Portland Trail Blazers: 5 keys to making the playoffs in 2017-18

4. Improve floor spacing

I’ve already written up on this issue a couple times before, but to reiterate: the Portland Trail Blazers posted the sixth-best mark in 3-point shooting percentage, traded away their best 3-point shooter on the wing, and then failed to bring in a player of equal or better shooting ability to replace him.

Considering Maurice Harkless and Evan Turner are expected to fill the vacancy left by Allen Crabbe despite not proving themselves to be great outside shooters, it’s entirely plausible to think that Portland’s 3-point shooting percentage could take a hit this season.

In today’s NBA, many elite teams have relied heavily upon the 3-point shot, revolutionizing the way that the game is viewed, played and analyzed. Simply put: floor spacing is more important than ever, so I sincerely hope that Portland’s trust in their current floor spacers isn’t misplaced.