I'm Shooting As Fast As I Can

Pee-Wee basketball coaches like to tell their young warriors
that you can't win if you don't play, and Atlanta reserve guard
Ed Gray (above) knows that you can't score if you don't shoot.
Of course, shooting a lot doesn't necessarily mean scoring a
lot, as Gray is proving this season. In fact, when shots per
game are prorated over 48 minutes of playing time, Gray, who
averages 4.5 points and 11.4 minutes a game, emerges as the
NBA's top gunner, with 27.9 shots. (By comparison, Michael
Jordan prorated out to 28.6 shot attempts per 48 minutes last
season.) Here are some other league leaders who, based on their
glaringly high number of shots, turnovers or fouls per 48
minutes, might want to show a little more restraint.

--David Sabino

FIELD GOAL ATTEMPTS*

Ed Gray (G), Hawks 27.9
Allen Iverson (G), 76ers 26.8
Antoine Walker (F), Celtics 25.4
Rik Smits (C), Pacers 24.8
Shaquille O'Neal (C), Lakers 24.6

TURNOVERS*

Howard Eisley (G), Jazz 5.9
Moochie Norris (G), SuperSonics 5.5
Ricky Davis (G), Hornets 5.4
Bison Dele (F-C), Pistons 5.3
Malik Rose (F), Spurs 5.2

PERSONAL FOULS*

Bill Curley (F), Timberwolves 12.3
Malik Rose (F), Spurs 11.7
Eric Riley (C), Celtics 11.3
Chris Anstey (F-C), Mavericks 10.9
Jim McIlvaine (C), Nets 10.5

*PER 48 MINUTES OF PLAYING TIME; MINIMUM 15 GAMES OR 175 MINUTES
PLAYED

COLOR PHOTO: AL TIELEMANS