Valuing raw 3pt% has come to an end

[dockingsched]

Over the years it’s been getting a lot better, but I think with Lebron officially shooting a better percentage than Steph from 3 this year, I’d like to get a pledge from all that the days of using 3pt% to judge shooters is over.

3 point shooting has to be judged within context of the type of shot, the spot on the floor, and the defensive presence.

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[Dr Aki]

If he keeps up the 40+% 3pt shooting, he's going to be nigh unguardable

[zimpy27]

This could be said for all non-FT shooting and scoring tbh.

Ultimately though it's highlighting that LeBron has been putting in work to improve his 3 shooting.


C&S.. LeBron 47% and Curry 44%
Pull up.. LeBron 34% and Curry 37%

[blueberrysticky]

Yeah this probably applies to all levels of scoring and %s right? But we know that.

A superstar drawing all the defensive attention in his premier scoring position and taking tough shots.... while creating wide open shots for the other players.

The second the star goes to the bench all of the sudden the role players can't shoot b/c their shots are now more contested.

[NZB2323]

You should always use context with stats, but that doesn't make the stats bad.

[EmpireFalls]

I pay less and less attention to traditional counting stats the more I learn about the game. I feel like every year I watch I deepen my understanding of what is important and what isn’t, and I think pure counting stats are so heavily context dependent as to be secondary in basketball discussions.

Jordan’s scoring titles don’t move me at all but his first step, ludicrously stable posture when shooting and dribbling, lift, and off ball game does. Luka’s 33-10-10 is whatever, his genius level use of leverage around screens and skip passing is what draws my attention. LeBron this year has been incredible aesthetically shooting 3s his balance and follow through have been so disciplined, that’s what I’ll remember not the percentage.

Use your eyes and focus on the artistry and talent of the players and coaches and pay less attention to the PPG and FG%. Smooth it out with some impact metrics but don’t get too caught up in it.

[homecourtloss]

Over the years it’s been getting a lot better, but I think with Lebron officially shooting a better percentage than Steph from 3 this year, I’d like to get a pledge from all that the days of using 3pt% to judge shooters is over.

3 point shooting has to be judged within context of the type of shot, the spot on the floor, and the defensive presence.

Read on Twitter

No offense, but everyone who knows anything at all already does this since there’s free data available that gives us all this information.

On another note, LeBron’s three point shot has never looked smoother—there’s a reason he’s shooting 47% on catch and shoot threes, 2nd best in the NBA for players who have played 40+ games and shoot 2.5+ catch and shoot threes per game. Yes, the volume is lower, but 47% on catch and shoots is a great %.

[Mad Guru]

This LeBron kid might have the stuff to be the best ever

[Ol Roy]

LeBron has generally been good at catch-and-shoot 3s for his career. Offenses with good ball movement and rim pressure can create those shots. I'm not a big fan of pull-up shots unless there is clearly no better option.

[ItsDanger]

Use variance in your analysis.

[Harry Garris]

Is anyone seriously arguing that this proves Lebron is a better shooter than Steph?

[dockingsched]

Yeah this probably applies to all levels of scoring and %s right? But we know that.

I think people have already stopped using raw fg% for almost all scoring levels except 3s, only reason I singled it out.

[XTC]

If Lebron wants to play for another 15 season he's going to have to keep this level of shooting up.

I'm honestly starting to believe this guy is just going to keep adapting. I'm done waiting for him to fall off. Low key super impressive, but annoying

[SelfishPlayer]

Steph attempted over twice as many per game, that in itself solidifies who is better.

[Raps in 4]

Steph averaged 12 3PA per game this year (61% 3PAr). Lebron averaged 5 (29% 3PAr).

[G35]

Over the years it’s been getting a lot better, but I think with Lebron officially shooting a better percentage than Steph from 3 this year, I’d like to get a pledge from all that the days of using 3pt% to judge shooters is over.

3 point shooting has to be judged within context of the type of shot, the spot on the floor, and the defensive presence.

Read on Twitter

This is only a surprise to newer fans. We saw how much Jason Kidd improved his 3pt shooting at the end of his career. Getting better at 3pt shooting is repetition, any human can be improved if that is all they work on. I would like to see how well players shoot the 3pt shot on the move or off the dribble.....

[Tor_Raps]

This LeBron kid might have the stuff to be the best ever

Seems like his ceiling might be 2nd best lol

[NyKnicks1714]

Is anyone seriously arguing that this proves Lebron is a better shooter than Steph?

No and this is the whole point of the thread.

[djw]

This LeBron kid might have the stuff to be the best ever

Nah, I think he'll be out of the league in a few years.

[queridiculo]

Over the years it’s been getting a lot better, but I think with Lebron officially shooting a better percentage than Steph from 3 this year, I’d like to get a pledge from all that the days of using 3pt% to judge shooters is over.

3 point shooting has to be judged within context of the type of shot, the spot on the floor, and the defensive presence.

Read on Twitter

Nice straw man you built there.