Daniel Gafford expressed his frustration regarding the lack of respect Kyrie Irving receives from NBA officials. After a recent game, he stated:
“I wish they would respect him and give him a couple more calls under the basket. He’s a great finisher around the rim, but he’s gonna end up getting hurt because of how many guys put him on the floor.”
This criticism stems from Irving’s unusually low free throw attempts this season. Despite averaging over 23 points per game, Irving attempts only 3.8 free throws per game — the fewest among players in his scoring range. Gafford’s remarks highlight the need for more consistent officiating, particularly to protect players who consistently drive to the basket.
