Top 10 Players with the Most Free Throws Made, Attempted, and Highest Free-Throw Percentage in NBA History

Top 10 Players with the Most Free Throws Made in NBA History

1. Karl Malone - 9,787 Free Throws

Known as "The Mailman," Karl Malone delivered consistently, not just with his scoring but with his reliability at the free-throw line. Malone amassed an impressive 9,787 free throws over his 19-year career, playing primarily for the Utah Jazz. His muscular physique allowed him to draw fouls frequently, and he had the poise to capitalize on those opportunities, finishing with a career free-throw percentage of 74.2%. His consistency at the charity stripe was instrumental in making him the second-highest scorer in NBA history.

2. Moses Malone - 8,531 Free Throws

Moses Malone, a three-time MVP, was another powerful presence in the paint, renowned for his rebounding prowess and ability to draw fouls. He made 8,531 free throws during his career, showcasing his efficiency at the line. Malone's physicality and relentless attacking style made him one of the toughest players to guard, and his consistent free-throw shooting ensured that he maximized his scoring chances.

3. Kobe Bryant - 8,378 Free Throws

The late Kobe Bryant was a complete offensive player, capable of scoring from anywhere on the court. One of his underrated skills was his free-throw shooting, where he accumulated 8,378 free throws over his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his clutch performances, Bryant often found himself at the free-throw line during critical moments, where he displayed both focus and composure, finishing with an 83.7% free-throw shooting rate.

4. LeBron James - 7,958 Free Throws (and counting)

LeBron James, still active and continuing to climb the rankings, has made 7,958 free throws (as of the 2023-2024 season). His sheer athleticism and aggressive drives to the basket result in frequent trips to the line. While his free-throw percentage has been somewhat inconsistent throughout his career, hovering around 73-75%, his volume of attempts ensures that he remains one of the all-time leaders in this category.

5. Oscar Robertson - 7,694 Free Throws

Oscar "The Big O" Robertson was a triple-double machine and an all-around talent. Beyond his versatile playmaking and scoring ability, Robertson was a skilled free-throw shooter, amassing 7,694 free throws during his career. His poise and effectiveness at the line made him a reliable scorer, especially in late-game situations.

6. Michael Jordan - 7,327 Free Throws

Michael Jordan, often considered the greatest player in NBA history, was also among the most consistent free-throw shooters. Jordan made 7,327 free throws over his career, a testament to his relentless aggression and knack for drawing fouls. His 83.5% free-throw percentage reflects his competitive nature and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, especially in high-pressure moments.

7. Dirk Nowitzki - 7,240 Free Throws

Dirk Nowitzki, one of the greatest shooting big men in NBA history, was deadly accurate from all areas of the court, including the free-throw line. Over his 21-year career, Nowitzki made 7,240 free throws, shooting an impressive 87.9%. His high release and smooth shooting stroke made him a difficult player to defend without fouling, and his accuracy at the line was nearly automatic.

8. Paul Pierce - 6,918 Free Throws

"The Truth," Paul Pierce, was known for his scoring versatility, including his ability to get to the line and make free throws. Pierce accumulated 6,918 free throws throughout his career, often utilizing his crafty moves to draw contact. He was an 80% free-throw shooter, which helped make him a reliable option during crunch time for the Boston Celtics and other teams he played for.

9. Jerry West - 6,238 Free Throws

Jerry West, whose silhouette is immortalized in the NBA logo, was a highly skilled offensive player known for his deadly accuracy. West made 6,238 free throws, shooting at a high percentage of 81.4%. His impeccable form and calm demeanor under pressure contributed to his status as one of the greatest guards in the history of the game.

10. Shaquille O'Neal - 5,935 Free Throws

It might come as a surprise to see Shaquille O'Neal on this list, given his well-documented struggles at the free-throw line. Despite a career free-throw percentage of just 52.7%, O'Neal's physical dominance and ability to draw fouls in the paint led to an impressive 5,935 made free throws. His sheer volume of attempts, rather than accuracy, earned him a spot among the top 10 in this category.

Top 10 Players with the Most Free Throws Attempted in NBA History

Beyond making free throws, these players also found themselves frequently at the line, taking advantage of their ability to draw fouls and put pressure on defenders. Here is a list of the top 10 players with the most free throws attempted in NBA history:

1. Karl Malone - 13,188 Attempts

Karl Malone tops this list as well, with an incredible 13,188 free throw attempts. His aggressive play style and ability to get inside made him a magnet for fouls, allowing him numerous opportunities at the line.

2. Shaquille O'Neal - 11,252 Attempts

Shaquille O'Neal, despite his struggles at the line, attempted a massive 11,252 free throws. His size and dominance in the paint forced defenders to foul him frequently, giving him plenty of chances to score from the line.

3. Moses Malone - 11,090 Attempts

Moses Malone was relentless in his pursuit of points, resulting in 11,090 attempts from the free-throw line. His physical presence and skill in drawing contact made him a regular visitor to the charity stripe.

4. LeBron James - 10,740 Attempts (and counting)

LeBron James has taken 10,740 free throws (as of the 2023-2024 season), a testament to his aggressive drives to the basket and ability to draw fouls. His physicality makes him difficult to guard without fouling.

5. Wilt Chamberlain - 11,862 Attempts

Wilt Chamberlain's dominance in the paint also translated into frequent trips to the line, with 11,862 attempts. His unmatched physicality and scoring prowess ensured defenders had little choice but to foul him.

6. Kobe Bryant - 10,011 Attempts

Kobe Bryant was never shy about driving to the basket and drawing contact, resulting in 10,011 free-throw attempts. His skill set allowed him to initiate contact and put pressure on defenders throughout his career.

7. Oscar Robertson - 9,185 Attempts

Oscar Robertson attempted 9,185 free throws in his career. His well-rounded offensive game, including the ability to get into the lane and draw fouls, allowed him frequent opportunities at the line.

8. Michael Jordan - 8,772 Attempts

Michael Jordan's relentless approach to attacking the basket meant he was regularly fouled by defenders, leading to 8,772 attempts from the line. His competitiveness and precision made him a frequent and efficient scorer at the charity stripe.

9. Dirk Nowitzki - 7,240 Attempts

Dirk Nowitzki's high release and offensive versatility made him tough to guard, resulting in 7,240 free-throw attempts during his career. His shooting form and accuracy were consistent factors that kept defenders on their toes.

10. Paul Pierce - 7,213 Attempts

Paul Pierce rounds out this list with 7,213 free-throw attempts. Known for his ability to create contact and draw fouls, Pierce was a regular presence at the free-throw line, taking advantage of his opportunities to score.

Top 10 Players with the Highest Free-Throw Percentage in NBA History

Accuracy from the free-throw line is a key skill for any successful NBA player. The following players have showcased remarkable consistency and precision, leading them to have the highest free-throw percentages in NBA history:

1. Steve Nash - 90.43%

Steve Nash, a two-time MVP, is considered one of the greatest shooters of all time. His career free-throw percentage of 90.43% is the highest in NBA history, reflecting his focus and flawless technique from the line.

2. Mark Price - 90.39%

Mark Price, known for his sharpshooting and reliable playmaking, finished his career with a free-throw percentage of 90.39%. His disciplined form and steady composure allowed him to excel from the charity stripe throughout his career.

3. Stephen Curry - 90.32% (and counting)

Stephen Curry, widely regarded as the best three-point shooter in NBA history, also excels at the free-throw line. With a current free-throw percentage of 90.32%, Curry consistently capitalizes on his trips to the line.

4. Peja Stojaković - 89.48%

Peja Stojaković was known for his shooting prowess, both from three-point range and the free-throw line. His career free-throw percentage of 89.48% reflects his smooth stroke and accuracy.

5. Chauncey Billups - 89.40%

Chauncey Billups, often called "Mr. Big Shot" for his clutch performances, was also a reliable free-throw shooter. He finished his career with an 89.40% free-throw percentage, consistently making the most of his opportunities at the line.

6. Ray Allen - 89.39%

Ray Allen, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, had a career free-throw percentage of 89.39%. His meticulous attention to detail and strong shooting fundamentals made him a consistent threat from the line.

7. Calvin Murphy - 89.16%

Calvin Murphy, despite being one of the smaller players in NBA history, was a master at the free-throw line. His career percentage of 89.16% is a testament to his impeccable form and focus.

8. Rick Barry - 89.31%

Rick Barry, famous for his underhand free-throw shooting technique, finished his career with an 89.31% free-throw percentage. His unique approach proved to be highly effective, making him one of the best free-throw shooters in NBA history.

9. Damian Lillard - 89.21% (and counting)

Damian Lillard, known for his scoring ability and clutch performances, has a free-throw percentage of 89.21%. His confidence and precision from the line make him a reliable scorer in key moments.

10. Larry Bird - 88.60%

Larry Bird, a legendary shooter and competitor, rounds out the list with an 88.60% free-throw percentage. His consistency and focus at the line were crucial to his success and helped establish his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.