The Washington Wizards had flaws that many can reasonably expect of a young team in 2024-25, but the inability to convert in catch-and-shoot situations must not persist. It's a proven method for efficient scoring, as well as sufficient floor-spacing.
Thankfully, Washington has brought in the type of veterans whose skill sets and ideologies can help create a positive shift for the franchise.
Washington finished the 2024-25 season ranked No. 12 in catch-and-shoot three-point field goal attempts. That displays a clear understanding of the importance of utilizing ball and player movement to create opportunities along the perimeter.
Despite the volume with which they attempted catch-and-shoot threes, however, the Wizards ranked No. 21 in conversions—a clear display of the team's issue with efficiency.
Washington ranked No. 29 in catch-and-shoot three-point field goal percentage, burying just 33.9 percent of its attempts. They were one of just three teams that shot below 35.0 percent in said scenarios, with the league leader checking in at perspective-providing 40.2.
If the Wizards are going to improve in this crucial area and convert with newfound efficiency, then CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton must take the lead.
Wizards ranked No. 29 in catch-and-shoot 3PT FG% in 2024-25
McCollum and Middleton rank among the best shooters of their generation. McCollum has a career average of 2.5 three-point field goals made per game on 39.7 percent shooting from beyond the arc, while Middleton checks in at 1.8 and 38.7 percent.
Both veterans have excelled in on and off-ball capacities, with McCollum shooting 40.1 percent on 4.1 catch-and-shoot three-point field goal attempts per game in 2024-25.
Injuries have clouded Middleton's reputation, but he shot 40.6 percent in those same situations in 2023-24 and 36.5 percent despite the ailments and a mid-season trade in 2024-25. As such, the Wizards can proceed with confidence that they should improve in this area due to the veterans' presence alone.
The key to Washington building a sustainably strong team, however, will be spreading the understanding of the importance of knocking down open looks.
Justin Champagnie offers reason for optimism after shooting 41.9 percent on catch-and-shoot threes in 2024-25. New addition Malaki Branham is intriguing, as well, having shot 40.5 percent from beyond the arc in limited minutes this past season with the San Antonio Spurs.
Tristan Vukcevic also turned heads at 40.4 percent on catch-and-shoot threes, but Corey Kispert at 37.0 percent is the only other returning Wizard who buried better than 34.5 percent of their attempts.
With this in mind, the Wizards desperately need their high-volume players to find their footing. Kyshawn George at 34.5 percent, Bub Carrington at 32.5, Alex Sarr at 30.9, and Bilal Coulibaly at 27.6 all qualify as players who need to take a step forward in this critical area for the current core to truly excel.
Incoming rookie Tre Johnson should help as a sharpshooter who specializes in catch-and-shoot situations, but it's the veterans and not the first-year guard who carry the burden of leadership.