San Antonio Spurs: 5 keys to contending in 2017-18

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors defends against Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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4. Perimeter shooting

While every team in the NBA is looking to improve their shooting, San Antonio already has a lineup that can compete with any other team. Every player in the starting lineup is able to space the floor.

However, it was bench piece Patty Mills, arguably the greatest shooter Australia has ever produced, who led the perimeter shooting last season. His 41.4 percent from distance was good enough for 11th in the NBA.

Mills was the best of the five players who averaged two or more 3-point attempts. Davis Bertans shot at 39.9 percent, while Manu Ginobili shot 39.2 percent.

Must Read: 25 Greatest Shooters In NBA History

Leonard (38 percent) and Green (37.9 percent) were the two with the worst shooting percentage from deep. These are still good numbers.

Pau Gasol also shot the ball extremely well. He made 53.8 percent of his 104 attempts from deep for the season. Even LaMarcus Aldridge made 41.1 percent of his 56 3-point attempts.

However, the benefit of Aldridge and Gasol is also in their shooting from beyond 16 feet. Aldridge made 42.4 percent of his shots between 16 feet and the 3-point line. Gasol made 48.2 percent of his looks from the same range.

The addition of players such as Gay and Lauvergne will also add to the perimeter depth of the team, which is key to being able to compete with the Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets in a seven-game series.

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