The 10 Best NBA Players at Drawing Fouls

In the fast-paced world of NBA basketball, the ability to draw fouls is an invaluable skill that can significantly impact a player’s effectiveness on the court. The 2024-25 season has brought to the forefront players who have mastered the art of getting to the free-throw line, leveraging their ability to create contact to gain crucial points.

This listicle highlights the top 10 NBA stars who excel in foul-drawing, showcasing their unique talents and strategies that make them formidable opponents.

10. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (51815871018) (cropped) — Openverse

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s star guard, has been a master at drawing fouls. However, his reputation as a “free throw merchant” is changing in the 2024-25 season. Despite ranking third in total free throws attempted (210), he’s now leading the league in games with 35+ points and fewer than five free throw attempts.

9. Devin Booker

Devin Booker excels at drawing fouls, averaging 2.3 personal fouls drawn per game in the 2024-25 season. His ability to create contact while driving to the basket and his deceptive footwork make him a challenging matchup for defenders. Booker’s free throw accuracy of 89.6% further capitalizes on these opportunities.

8. Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson’s explosive athleticism and powerful drives make him a foul-drawing machine. In the 2024-25 season, he’s averaging 8.6 free throw attempts per game, showcasing his ability to force defenders into compromising positions. Williamson’s combination of strength and agility often leaves opponents with no choice but to foul.

7. Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler excels at drawing fouls, averaging 4.6 fouls drawn per game in the 2024-25 season. His aggressive playing style and ability to create contact while driving to the basket make him a master at getting to the free-throw line. Butler’s foul-drawing prowess significantly contributes to his team’s scoring opportunities.

6. Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard excels at drawing fouls, averaging 6.9 free throw attempts per game in the 2024-25 season. His quick first step and ability to stop on a dime often catch defenders off-guard, resulting in frequent trips to the line. Lillard’s 92.1% free throw accuracy makes him a nightmare for opposing teams.

5. Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic excels at drawing fouls, averaging 7.5 free throw attempts per game in the 2024-25 season. His craftiness, body control, and ability to create contact while driving to the basket make him a nightmare for defenders. Doncic’s foul-drawing prowess contributes significantly to his impressive 27.0 points per game average.

4. Trae Young

Trae Young excels at drawing fouls, averaging 7.1 free throw attempts per game in the 2024-25 season. His quick first step and ability to stop on a dime often catch defenders off-guard, resulting in contact. Young’s 85.7% free throw accuracy makes him a constant threat at the line.

3. Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid excels at drawing fouls, averaging 9.1 free throw attempts per game in the 2024-25 season. His combination of size, agility, and basketball IQ allows him to create contact in the paint. Embiid’s 87% free throw accuracy makes him a nightmare for defenders, contributing significantly to his 24.9 points per game average.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s powerful drives to the basket make him a foul-drawing machine. In the 2024-25 season, he’s averaging 10.7 free throw attempts per game, second in the league. His combination of size, speed, and aggressiveness often leaves defenders with no choice but to foul, making him a constant threat at the line.

1. James Harden

James Harden remains one of the NBA’s elite foul-drawers, averaging 2.1 fouls per game in the 2024-25 season. His ability to create contact and sell calls has been a hallmark of his career, though rule changes have slightly reduced his foul-drawing numbers in recent years. Harden’s craftiness and basketball IQ continue to make him a challenging matchup for defenders.