Mr. Whammy effect

MARY ALTAFFER/ASSOCIATED PRESS

All Brooklyn Nets fans know who Mr. Whammy is, but for opposing teams he’s just an old man behind the basket. 

Mr. Whammy has been essential to Nets home games since the team moved to Brooklyn in 2012. Whammy’s real name, Bruce Reznick positions himself behind the basket, gestures his hands and tries to hex opposing players at the free throw line. 

Over the years some opposing players, most notably Lebron James have launched complaints, but Mr.Whammy is here to stay. 

At the age of 87, Whammy is currently having a career year with Nets opponents shooting 74.4FT% in Brooklyn, which is the lowest in the league and the Nets lowest mark in the last 40 years. 

On Sunday versus the Jazz Mr. Whammy appeared on the big screen halfway through the second quarter showcasing opponents have the worst free-throw shooting percentage at Barclays Center than any other arena. 

After the game, Spencer Dinwiddie credited “Mr. Whammy for sure” and when asked if the guys will be taking Whammy out to dinner, Spencer went on “I think Joe Tsai can probably pay for dinner for about a year...actually, rent may help too.”

As the Brooklyn Nets opponents continue to miss their free throws, Mr. Whammy is the one to thank.