cl2117 wrote:I don't know about his shot. His free throw shooting is his biggest red flag. 63% from the line through college, peaked at 70% and finished last year at 65%. How a guy shoots from the line is generally a decent barometer for how well his shot will develop and that's not a great sign.
It's true that FT% is often a good indicator of shooting projection. But it's not a be all, end all indicator. There's exceptions - like with anything.
Here's some of those exceptions - listed are their FT% during the season prior to being drafted:
There's also Harrison Ingram, who many on here wanted us to draft this year..shot well from 3 last season in college (and hit a few 3's the other day in SL for the Spurs) but was a poor FT shooting during his 3 college seasons, including 61.2% FT last season.
Shooting a FT is much different than shooting a 3. Some guys might shoot better during live action (as opposed do when play is stopped during a FT), when contested or when a defender is coming to close out on them...some guys might hit 80% FT because they shoot better with more time, no defenders around, and from only 15 FT away but shoot worse with defenders, less time and from 23 feet away..
With that being said, when you combine the low FT% and the low volume of 3PA (and only 1 of his 5 college seasons with a good 3 FG%), there is some reason for concern. I don't think anyone is calling him an elite shooter or saying that it's a guarantee he will shoot well in the NBA.
But there is some reasons for optimism:
-High 3 FG% last season
-3 FG% and 3PA/game both went up in each of his 5 college seasons
-Mechanics look pretty clean on his 3 ball
-Seems like a very hard worker
-Both Brad and DJ Macleay have said to the media thbat they think he's a better shooter than people think
cl2117 wrote:I agree that defense will be how he sticks around though. So even if the shot doesn't develop he could still carve out a niche as a guy who can add value by guarding multiple positions and making hustle plays.
Agreed.
