Top 10 Worst Airballs of All Time
There are some shots in basketball that are just so bad, they’re almost laughable. These airballs are usually the result of a player taking an ill-advised shot or trying to do too much with the ball. Here are the 10 worst airballs of all time.
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10. Lamar Odom – Lakers vs. Rockets, 2009
In a 2009 playoff game against the Houston Rockets, Lamar Odom had a wide-open shot at the basket but ended up throwing up a huge airball. The ball barely made it off the ground, giving the Rockets an easy rebound.
9. LeBron James – Cavaliers vs. Magic, 2010
In a 2010 matchup against the Orlando Magic, LeBron James had a wide-open shot at the basket but ended up throwing up an airball. The ball barely made it off the ground, giving the Magic an easy rebound.
8. Kobe Bryant – Lakers vs. Suns, 2006
In a 2006 playoff game against the Phoenix Suns, Kobe Bryant had an open shot at the basket but threw up a horrible airball. The ball barely made it off the ground, giving the Suns an easy rebound.
7. Jameer Nelson – Magic vs. Celtics, 2009
In a 2009 Eastern Conference Finals game against the Boston Celtics, Jameer Nelson had a wide-open shot at the basket but threw up a terrible airball. The ball barely made it off the ground, giving the Celtics an easy rebound.
6. Rajon Rondo – Celtics vs. Lakers, 2010
In a 2010 playoff game against the Lakers, Rajon Rondo had a wide-open shot at the basket but threw up a horrible airball. The ball barely made it off the ground, giving the Lakers an easy rebound.
5. Ricky Davis – Timberwolves vs. Kings, 2002
In a 2002 game against the Kings, Ricky Davis had a wide-open shot at the basket but threw up a terrible airball. The ball barely made it off the ground, giving the Kings an easy rebound.
4. Michael Beasley – Timberwolves vs. Thunder, 2010
In a 2010 matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Michael Beasley had a wide-open shot at the basket but threw up a terrible airball. The ball barely made it off the ground, giving the Thunder an easy rebound.
3. Shaquille O’Neal – Lakers vs. Spurs, 1999
In a 1999 playoff game against the San Antonio Spurs, Shaquille O’Neal had a wide-open shot at the basket but threw up a horrible airball. The ball barely made it off the ground, giving the Spurs an easy rebound.
2. Antoine Walker – Celtics vs. Lakers, 2002
In a 2002 playoff game against the Lakers, Antoine Walker had a wide-open shot at the basket but threw up a horrible airball. The ball barely made it off the ground, giving the Lakers an easy rebound.
1. Andris Biedrins – Warriors vs. Rockets, 2009
In a 2009 game against the Houston Rockets, Andris Biedrins had a wide-open shot at the basket but threw up a terrible airball. The ball barely made it off the ground, giving the Rockets an easy rebound.
These are some of the worst airballs in basketball history. Whether it’s an open shot at the basket or a last-minute desperation heave, these shots always seem to find a way to miss. Luckily, most players learn from their mistakes and avoid taking these terrible shots in the future. But as these examples show, even the best players can sometimes mess up royally.
conclusion
As these examples show, even the best players can sometimes mess up royally. While airballs are always embarrassing, they can also be a valuable learning experience. With enough practice and focus, even the worst airballers can eventually become competent shooters. So don’t be discouraged if you ever find yourself in the dreaded airball situation – just keep trying your best and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.