Can’t Shoot All-Stars

Nathan Bush, Columnist

When evaluating NBA players, there are several major categories teams and fans look at: defensive impact, athleticism, basketball IQ and most importantly, shooting. Sadly, a lot of guys in the league’s rich history have been deficient from downtown, which hampers their entire career. I feel sympathetic for players who have mastered practically every nuance of the game yet couldn’t make a twenty-foot jumper if their life depended on it. That’s why I decided to give guys with broke shots a chance at some form of recognition.

To make this list, a player must have a career three-point percentage of under 30 percent and must currently play in the NBA. All centers are exempt from this team. A player cannot be an actual all-star to make this list.

Marcus Smart

At 6’4”, Marcus Smart possesses almost every skill teams look for in a point guard. He can defend, make plays for others and showcase his unique athleticism on a nightly basis. However, Smart does have one glaring flaw in his otherwise complete game: jump shooting. A 29 percent three-point shooter, Smart struggles with range. And like many others on this list, a reliable jump shot would set him apart from the rest.

Tony Allen

Tony Allen is the ultimate “if only he could shoot threes” player. His lockdown defense earned him a spot on the all-defensive team six times. He’s regarded around the league as one of the greatest defenders at his position. He’s been forced to limit his contributions, however, because of his career three-point shooting percentage of 28.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

I have a small obsession with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, even if he shoots threes at a 20 percent clip. He’s a fantastic athlete, a defensive stopper and a great fit for switching defenses. He’s a good rebounder and can play multiple positions. His fatal flaw: he has possibly the most awkward jump shot in the entire NBA. He shoots like a five-year-old. Contorted arms, long wind-up, never goes in. However, if he even had an okay jumper, he’d be an all-star in the Eastern Conference.

Josh Smith

Josh Smith doesn’t know he’s a miserable three-point shooter. He’s by far the greatest volume three-point shooter on this make-believe team. Not only is he a wretched, 28.5 percent brick artist, but he’s attempted upwards of three threes a game. Most guys that have horrible jumpshots have the self-awareness to not hoist up threes every night, but not Smith. If he did have a jumper, his years in Atlanta would have seemed a lot more intriguing.

Kenneth Faried

He shoots 10 percent. Ten. percent. He is a hustle player, a rebounding machine, and a freak athlete. However, he shoots 10 percent. If Faried had a serviceable three-pointer, he would be an explosive player. He’d be a key cog in a Denver offense that loves floor spacing. It’s a shame “the Manimal” may never develop it to a serviceable level.