‘We won’t foul your guy, and you allow us to shoot all uncontested shots.’
“So we’d have to make a trade. On an intellectual or principle basis, I think you’re on high ground. Now, visual-wise, it’s awful. It couldn’t be worse. I tend to side on the principle side where it’s basketball, and if we have a guy who can’t shoot and it’s an important part of the game, I should probably get him off the court. We’ll see how it comes out. I’m sure the way it looks will be discussed very seriously by the league.”
Popovich does make a strong point; though it’s visually awful and tedious to watch, you can’t stop a team from exploiting their opponents weakness.
