In close games, free throws often make the difference between winning and losing. For a handful of NBA legends, consistent free-throw shooting became not just a skill but a defining part of their game. 

These players, known for their ability to draw fouls and maintain composure at the line, have left a lasting impact on the sport, each adding to their scoring legacy and shaping critical moments in NBA history with clutch performances from the charity stripe. Here’s a look at the top players in NBA history who excelled at converting free throws, each one showcasing how essential this skill is to becoming a basketball great.

1. Karl Malone – 9,787 Free Throws Made

Karl Malone, “The Mailman,” delivered consistently from the free-throw line throughout his 19-year career with the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers. His 9,787 made free throws are a testament to his physical playing style, earning him frequent trips to the line. Malone ranks second in all-time scoring with 36,928 points, with his free-throw efficiency being a key factor in that total.

2. Moses Malone – 8,531 Free Throws Made

A powerhouse in the paint, Moses Malone dominated the boards and knew how to draw contact, resulting in 8,531 career free throws made. Playing for multiple teams, including the Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers, Malone’s relentless style earned him three MVP awards and a championship in 1983. His ability to convert at the line was crucial to his success as one of the top-scoring centers of all time.

3. LeBron James – 8,410 Free Throws Made (and counting)

LeBron James, still active and adding to his total, ranks third all-time in free throws made with 8,410 and counting. Known for his physicality and versatility, LeBron has been able to drive hard to the basket, maintain his balance, draw fouls, and capitalize on free throws throughout his career. His scoring consistency from the line has helped him climb to third in all-time scoring, with each free throw adding to his incredible 20-year legacy. The NBA odds of a Lebron team winning a game? All-time the King is 970-531 – that’s .646% winning percentage.

4. Kobe Bryant – 8,378 Free Throws Made

The late Kobe Bryant, a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, sits fourth on the all-time free throw list with 8,378. Known for his tenacity and fearless approach to the game, Bryant was adept at creating contact and drawing fouls. His clutch free-throw shooting often helped secure victories for the Lakers, cementing his reputation as one of the game’s greats.

5. James Harden – 7,689 Free Throws Made (and counting)

James Harden, known for his signature step-back and craftiness on offense, has made 7,689 free throws so far, placing him fifth on this list having just passed over Oscar Robertson.

The coupling of Harden’s ability to draw fouls and his relatively high free-throw percentage, when he’s at the top of his game a Harden team is in favor of winning the game.

Harden’s ability to initiate contact and draw fouls has made him one of the most prolific scorers of his generation, earning him three scoring titles and an MVP award. His free-throw prowess has been a key component of his high-scoring game. Of the players in the top ten, Harden has the one of the highest free-throw percentages at 86.1% only behind Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Durant in the top ten. 

Notice a name missing from the list? Shaquille O’Neal’s free-throw shooting was one of the most fascinating anomalies in NBA history. Known for his dominant physical presence on the court, Shaq famously struggled at the free-throw line, making only 52.7% of his attempts over his 19-year career. He converted 5,935 free throws but missed a staggering 5,317, which stands out as one of the highest miss totals in NBA history – second all time next to another great center and infamous free throw shooter Wilt Chamberlain. His free-throw woes even led to the infamous “Hack-a-Shaq” strategy, where teams would intentionally foul him to take advantage of his struggles at the line. Despite this, Shaq’s impact on the game remained unmatched, showcasing that even with a glaring weakness, his overwhelming skill and power still made him one of the greatest centers ever.

6. Oscar Robertson – 7,694 Free Throws Made

Oscar Robertson, the original triple-double king, earned his spot on this list with 7,694 free throws made over his career with the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks. Known for his all-around game, Robertson was one of the best guards at drawing fouls in his era. His efficiency from the line added to his versatility as a scorer, distributor, and rebounder, contributing significantly to his scoring totals.

7. Michael Jordan – 7,327 Free Throws Made

Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, made 7,327 free throws during his legendary career. Known for his athleticism and relentless competitiveness, Jordan had no trouble getting to the line, especially in clutch moments. His ability to knock down free throws was crucial in many of his iconic performances, contributing to his six championships and five MVP awards.

8. Dirk Nowitzki – 7240 Free Throws Made

Dirk Nowitzki, one of the most skilled shooting big men in NBA history, ranks eighth on the all-time free throws made list with 7,240. Known for his signature one-legged fadeaway and smooth shooting touch, Nowitzki’s consistency at the line was vital throughout his 21-year career with the Dallas Mavericks. His free-throw accuracy helped solidify his scoring reputation, and his ability to convert in critical moments played a key role in leading the Mavericks to their first NBA Championship in 2011.

Back in Dirk’s early days, when Nowitzki shot more than ten free throws in a game, the Dallas Mavericks were 14-0. Free throws can correlate with aggressiveness and with a high percentage free-throw shooting like Dirk, that increases the odds of the Mavs winning the game.

These NBA players have proven that free throws are more than just another point-scoring opportunity—they are critical elements that can define games and careers. From Karl Malone’s all-time record to Michael Jordan’s iconic clutch performances, each of these players mastered the art of drawing fouls and converting at the line, using free throws to elevate their scoring and impact. Their consistency at the charity stripe exemplifies how a seemingly small aspect of the game can have monumental significance in the pursuit of basketball greatness. 

As active players like LeBron James and James Harden continue to climb this list, the importance of free throws in the NBA remains as crucial as ever.