Basketball from a fans perspective

Published daily except Tuesdays & Thursdays

Check this out

Most of you have read numerous complaints about three point shooting, especially in the NBA. It is a concern until you look at the numbers, this is just an opinion. There are no analytics involved just raw numbers. Before we begin let’s check this out, what is a good shooting percentage from three? I conducted research and located this AI Overview, “A good 3-point percentage is generally considered to be around 35% or higher; with a percentage of 40% or above being considered very good, especially at the professional level like the NBA.” Let’s check out the latest numbers, one complaint I hear consistently from Laker Nation is the team’s poor shooting from three. 

According to teamrankings.com/nba/stat/three-point-pct the Laker team is at 35% which places them at 19 in the NBA. There are 11 teams below them including the Magic who sit at 30 and last place yet have the 4th best win-loss record in the Eastern Conference. The Thunder are shooting 34% as a team and look at their sparkling 27-5 record in leading the Western Conference. As you can see pure numbers don’t always provide us a clear picture of this particular thing. The game, especially at the NBA level changes, perhaps this is not the area of concern we tend to believe it might be. On the other hand someone proficient in analytics might trash my effort, who really knows?

The announcement

January 1 Bryce James made his commitment known, the younger brother of Bronny is headed to the University of Arizona in the fall. Although he is the younger brother he’s much taller checking in at 6 foot 4 inches and 180 pounds. For now he plays the shooting guard but it’s unclear if he will remain at that position. Bryce is a 3 or 4 star prospect depending on which source is utilized. His height is questionable as well, most sites list him at the height reported above while one contends he’s 6 foot 6. He is reported to be more talented than older brother Bronny, we shall see if that is actually the case.

Top 5

Growing up the best boys basketball played in the State of Missouri still lies on the east side of the state. orders not changed much. With me living on the west side of the state it’s sometimes difficult to admit the truth, who are they? The Top 5 in the State of Missouri are:

1. Oak Park-Kansas City MO

2. Chaminade-Frontenac (St. Louis metro)

3. DeSmet-Creve Coeur (St. Louis metro)

4. Vashon-St. Louis

5. Principa-St. Louis 

Next door in the State of Kansas we have these high schools represent the Top 5:

1. Shawnee Mission Northwest (KC metro)

2. Shawnee Mission South (KC metro)

3. Baldwin

4. Goodland

5. Wichita Heights

From a distance 

Have you witnessed the growth of Shei Gilgeous-Alexander, like me? No…not his height or weight they remain the same it’s the other thing. The steady point guard who played his college ball at Kentucky continues his upward trend. After he dropped 40 points on the Wolves this was the response from Ant Man, “Unguardable SGA is MVP.” He accomplished the number shooting 65% from the floor with 60% from three, in case you didn’t know allow me to clue you in on something. SGA can shoot the three he just doesn’t because he’s a throwback. Although certainly youthful his game is that of the ‘70’s or ‘80’s mostly mid-range shooting.

Can I say two teams missed the ship on him, the Hornets and Clippers. SGA was made the 18th pick in 2018 by the Hornets but was traded draft night to the Clippers. After spending his rookie year with the Clippers in a reserve role he found himself on the way to OKC. He along with several others was included in the trade that sent Paul George to the Clippers. The Thunder are playing outstanding basketball however it appears NBA eyes are focused on the defending champion Celtics and ascending Cavs. This Thunder team is ever improving, after Chet Holmgren went down with an injury they have continued to play inspired and high level basketball much can be attributed to SGA. Don’t sleep on this team, they will be noisemakers come playoff time.

Pick apart his game

A number of former players have been critical of Victor Wembanyama due to his limited inside game. It’s easy to understand why they take this approach, he’s nearly 7 feet 5 and some believe he could dominate the game with additional weapons in his arsenal. There is no argument from me other than why, I am going to point out several NBA All Stars Wemby’s 35.5% shooting from three is above theirs. As the top of the list is the Mavs all everything player Luka Doncic…yes Wemby tops him.

I realize Doncic is injured but his number was compiled prior to. Next up on our brief list Jamal Murray of the Nuggets and then Suns guard Devin Booker along with Clipper James Harden. I could include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the discussion however he doesn’t shoot near the amount of three’s a game as the others, SGA is more a mid-range shooter. We must also include the Sixers Tyrese Maxey and Trae Young of the Hawks in our brief count. The point I’m attempting to make all the names on this list have clearly demonstrated their talent to their fans and teammates. I’m sure no one has told them to stop shooting three’s.