When I rewatch NBA games, I can press the „10s forward button“ multiple times to get to see players make their first and second free-throw attempts. Players taking a lot of time to get to the line, then making their rituals, giving high five to the other players. Also refs for some reason holding the ball for excessive amount of time before giving it back to the free-throw shooter.

Some people complain about too many timeouts or timeouts and challenges taking too long. While I agree with this, at least there is a reason/argument for the NBA to do this: they can make more money with commercials. Like it or not, but it is an argument.

But whats the advantage for the NBA to allow so much time passing before and between free-throws? Why don’t they speed up the process? Refs to give the ball to the players fast, urge players to make their shot fast. What‘s the argument for the NBA to make free throws such a long interruption, such a long process? How does the NBA benefit from that?