Looking at preseason deep shooting for 3-point heavy Nets
Only four teams shot 3s at a greater rate than the Brooklyn Nets last season. Who started hot and cold from long range in the preseason?
The NBA preseason only provides a small sample size, so it’s probably unwise to make too much of the performance of any Brooklyn Nets players. Still, even small samples are worth at least taking note of and it will be interesting to monitor whether any early trends carry over to the regular season.
One area coach Kenny Atkinson and the NBA as a whole have really come to value is 3-point shooting. In his first season at the helm in 2016-17, Atkinson got Brooklyn’s 3-point attempt rate up from 28th in the league all the way to fourth in 2016-17. The team has remained in the top five each of the last two seasons.
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It’s worth examining how Brooklyn’s long range shooters have performed thus far. For those with long track records as solid shooters, the small sample size isn’t too noteworthy. But for younger players that are in the process of developing a 3-point shot, this early performance could be a sign of what’s to come.
Perhaps a player made significant strides in the offseason, for example, and is clearly an improved shooter.
The Nets have played their four preseason games and open the season Wednesday at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves. They faced SESI/Franca Basketball Club (Brazil) in Brooklyn, played the Los Angeles Lakers twice in China and finished against the Toronto Raptors back at Barclays Center. What has stood out from a shooting perspective?
Taurean Prince
Despite a so-so reputation driven primarily by inconsistent defense, Taurean Prince has been a far above average 3-point shooter over the course of his 3-year career (38.0 percent). The early signs are that he could be a lethal spot-up threat for the Brooklyn offense.
If primary ball-handlers like Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie and Caris LeVert can find Prince, he should be able to make defenses pay.
Rodions Kurucs
Rodions Kurucs shot 31.5 percent from long range his rookie season, but his solid shooting stroke has provided optimism that he would eventually develop into a strong shooter. So far so good, as Kurucs hit 7-of-13 3s in the preseason.
Theo Pinson
For a player that shot 22.6 percent his senior season at North Carolina, Theo Pinson‘s 38.4 percent 3-point shooting in the G League last season was a bit surprising (but also encouraging). While acknowledging the small sample size, Pinson’s 1-for-10 preseason showing suggests he might still have some work to do on his jump shot.
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Spencer Dinwiddie
Not only has Spencer Dinwiddie proven he’s clearly a better shooter than the 28.6 percent he shot in the preseason, he’s also a better shooter than the 33.5 percent he shot last season. Of his long-range attempts last season, 58.6 percent were difficult pull-up (off-the-dribble) shots.
If he was forced to resort to more of a spot-up role (like Prince), Dinwiddie could probably shoot at least 37-38 percent from long range.
Conclusion
Dzanan Musa and Caris LeVert looked good as well from long range. For LeVert in particular, a significantly improved 3-point shot could be what not only elevates him to an All-Star level, but makes the Nets true championship contenders down the road.
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Overall, 3-point shooting will play a significant role in Brooklyn’s success this season. Taking both the preseason and bigger picture into account, it certainly seems the team has plenty of capable long range options.