Terry Stotts still wants to launch a ton of threes
Today's Portland Trail Blazers aren't nearly as talented as they were last season. One specific area where they're expected to take a hit is behind the three-point line.
But head coach Terry Stotts is confident his team can still use outside shots to create spacing and do damage against unsuspecting defenders. Here's what he recently said in a Sirius XM radio interview, per The Oregonian:
"The offensive end is going to be fluid, it's going to be a work in progress because we've been one of the leaders in shooting threes over the last few years, obviously having LaMarcus (Aldridge) on the block to throw it to. We don't have the number of three-point shooters, that's going to be something that I want to improve on. I don't want to just concede the fact that we're not going to shoot as many threes."
Portland attempted the third most threes per game last year. They constantly attacked with guys like Wesley Matthews and Nicolas Batum. Even Aldridge got in on the fun.
But with those three gone, next season they need Meyers Leonard to step up and replicate his accuracy from a year ago. It won't be easy with opposing teams focused on stopping him, but Leonard's ability to draw centers outside the paint is huge if utilized properly.
Otherwise, new additions like Al-Farouq Aminu, Ed Davis, Mason Plumlee, Moe Harkless and Gerald Henderson won't be much help. Noah Vonleh has an outside shot in his repertoire, but he may not be in Portland's rotation.
The three-point line is critical for every team in the league. How will Portland use it?
(h/t: The Oregonian)
