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Washington Wizards: Team focusing on 3-Point Shooting

By Ben Vasconcellos

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 16: John Wall #2 and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards celebrate after Beal scored and was fouled against the Atlanta Hawks in the second half of Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center on April 16, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 16: John Wall #2 and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards celebrate after Beal scored and was fouled against the Atlanta Hawks in the second half of Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center on April 16, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The NBA season is right around the corner and the Washington Wizards are making it a priority to focus on their 3-point shooting in training camp.

The style of the NBA is drastically changing. The coveted mid-range game is all but obsolete and everyone has seemed to put the fundamentals of basketball in the back of their minds.

What can the Wizards do but oblige? When you think of the top teams in the NBA, the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets come to mind. Both teams essentially live and die by the three ball, but both have been extremely successful because of it.

The Warriors are in the finals every year and the Rockets have emerged as serious contenders. Teams around the NBA have taken notice and are trying to implement this style of basketball into their game plans, especially the Wizards.

Teams averaged about 29 3-point attempts last season. Washington averaged close to this with 26.5 3PA and shot .375%, which was the fourth best in the NBA. The big three, John Wall, Bradley Beal, Otto Porter Jr., collectively shot 39.5%.

Scott Brooks is making the correct call in focusing on outside shooting. The Wizards roster is quick and can defend, which will allow for more shooting opportunities throughout the game.

The Wizards have a deep roster and the majority of them have the ability to shoot the ball well. Austin Rivers, Jeff Green, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Jodie Meeks should sustain the 3-point shooting success when they enter the game off the bench. The only person that shouldn’t be shooting 3’s is Dwight Howard. Although it would be entertaining to see, Howard’s priority should be improving his free-throw percentage.

Wall and Beal should benefit the most from this change of pace. Beal is an excellent outside shooter and the pace of the game will quicken, which only works to Wall’s advantage in the open court. If this style of play pans out for the Wizards, this could be the best guard tandem in the league.

Lebron James is repping the purple and gold for the Los Angeles Lakers, which means The Eastern Conference is wide open. The Boston Celtics are the favorites, with the Toronto Raptors not far behind.

Now is the time to capitalize for the Wizards. They have the depth and talent to get the conference finals. Focusing on improving and implementing more consistent 3-pointers will elevate them to the next level that they desire.

Next. Dwight Howard to miss start of training camp with injury. dark

The team’s first preseason game is just around the corner on Oct.1 at home against the New York Knicks. So, let it rain Washington!

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