Detroit Pistons: 3 reasons Jose Calderon is a good move

3. Calderon can shoot

Calderon is old, he’s small (listed at 6’3″ and 200 pounds) and he’s a liability on the defensive end. But he can put the ball in the basket. Calderon’s shooting ability from 3-point range and at the free throw line has been his greatest asset as a pro.

During the 2007-08 season with the Raptors, Calderon became an honorary member of the exclusive 50-40-90 club, connecting on 51.9 percent of his field goals, 42.9 percent of his 3s and 90.8 percent of his free throws. However, since he did not attempt enough free throws to qualify for league-leading status, he is not included on the official list of players who have accomplished that feat.

The following season, Calderon set an NBA record for free throw accuracy by making 98.1 percent at the line (with enough attempts to qualify). He only missed three free throws in 68 games, going 151-for-154 from the stripe.

During the 2012-13 season, which he split between the Raptors and Pistons, Calderon led the league in 3-point shooting, hitting 46.1 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.

Calderon’s shooting touch has not left him as he’s aged, either. Last season with the Cavaliers, while injuries and roster turnover thrust him into starting 32 games (plus three in the playoffs), Calderon shot 50.3 percent from the field, 46.4 percent from 3-point range, and 80.0 percent at the line.