Last season, the Boston Celtics were one of the worst three point shooting teams in the league and yet they’ve managed to sink much lower this season. 26.6% from three point range is incredibly concerning, even in a small sample size. Amir Johnson is the lone player to exceed expectations but that has a minor impact with him shooting just 1.7 three point attempts per game.
Isaiah Thomas is shooting 20%. Jae Crowder is shooting 27%. Kelly Olynyk is shooting 12.5%. Evan Turner is yet to his a single three point shot. Three point shooting has been unimaginably bad for some of the better weapons on the Celtics and it appears as though they have hit rock bottom. It should only be a matter of time before both Thomas and Olynyk are well above 30% given what they have shown in their career. Crowder is matching what he did a season ago but better shot selection should lead to an eventual increase.
The Celtics could not be worse from beyond the arc and they should continue to improve each and every game. If these players that have been incredibly disappointing to start the season start approaching their normal averages, the Celtics have two players who should make them much improved from a season ago.
40% from Johnson may not be sustainable but if the volume increases he will be helping the overall team’s percentage even if he dips below his current average. The biggest difference maker will then be Marcus Smart, who is currently leading the Celtics with 5.3 three point attempts per game.
Nov 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts during the second half of a game against the San Antonio Spurs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
When Smart first entered the NBA it would have been hard to imagine him leading any team in three point shooting attempts, let alone a team with Isaiah Thomas. The best part is that Smart continues to improve. After never shooting above 30% from three in college, Smart broke that mark in his rookie season. Now, with a significant increase in volume, Smart has brought his average up to 31.3%.
Throw in that Jonas Jerebko has been given limited minutes and there are a great number of ways that the a Celtics should improve their three point shooting. Even though the players earlier mentioned should naturally get back to their career averages, the team’s chemistry should be the main catalyst.
The Celtics have lacked the great flow and ball movement from a season ago but they have transitioned to a new ball handler. Turner is no longer a main distributor and the man who has taken over for him, David Lee, has struggled early on. Lee needs more time to get fully comfortable in Stevens’ system and once the rest of the players get more comfortable with him the overall flow will improve and there will be a lot more open shots.
More from Hardwood Houdini
- Boston Celtics’ two-way contract decision will be made after training camp
- Proposed trade sends Boston Celtics playoff killer to the Cs from rival
- ‘Face of Germany’s stunning run’ in FIBA World Cup not the only ex-Boston Celtics player to win gold
- Proposed Boston Celtics trade target pitched for reunion with fired coach
- Battle For Banner 18: Will Boston Celtics battle historical foe in 2024 Finals?
The Celtics could not have imagined a worse start shooting the three ball and until they improve their offense will continue to struggle. The good news is that improvement should be a given considering how poorly a great deal of solid shooters have opened up this season. Unfortunately, the Celtics needs to improve quickly because they may fall too far under .500 if their shooting woes continue.