Why Is Ham Making AD Shoot More Threes?
Anthony Davis does his best attacks inside the perimeter, though.
Anthony Davis has never been one to shoot three-pointers efficiently.
In his 11-year career, David has never attempted more than 3.5 three-pointers a game and has never averaged more than 34 percent from beyond the perimeter.
So why does Los Angeles Lakers’ Head Coach Darvin Ham want Davis to attempt at least 6 threes per game?
Via ESPN:
"I want him, if he can -- I know he won't do it, but maybe he'll shock me -- but I've requested to see six 3-point attempts a game," Ham said after practice Tuesday. "Three per half, at least. I wouldn't put that on him if I didn't think he was capable."
Davis’ advantage on the offensive end is his ability to move and handle the ball at his height. He’s able to evade big defenders with his swiftness and bully smaller defenders with his size.
And he’s been doing it well, too.
Last season, he averaged 26 points on 56 percent shooting. And he got all of those buckets within the perimeter (he only attempted 1.3 three-pointers).
So, why is Ham issuing this challenge to his player?
I think it’s partly because the NBA has evolved and bigs need to be proficient at the 3-point shot.
I also think it’s because Davis knows he needs to be a better 3-point shooter and has been working on it, but he still lacks confidence in his ability to shoot from beyond the arc and hesitates.
And I know all of this because I read what Ham told reporters after open practice (not because I’m some great basketball analyst).
Anywhoo…
"That's something that he's worked on -- being a more consistent shooter and not just more consistent in his [normal] areas but consistent from deep range," Ham said. "And not hesitating. Not overthinking it. So if he's got a good look, we've all encouraged him to put it up."
Do you think AD will attempt more threes?
Because if he does, and he does it well, defenders are going to have a lot of trouble guarding him this season.
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