Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson has advised guard Darius Garland to make adjustments to his offensive play, as reported by Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
“Atkinson feels a great responsibility to simplify things for [Donovan] Mitchell,” Fedor stated. “He wants Garland to increase his attempts from beyond the arc. He aims to extend the rotation — an exciting concept for those within the organization who urged [J.B.] Bickerstaff to use more than the traditional eight or nine players last season.”
Given Garland’s success as a deep shooter since entering the NBA, it makes sense why Atkinson is encouraging the 24-year-old to shoot more frequently from long range.
Garland has been a proficient 3-point shooter throughout his time in the league, consistently achieving over 35 percent from 3-point range in each of his five seasons. He boasts a career 3-point shooting percentage of 38.4.
Moreover, he averaged 2.3 made 3-pointers per game for the Cavaliers last season, tying with Sam Merrill for the third-highest total on the team, behind only Mitchell and Max Strus.
What distinguishes Garland from Strus and Merrill in terms of deep shooting is his ability to make 3-pointers off the dribble, a skill the latter two lack. While Merrill and Strus excel in floor spacing, they are most effective when shooting from distance after receiving a pass.
Last season, the Cavaliers ranked among the top 3-point shooting teams in the league, and if Garland can elevate his deep shooting in the 2024-25 campaign, it will help ensure Cleveland remains one of the premier teams in 3-point shooting.
During the 2023-24 regular season, Cleveland made an average of 13.5 3-pointers per game, placing them seventh in the NBA. The Boston Celtics, who subsequently claimed the 2024 NBA championship, led the league with an average of 16.5 made 3-pointers per game.
Garland has never averaged more than 6.7 attempts from 3-point range in a single season, so Cavaliers fans should closely monitor how many 3s he takes in his sixth NBA season to see if he sets a new personal high.
Only time will reveal whether Garland will follow Atkinson’s advice and shoot the ball frequently from beyond the arc in the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Coach Atkinson Urges Darius Garland to Increase 3-Point Shooting in 2024-25 Season
Understanding the Current Landscape of Darius Garland’s Game
Darius Garland has emerged as one of the vital players for the Cleveland Cavaliers, demonstrating exceptional talent and potential since being drafted. However, heading into the 2024-25 NBA season, Coach Kenny Atkinson has emphasized the need for Garland to enhance his 3-point shooting capabilities. This strategic shift aims to not only improve Garland’s personal performance but also to elevate the Cavaliers’ overall team dynamics.
The Importance of 3-Point Shooting in Modern Basketball
In today’s NBA, 3-point shooting has become crucial for a team’s offensive efficiency. A strong perimeter game can stretch defenses, create driving lanes, and open up opportunities for teammates. Here are key reasons why improving 3-point shooting is essential:
– **Space Creation**: Effective 3-point shooting forces defenders to guard the perimeter, creating more space inside for drives and post plays.
– **Scoring Versatility**: A reliable outside shot allows a player to score in various ways, making them harder to defend.
– **Team Synergy**: When one player excels in shooting from beyond the arc, it often leads to better ball movement and team cohesion.
Insights from Coach Atkinson
Coach Atkinson, known for his analytical approach and developmental skills, has observed that enhancing Garland’s 3-point shooting can significantly impact the Cavaliers’ performance in the upcoming season. His coaching philosophy revolves around maximizing player potential and adapting to the evolving nature of the game.
Specific Goals Set for Garland
During recent training sessions, Coach Atkinson laid out specific goals for Garland:
1. **Increase Attempted Shots**: Atkinson encourages Garland to take more 3-point attempts per game. The aim is to elevate his average attempts from 4.5 to at least 6.0.
2. **Improve Shooting Percentage**: Garland’s 3-point shooting percentage hovered around 35% last season. The target for the coming season is to elevate this to at least 38%.
3. **Diversify Shot Selection**: Atkinson stresses the importance of shot variety, including catch-and-shoot, off-the-dribble, and step-back shots.
Benefits of Increasing 3-Point Shooting
Increasing his 3-point shooting ability will bring multiple benefits to Darius Garland’s game and the Cavaliers:
– **Enhanced Scoring Ability**: With an improved long-range shot, Garland can become a more prolific scorer, alleviating pressure on other key players.
– **Expansion of Playmaking Opportunities**: As defenses tighten around him, Garland’s ability to shoot from deep can lead to more assists and open shots for teammates.
– **Increased Confidence**: Success from beyond the arc can boost Garland’s confidence, making him a more aggressive and effective player on the court.
Practical Tips for Darius Garland to Improve His 3-Point Shooting
To reach the goals set by Coach Atkinson, Garland can adopt several practical strategies:
1. **Consistent Shooting Drills**:
– **Spot Shooting**: Focus on shooting from predetermined spots on the perimeter.
– **Game-Like Situations**: Simulate game scenarios where he has to shoot under pressure.
2. **Strength Training**:
– Focus on building lower body strength to enhance shooting range and stability while shooting off-balance.
3. **Film Analysis**:
– Study film to analyze shot mechanics and decision-making during games. Identifying areas for improvement can help refine his shot selection.
4. **Utilizing Technology**:
– Leverage shooting analytics and trackers to monitor shooting percentages from different areas on the court.
Case Studies: Successful 3-Point Shooters
Several players have transformed their games by focusing on 3-point shooting. Here’s a look at some notable examples:
| Player | Initial 3-Point Percentage | Current 3-Point Percentage</th | Key Improvement Strategies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Curry | 43.7% | 47.2% | Extensive shooting drills, high volume of attempts |
| Klay Thompson | 41.3% | 41.9% | Work on catch-and-shoot mechanics, off-ball movement |
| Buddy Hield | 36.2% | 40.7% | Increased shooting drills, focusing on variety |
First-Hand Experience: The Journey of Other Players
Several players have shared their experiences regarding the importance of improving their 3-point shooting. Here are a few insights:
– **Zach LaVine**: “I knew I had to develop my outside game if I wanted to take my performance to the next level. It wasn’t just about making shots; it was about being a threat anywhere on the court.”
– **Devin Booker**: “My coach kept pushing me to shoot more from deep. Initially, I was hesitant, but with practice, I found my rhythm and it changed my game entirely.”
– **Trae Young**: ”The NBA is evolving, and so was my game. I started taking more 3s, and it opened up my driving lanes. It’s all about confidence and practice.”
Conclusion
The 2024-25 NBA season presents a pivotal opportunity for Darius Garland to elevate his game by focusing on his 3-point shooting. Under Coach Atkinson’s guidance, Garland’s development in this area could transform the Cavaliers into a more formidable offensive unit, enhancing both individual and team performance. The integration of practice techniques, insights from successful players, and a commitment to improvement will be essential for Garland as he embarks on this crucial journey.
