3. Wayne Ellington
Wayne Ellington doesn’t do much when afforded playing time. He isn’t much of a go-to scorer. He doesn’t run the offense and his rebounding could definitely see some improvement. What he does, though, he does at the highest level, and it’s what’s kept him in the league for over almost a decade now.
This man can shoot the lights out from just about anywhere, and it’s this era of 3-point shooting where people are just beginning to realize it. Over the last three seasons, the former Tar Heel has taken an average of 6.7 long distance looks per game. His lowest average? A still very good 36.8 percent.
Would also watch the Sixers. Has a skill set they covet more than almost any team https://t.co/85Ev6Wiu2T
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) February 7, 2019
When it comes to snipers such as Ellington, it’s not even about the shots they take and normally make. Sometimes, just their presence on the court creates a whole new dimension for the offense. Whereas a defender could give his assignment a few extra inches, the same can’t be said when guarding this guy, creating more space for teammates to attack the basket.
When he’s on the move, defenses are forced to communicate in a frenzy, almost inevitably leading to blown coverages and open shots both beyond the arc and near the rim.
Quite a few teams lack a true deadeye sniper you can’t leave open, and it’s part of the reason their offense struggles at one time or another. In terms of shooting ability, Ellington is the quick-fix solution who can be plugged in on any team and find ways to make an impact without even having to touch the basketball.