Brooklyn Nets: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season
By Simon Smith
3. Nets to average at least 38 3-point attempts per game
As we’ve seen in recent times, the prevalence of the 3-point shot league wide has simply going through the roof.
In their first season under coach Atkinson, the Nets averaged 31.6 attempts per game, well up from their previous seasons average of 18.4 per game. While the Nets lost their leader in 3-point attempts this offseason in center Brook Lopez, the new additions should certainly help make up the difference.
Newcomer D’Angelo Russell averaged 6.1 attempts per game last season, which included eight games of 10 or more attempts. Mind you, this was accomplished in just 28.7 minutes per game in a season where Russell played 23 minutes or less on 13 occasions, despite starting in 12 of those games. Considering the Nets’ recent woes and style of play, it’s nearly unfathomable that Russell’s minutes will come under the same restrictions.
Allen Crabbe is another reason to believe the Nets’ 3-point prevalence will continue to surge. Last season as a member of the Trail Blazers, Crabbe attempted six or more 3-pointers on 14 occasions, including a season-high 10 attempts against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Encouragingly for the Nets, Crabbe shot at a 55.1 percent clip over these 14 games.
As a result, it’s more likely than not that the Nets encourage Crabbe to launch from long range even more this upcoming season. Having taken a step back to gunners such as Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, the Nets represent a terrific spot for Crabbe to shine.
Despite experiencing a rough season last year, DeMarre Carroll is an under-the-radar acquisition who coach Atkinson is familiar with from their days together at the Atlanta Hawks. Last season as member of the Toronto Raptors, Carroll attempted seven or more 3-pointers in nine games, including a season-high 10 attempts on two occasions. Like Crabbe, Carroll impressed with a higher volume, shooting at a 41.2 percent clip over these 10 games.
This offseason, coach Atkinson summed up their approach succinctly when he stated:
"“I think we can take a little risk in terms of letting the ball fly a little and giving them freedom to play.”"
Furthermore, with other more than capable 3-point marksmen on the roster such as Sean Kilpatrick, Randy Foye and Joe Harris, the Nets have a tremendous amount of artillery at their disposal.