Tyler Zeller a three-point shooter?
We're in the midst of the era of the three in the NBA. Just look at the final four teams a year ago, they consisted of four of the five leaders in three-pointers made.
Brad Stevens stressed that in 2014-15, but to little effectiveness. While the Celtics attempted 2,021 threes (13th in the league) they buried only 32.7% as a team, ranking 27th in 3-pt%.
Nevertheless, Stevens appears to be pushing a perimeter game once again as Boston takes the court for the first time this fall. One of the earliest indications was an unfamiliar outside shooter practicing his stroke:
Tyler Zeller out working on corner threes right now. Not sure if staff asked that of him like it did with bass last season.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) September 28, 2015
Out of the 17 C’s players to appear in more than 10 games last season, Tyler Zeller was the only one to attempt 0 three-pointers. Could his work from the corner be a product of Stevens pushing his bigs to get with the times? It is hard to rule out considering Brandon Bass was pressed in that direction, putting up 32 threes in his final year in Boston.
As a whole, the association saw a record 22.4 three-point attempts per game in 14-15 at a league-wide rate of 35% (16th all time). Volume has taken priority over efficiency.
Cleveland and Golden State flew to the Finals shooting 27 threes a game at 37% and 40%, respectively. Boston doesn't have the personnel those elite teams do, but Stevens could utilize extra volume and schemes to allow for the C’s to improve on their very average 8 threes made per game. That starts with getting everybody ready to take those shots.
Another interesting aspect with Zeller is his ongoing contract discussions. Perhaps Boston wants to see him vary his skill-set if they’re going to commit serious money and years to him?
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Photo Credit: Brian Babineau/NBAE