Keep Chuckin' It, Sullinger

[jonathanlambert33]

If the Boston Celtics want Jared Sullinger to maximize his potential, they'll force him to keep taking shots from three-point range. He's shooting only 25.6 percent on the year, and even Brad Stevens realizes that it's not a quality attempt; but in a season about progress, it's important for Sullinger to keep taking steps forward.

The second-year big man has said that he prefers playing inside, which is good news since most three-point shooting bigs don't have that desire or ability. Those players are typically specialists, like Ryan Anderson or Channing Frye.

Incredibly, only five big men in the NBA attempt at least 6.0 shots within eight feet of the rim and 2.5 shots per game from three-point range.

Those five players are Kevin Love, Thaddeus Young, Josh Smith, Paul Millsap, and Jared Sullinger. Already, Sullinger is a rare breed in the ever-changing NBA, displaying the ability to play both inside and outside.

But Sullinger isn't much of a threat right now, and defenses often leave him open if he's standing behind the arc. At 25.6 percent, chucking up three-pointers might not help the team win games this year, but it will lead to great success in the future.

http://www.celticsblog.com/2014/3/27/5552608/the-value-of-a-three-point-shooting-jared-sullinger-boston-celtics-nba-mid-range-brad-stevens

 

[elcheato]

I wouldn't say those stats show an ability to play inside or outside. Just shows he takes the shots, and he's not particularly good at either

I do agree he has to keep shooting from outside if he wants to become a consistent dependable starter on a good team. He has the mobility of a center, little athleticism and the height of a small forward.

 

[bosoxlover12]

Stevens is telling him to take these shots. In general, the more shots you take, the better you will eventually get at it, no matter how gradual.

Stevens wants everyone on the team to be able to, if in a situation where they are open from three, to take and make that shot. Sully shows potential at it. Yes he shoots too many now, but we aren't in a Win-now mode right now anyways.