Jailblazers7 wrote:76ciology wrote:For me, when a player’s shooting percentage drops, it means one of two things.. either become a better scorer (i.e by adding tools like a midrange game; he’s also not a good to very good finisher around the rim), or reduce your scoring usage. In Maxey’s case, I think it’s more of the latter. He needs to learn how to score more efficiently and pick his spots, rather than forcing the issue. With multiple scoring options on the team now, especially if George and Embiid are healthy, he doesn’t need to carry the same offensive load.
..and that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t improve his scoring like scoring in the midrange.
I think that might be an overreaction to last season. Maxey had a hand injury last season playing with the skeleton of Embiid/PG or without them at all. His shooting % from 5ft or less have typically been solid but better pace would do wonders for his finishing which is what some of the midrange work will help him do. I’d like to see a full season with a springy PnR partner like Bona before I make any strong judgements.
For me, he needs to find ways to punish the defense when they overload on him, mainly by reading the floor better and getting the ball to his open teammates. That would help his efficiency and make both him and the team better.
Right now, he’s averaging 25 PPG with good efficiency, which is star level already. I don’t really see him as a 30 PPG scorer with elite efficiency (i.e Shai, Luka or Jokic), if he gets to 30, his efficiency will probably take a hit and/or I think it would have some empty calories in it. But I think he can stay at or near 25ppg and become more efficient if he improves as a playmaker. That would actually make him and the team better.