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“Shaq Can’t Hit a Free Throw to Save His Life”: How Shaquille O’Neal’s Terrible Free Throw Shooting Spruced up Scary Movie 4

Nithin Joseph
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"Shaq Can't Hit a Free Throw to Save His Life": How Shaquille O'Neal's Terrible Free Throw Shooting Spruced up Scary Movie 4

Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most dominant forces the NBA has ever seen. But, if there was one flaw to his game, it was his abysmal free-throw shooting. The man couldn’t shoot a free throw to save his life. And, while that may be a bummer for some, it certainly added an element of humor to the already hilarious Scary Movie 4.

The Scary Movie franchise is one of the most popular movie franchises in the world. Focusing on making parodies of popular horror flicks, there have been five editions of the movie over the years. In 2006, the fourth edition, Scary Movie 4 was released.

This edition primarily focused on some heavy-hitting horror movies, including The Grudge, The Village, War of Worlds, and of course, the Saw films. And, it was with the latter that Shaq made his rather interesting cameo.

Shaquille O’Neal and his terrible free-throw shooting made a cameo on Scary Movie 4

It’s a known fact that Shaquille O’Neal is one of the worst free-throw shooters in NBA history. Over the course of his career, Big Diesel averaged 52% from the free throw line. All while attempting at least nine free throws per game.

But, perhaps the worst statistic regarding his free throws is the number of misses. With 5,317 missed free throws, he is second only to Wilt Chamberlain in that category. Safe to say, Shaq fans are not at all happy with this stat. However, even it has its perks. In fact, Scary Movie 4 decided to utilize the big man’s horrific shooting for a comedic bit in the opening scene of the film.

In what was a parody of the Saw franchise, both Shaq and Dr. Phil wake up in a room where they are chained to the floor. It is here that Billy the Puppet informs them that they must cut off their chains before a deadly nerve gas is released in the room. In order to do so, they must use a handsaw that is only accessible once someone hits a free throw. And, as expected, for the most part of his cameo, Shaq couldn’t score a free throw to save his life.

It certainly was a hilarious scene and a great addition to O’Neal’s acting resume. After all, The Big Aristotle is quite the thespian.

Shaq has made appearances in several blockbuster films

Scary Movie 4 isn’t the only major film Shaquille O’Neal has made an appearance in. The man is quite the actor and has made several appearances in some major projects over the years. Grown Ups 2, Uncle Drew, Blended, and He Got Game are just a few.  In fact, he even starred in two films, namely Kazaam and Steel.

Granted, both films didn’t find much success at the box office. And, Shaq has been heavily criticized for it on several occasions. But, it speaks a lot about the versatility the Hall of Famer has.

About the author

Nithin Joseph

Nithin Joseph

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Nithin is a content writer at The SportsRush. Like his favorite athlete Kobe Bryant, the company has helped Nithin elevate his writing skills to a whole new level, especially as an NBA content writer. With over 1500 articles to his name, Nithin's love for the sport knows no bounds. And, as he continues to watch the sport on a daily basis, he hopes his fascination with the NBA, especially the Miami Heat will inspire more and more readers to give the sport a chance. Perhaps, one day making basketball in India as big as it is in the United States.

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