Something I was thinking about and thought I'd bring up on the board. Everyone knows Shaq hacks on the D end and gets hacked on the O end. They call some of em on both ends, let some things go on both ends. All of us see Yao get hacked on offense. And we know he gets some cheap calls on defense. Whatever. Here's what I'm getting at. Yao shoots, what, close to 80% from the FT line? Shaq shoots near 50%? You think that might contribute to a ref swallowing his whistle on a hack-a-Yao vs. hack-a-Shaq play? Is Yao being penalized for his ability to shoot free throws?
You're saying refs are more willing to whistle on Shaq's behalf because they know he can't hit the free throws anyway? Interesting idea. I think that's possible. But, with centers (especially Shaq), the bigger deal about drawing fouls is putting opposing players on the bench with foul trouble. Refs are cognizant of that. Also, the theory doesn't account for why the hell the refs let Shaq commit charges with impunity.
Yeah, granted some guys get PT just to foul Shaq. But what if you put a guy in there to foul Shaq but no calls are made? As a head coach I'd say, "Shoot, if they're swallowing their whistles, I'll hack him with my starter." If they are hesitant to blow the whistle 'cause they don't wanna be perceived as giving Yao (and the Rockets) free points, then you better believe the opposing head coach is gonna play his starter a little longer.
