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PHOENIX — As the adage states, evolve or perish.
Unfortunately for the Phoenix Suns, they failed to evolve last season.
Though they boasted a roster designed for exceptional spacing and shooting prowess, Phoenix ranked 25th in 3-point attempts per game. This was partly due to their intent, but the stagnant nature of their offensive approach resulted in insufficient ball movement, leading to a lack of open 3s as a primary issue.
The rest of the league is gradually adapting, and teams that have embraced these changes are now reaping the rewards.
The Boston Celtics triumphed in the championship, in part due to their five-out offensive strategy. While it wasn’t flawless—often leading to a lethargic rhythm on offense and uninspired drive-and-kick plays—if just three or four of those sporadic 3-point attempts within a brief period had connected, it would have created a significant wave of momentum in their favor.
Several years ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder wisely began pursuing large, versatile ball-handlers, emphasizing offensive skills combined with a physically imposing defensive presence capable of covering multiple positions. They utilize an 11-player rotation, with 10 of those being effective shooters. The sole exception, Isaiah Hartenstein, could potentially join that group if he gets the opportunity to showcase his abilities in Oklahoma City after not having the chance in New York. The Thunder are already hinting at his potential.
“The game has been trending in that direction — emphasizing skill, space, and pace,” stated Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer.
When Kevin Durant debuted in 2007, the new objective was to attempt 20 three-pointers per game. Today, that number has doubled to 40. Let’s explore his insights on this transformation.
“It’s a natural progression of the game,” Durant remarked. “The game has progressively moved farther from the basket. Players can shoot the ball as soon as they cross half-court, and over the last 6-7 years, instead of having two or three 3-point shooters, teams now have at least six or seven capable of hitting them.”
However, it’s important to note that the situation isn’t as straightforward as it seems. The Celtics and Thunder are also top-tier defensive teams, which Durant emphasized.
“I believe that 3-pointers are integral to playing great defense,” Durant explained. “When you can secure rebounds and initiate a fast break, you create a disadvantage for the defense.”
Winning this year’s championship is not solely determined by a team’s 3-point attempts but also hinges on having a roster equipped with sufficient shooting talent. Such a team should be attempting at least 35 threes each game. Bradley Beal succinctly expressed this notion.
“Honestly, we don’t have a choice,” Beal remarked about the necessity of high-volume 3-point shooting. “When you look at championship teams, they consistently rank at the top in attempts, makes, and percentage. To be competitive in that arena, we need to increase our attempts.”
It reson
“We bring our strengths to the table, and the players fully embrace the system, which enables us to become elite contenders in the league, vying for a championship.”
To support Budenholzer’s assertion, it’s noteworthy that over the past five years, 115 NBA players have attempted at least 1,000 three-pointers, according to Stathead. Among them, five players are part of his roster, including Grayson Allen, who boasts a remarkable 41.9% success rate over this span, while Kevin Durant follows with 40.9%. Further down the rankings are Royce O’Neale (38.2%), Devin Booker (36.1%), and Bradley Beal (also 36.1%). However, it’s essential to recognize that both Booker and Beal are significantly better shooters than their statistics imply.
These players should form five of Budenholzer’s seven players logging the most minutes per game. The other two include Tyus Jones, who maintains a 38% three-point shooting average over the past five years, and Jusuf Nurkic, who is set to start unleashing his perimeter shooting again, similar to his performance two seasons ago.
The Suns possess both the talent and opportunities to shoot effectively, having had the capability last year as well. There was no justification for their previous performance, and that remains unchanged.
With Budenholzer’s impressive history of achieving such results, optimism is high.
“He emphasizes the importance of three-point shooting, and I know that’s an area where we need to improve, as it was a weak point for our team last year in terms of attempts,” Allen, who played under Budenholzer in Milwaukee, stated. “We have a wealth of excellent shooters; we just need to increase our attempts. I believe his coaching style and personality are a great fit for our team.”
It’s essential for at least one of the Big Three to increase their three-point attempts, ideally all three of them.
When analyzing the team’s per-36-minute stats, the top three players in three-point attempts per game were Eric Gordon, O’Neale, and Allen. Noteworthy is that among the 66 non-centers who averaged at least 18 points per game last year, when sorted by three-point attempts per 36 minutes, Booker (37th), Durant (44th), and Beal (50th) ranked relatively low on the list, as reported by <a href="https://stathead.com/basketball/player-season-finder.cgi?request=1&order_by=fg3a_per_minute_36&year_min=2024&year_max=2024&positions%5B%5D=SG&positions%5B%5D=PG&positions%5B%5D=SF&positions%5B%5D=PF&positions%5B%5D=G&positions%5B%5D=G-F&positions%5B%5D=F&positions%5B%5D=F-G&ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&cval%5B1%5D=18&cstat%5B1%5D=pts
Booker, acknowledging Budenholzer’s call for leadership, responded on Monday, saying, “we want to follow.” The negative atmosphere during that game and throughout the season likely stemmed more from a disconnect between the coaching staff and players, rather than a fundamental stylistic disagreement.
This trio is known for its heavy reliance on midrange shots, but for Durant, that area often presents the most opportunity.
“I’m a 3-point shooter. That’s been my role since I entered the league — I think I have simply evolved my game to apply pressure on defenses,” Durant explained. “If the chance arises for me to take a lot of 3s in a game, I will. However, if defenders are pressuring me and encouraging me to drive aggressively towards the rim to draw fouls or pull up for midrange, I’m open to that approach too.
“I like to adjust my game based on what the defense is doing. I’m not just shooting midrange shots to annoy anyone, you know? I aim to do whatever it takes to secure a win, and sometimes that means being aggressive and attacking the rim.”
As Jones relayed, main focuses for Budenholzer at the beginning of camp include “pace” and “maintaining our tempo.” The practice courts are now outfitted with five designated spacing zones beyond the 3-point line: two in the corners, two on the wings, and one at the top of the key.
These spacing principles are familiar to the players, yet Budenholzer is implementing them from his previous coaching positions to refine spacing specifics. As Booker has observed over the years, even a slight adjustment of a step or two can greatly impact effectiveness, particularly against top defenses.
To expand our conversation beyond the mantra of “just take more threes,” the flow of the offense is also crucial here. Allen emphasized this further.
“There’s movement needed to create opportunities, and then there’s the urgency to take the first good shot we get. … Everyone on our team is focused on creating for others, but sometimes, you have to take that first open 3 when it presents itself,” he pointed out. “We don’t need to drive multiple times, as that might lead to missed opportunities or turnovers. For many of us, it’s about being less unselfish and taking that initial shot when available.”
Beal mentioned that Budenholzer had already shown him several clips where he had fallen into that exact trap.
Returning to the topics of pace and tempo, Jones is poised to make significant improvements in that area. His tendency is to push after a missed shot, with his quick outlet passes being well recognized and praised by multiple teammates during camp. Durant noted that transition plays enhance the overall game, and Jones’ passing ability will streamline that process further.
Everything seems perfectly positioned for the Suns to finally keep pace with the league. We will see if these adjustments prove sufficient for success.
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# Can the Phoenix Suns Finally Embrace a 3-Point Revolution Under Mike Budenholzer?
The Phoenix Suns have recently made headlines by hiring Mike Budenholzer as their new head coach [[1](https://www.nba.com/suns/news/suns-name-arizona-native-mike-budenholzer-head-coach)]. Known for his strategic acumen and championship pedigree, Budenholzer’s arrival could mark a pivotal shift in the Suns’ offensive philosophy. In an era where the three-point shot dominates the NBA landscape, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the Suns can fully embrace a 3-point revolution under his guidance.
## The Importance of the Three-Point Shot in Modern NBA
### Historical Context
The three-point shot has transformed the way basketball is played. Since its introduction in the NBA during the 1979-80 season, teams have increasingly utilized it to stretch defenses and create spacing. The Golden State Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, set the gold standard for three-point efficiency, leading to a league-wide trend of prioritizing perimeter shooting.
### Statistical Relevance
Recent statistics highlight the effectiveness of the three-point shot. In the 2022-2023 season, teams that averaged over 35% from beyond the arc generally performed better, indicating a strong correlation between three-point shooting and success.
### The Suns’ Current Standing
Historically, the Suns have been a strong offensive team, but their reliance on mid-range shots has limited their potential. In the 2022-2023 season, they ranked 20th in three-point attempts per game, which stands in stark contrast to the Warriors and other top teams who consistently push the envelope in this area.
## Mike Budenholzer’s Coaching Philosophy
### Previous Successes
Budenholzer, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, is renowned for his ability to adapt and evolve his team’s offensive strategies. During his tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks, he shifted their focus towards maximizing three-point opportunities, leading to the franchise’s first championship in over 50 years. His coaching success is underscored by his commitment to analytical approaches and player development.
### Tactical Innovations
Under Budenholzer, teams have typically featured:
– **Ball Movement**: Emphasizing quick passes to create open shots.
– **Spacing**: Utilizing floor spacing to exploit mismatches and defensive rotations.
– **Player Empowerment**: Encouraging players to take open shots, regardless of their previous shooting percentages.
These principles align with the modern NBA’s trends, making Budenholzer an ideal fit for the Suns.
## Analyzing the Suns’ Roster for Three-Point Potential
### Key Players
#### Devin Booker
– **Shooting Ability**: With a career 3-point shooting percentage of around 38%, Booker is a versatile scorer who can thrive in a system that prioritizes perimeter shooting.
– **Playmaking**: His ability to create shots for himself and others will be crucial in executing Budenholzer’s offensive strategy.
#### Kevin Durant
– **Offensive Versatility**: Durant is not only a prolific scorer but also an excellent shooter from deep. His presence on the floor will open up opportunities for teammates to get quality looks.
– **Defensive Attention**: His ability to attract defensive focus will allow others to exploit one-on-one matchups.
#### Deandre Ayton
- **Potential Stretch Big**: While traditionally a post player, if Ayton can develop a consistent three-point shot, it would significantly enhance the Suns’ spacing and offensive fluidity.
### Supporting Cast
– **Role Players**: Players like Torrey Craig and Landry Shamet have shown they can contribute from beyond the arc. Their ability to hit open shots will be critical in a system that encourages perimeter shooting.
## Embracing the 3-Point Revolution: Strategies and Implementation
### Offensive Strategies
1. **Pick-and-Roll Plays**: Utilizing Booker and Ayton in pick-and-roll scenarios can create multiple shooting opportunities for the Suns. The roller (Ayton) can either finish at the rim or kick out to shooters on the perimeter.
2. **Transition Offense**: Budenholzer’s teams have excelled in transition. By pushing the pace, the Suns can exploit defenses before they can set, leading to open three-point shots.
3. **Corner Threes**: Focusing on corner threes, which are statistically the most efficient shots in basketball, can enhance the Suns’ three-point shooting.
### Practice and Player Development
– **Shooting Drills**: Implementing rigorous shooting drills that emphasize three-point shooting will be vital. Regular practice sessions focused on catch-and-shoot situations and off-the-dribble shots should be standard.
– **Film Study**: Analyzing game footage to identify open looks and missed opportunities will help players understand the importance of shot selection.
## Case Studies: Teams That Successfully Embraced the 3-Point Revolution
### Golden State Warriors
The Warriors revolutionized the NBA with their three-point shooting. Key strategies included:
– **Ball Movement**: The “Ball Movement” theory led to open shots.
– **Player Roles**: Role players knew their jobs, which included spacing the floor.
### Houston Rockets
Mike D’Antoni’s tenure with the Rockets emphasized:
– **Analytic Approach**: Prioritizing three-point shots over mid-range game.
– **Isolation Basketball**: Maximizing one-on-one matchups to find open shooters.
## Benefits of the 3-Point Revolution for the Suns
– **Increased Scoring Potential**: More three-point attempts can lead to higher scoring outputs.
– **Defensive Stretch**: Opponents will have to defend further from the basket, creating more driving lanes.
– **Player Development**: Players will improve their shooting skills, becoming more versatile threats.
## Practical Tips for Fans to Support the Suns’ 3-Point Revolution
– **Engage with Analytics**: Follow advanced stats related to player shooting percentages and team efficiency to better understand the game.
– **Watch for Shot Selection**: Pay attention to the types of shots the Suns take during games. The more they take high-quality threes, the more successful they will likely be.
– **Attend Games**: Witnessing the transition in person can boost team morale and help you experience the evolution of the Suns’ offense firsthand.
## Conclusion
Mike Budenholzer’s appointment as head coach presents the Phoenix Suns with a unique opportunity to embrace a 3-point revolution. By leveraging the talents of their key players and implementing successful strategies, the Suns could not only enhance their offensive capabilities but also position themselves as serious contenders in the league. With a commitment to modern basketball principles, Suns fans have much to look forward to this season.
