3. The Jump Shot
Ron Baker finished his rookie season with a disturbingly low 3-point field goal percentage of 26.7 percent. He shot a respectable 45.0 percent on 2-point field goals, but struggled to convert with any form of consistency from distance.
What’s often overlooked, however, is that Baker’s struggles as a shooter were uncharacteristic and an inaccurate representation of his 2016-17 contributions.
In the 18 games that he played between 20 and 39 minutes, Baker averaged 7.2 points, 3.4 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.7 3-point field goals. Those aren’t awe-inspiring numbers, but for a rookie reserve, they’re solid contributions.
More applicably: Baker shot 44.2 percent from the field and 32.5 percent from beyond the arc, which are quality marks from a rookie.
Knowing that Baker shot better when he played more, he projects to fit the youth movement well. It’s also worth noting that he finished his four-year college career with 242 3-point field goals made on 36.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
If Baker’s work ethic is as powerful as has been stated by those around him, he should use 2016-17 as motivation to shoot as well as he’s capable of shooting.