Celtics' Sullinger broke up with the three-point line
The Boston Celtics are one of the most analytics-friendly franchises in the NBA. Their on-court strategies and style are a direct reflection of the times; their players embrace efficient opportunities in an uptempo setting.
But forward Jared Sullinger, in a contract year, has decided to abandon the three-point shot, one area of his game that's never quite worked out. Here's more, courtesy of SB Nation's Celtics Blog and The Providence Journal:
"I think that was my biggest thing is that I was worried about where I was popping at," he said before Wednesday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden. "I didn’t want to shoot a long 2. Analytics say to shoot the 3. "I just threw the analytics out the door. Wherever you pop, just shoot it. If you’re not (open), move the ball."
Sullinger is now shooting a dreadful 27.7 percent from behind the three-point line, and a career-low 42.6 percent from the floor. His three-point rate is dramatically down from where it was the past two seasons, and instead he's attempting more long twos than ever before.
Mid-range jump shots aren't acceptable as the primary intent for an entire team, but if Sullinger wants to take them because he isn't comfortable extending himself further out, then so be it.
