Are Spurs responsible for 'Hack-a-Shaq' controversy?
The San Antonio Spurs are notorious for intentionally fouling players who're incompetent at the charity stripe. They did it to Shaquille O'Neal over a decade ago, and last week resumed the practice with DeAndre Jordan.
But are they more responsible for popularizing "Hack-a-Shaq' than any other team? Here's more on the situation, courtesy of the Spurs blog Project Spurs:
"While the Spurs were even ridiculed for their participation in the act, they at least used strategic know-how to give themselves an opportunity to profit off of it. Popovich would almost use it like a boxer uses his jab, keeping the Clippers off-balance and out of rhythm. The point of it being not allowing Chris Paul and Blake Griffin to get out on the break and into their comfort zone. There was and can be a method to the madness."
Gregg Popovich is smart, and most of the time uses this strategy to his advantage. For that reason, the Spurs are more associated with intentionally fouling opponents than any other team. But just because it's a wise move (sometimes) doesn't mean it should continue.
The NBA should and likely will give the rule a hard look this summer.
(h/t: Project Spurs)
Photo Credit: Soobum Im/USA TODAY Sports
