• Have something to say? Register Now! and be posting in minutes!

HurricaneDij's Top Ten 3-and-D Specialists

HurricaneDij39

The Middle of Everywhere: NWI
7,181
1,097
173
Joined
Apr 18, 2013
Location
Chesterton, IN
Hoopla Cash
$ 1,000.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
upload_2017-9-14_11-10-27.jpeg
10) Vince Carter, SF, Sacramento Kings - Surprised to see his name to start off this list? Well don't be, because the the NBA's elder statesman and future Hall-of-Famer has found other ways to contribute in this league as his athleticism continues to fade, and he has become a smarter defender with age.

9) Courtney Lee, SG, New York Knicks
- Will most likely be remembered for that missed layup at the buzzer in Game 2 of the NBA Finals that would have tied the series back in 2009. Still, he's carved out a solid career as a role player nonetheless, and averaged 10.8 points per game on 40.1 percent made threes this past season. Could be a possible trade deadline for the Cavs if the Knicks would either fall out of playoff contention (which would say something in the east) or simply wanted to be out from under his contract. Such an aquisition would move the overrated J.R. Smith and Kyle Korver further down the bench. Lee's age (31) and lack of position versatility caps his upside, however.

8) Tony Snell, SG, Milwaukee Bucks
- The first of two Milwaukee Bucks on this list, Snell's ability as a spot-up shooter has proven to fit quite well on a roster full of perimeter-oriented talent, and he shot 46.8 percent from three since last Dec. 15.

7) Solomon Hill, SF, New Orleans Pelicans - One of my favorite players, he did not have the true breakout campaign I had anticipated for him in 2016-17, but started to play much better once he got better-acclimated to his new surroundings in New Orleans, averaging 8.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in 37 games from Jan. 25 onward (all starts), while connecting on 36.8 percent of his three-point attempts during that timeframe. Will miss much of the 2017-18 season due to hamstring surgery, similar to what another player mentioned below went though last season.

6) Wesley Matthews, SG, Dallas Mavericks - After being hampered by an achilles injury the previous two seasons, Matthews enjoyed a nice bounce-back season in 2016-17 by averaging 13.5 points per game, including the game-winning three in Chicago against the Bulls. He is a career 38.3 percent three-point shooter, and like Lee is another potential deadline trade target for the Cavs.

5) Jae Crowder, SF, Cleveland Cavaliers
- His D at the small forward position will take enormous pressure off of LeBron James as he ages. Also connected on a career-high 39.8 percent of his threes with the Boston Celtics last season.

4) Nicolas Batum, G/F, Charlotte Hornets - Widely known for his multi-dimensional skills that enables him to fill up the stat sheet in points, rebounds, assists, and steals - The part of Batum's game that often goes overlooked is his ability to shoot the three. He's a career 35.7 percent three-point shooter.

3) Otto Porter, SF, Washington Wizards - In 2016-17, Porter finally made good on his outside shooting upside from when he was he was drafted third overall out of Georgetown in 2013, as he shot a blistering 43.4 percent from beyond the arc and was rewarded with a much-deserved max contract this summer.

2) Khris Middleton, G/F, Milwaukee Bucks - I had him scouted as a little known rookie in Detroit during a brief vacation in 2013 and always thought he could be a quality role player in this league. Turns out he blew my expectations out of the water. Since being traded to Milwaukee, he's shot 40.8 percent from three point range cumulatively the last four seasons, and averaged 18.2 points per game in 2015-16 before being limited to 29 games after returning from hamstring surgery last season.

1) Klay Thompson, SG, Golden State Warriors - My pick for 2018 Finals MVP, he's The absolute gold standard for 3-and-D guys. Scored 60 points in a game against the Pacers last season while taking only 11 dribbles through the game's duration, and it's not out of the question that his off-the-ball abilities could one day get him in the Hall of Fame.


 

WiggyRuss

Well-Known Member
33,626
9,292
533
Joined
Jul 17, 2014
Location
Suburb of Cleveland
Hoopla Cash
$ 14,727.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
some other notable mentions:

Jr Smith
Trevor Ariza
Aaron Afflalo
Malcolm Brogdon
Danny Green
PJ Tucker
Mathew Dellavadova





last:

Iman Shumpert
 

ManuForever

Well-Known Member
1,837
385
83
Joined
Jul 12, 2015
Location
Kentucky
Hoopla Cash
$ 1,000.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
Danny Green should be on this list. One of the best 3 and D guys in the league. Career 40% from deep and a top wing defender at his position. Only player to make 100+ 3s and record 40+ blocks in SIX STRAIGHT SEASONS.
 

CitySushi

Andrew Wiggin's burner account
15,264
7,986
533
Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Hoopla Cash
$ 102,675.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
Might be just your definition is different, but a lot of these guys I don't consider "specialists". Lots of good two way players with high 3 point percentages but not necessarily specialists.
 

CitySushi

Andrew Wiggin's burner account
15,264
7,986
533
Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Hoopla Cash
$ 102,675.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
Based on your metrics, players I think you missed on for the top 10:
Avery Bradley - One of the best, if not the best guard defender in the NBA. 39% from 3 last year.
Patrick Beverly - Probably second best to Avery Bradley for guard defender. 38.2% from 3 last year.
KCP - another really good perimeter defender. Shot only 35% from 3, but he's streaky and getting better.
Robert Covington - His 3 point percentage dipped last year to 33%, but he's a career 35.4% 3 point shooter with all 3 years previous above 35.3%.

All four above are better defenders than almost everyone on your list.
 

bksballer89

Most Popular Member
147,442
39,337
1,033
Joined
Apr 16, 2013
Location
New York, NY
Hoopla Cash
$ 109,565.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
Waiters can be added to this as well based on his season last year. Shot a career best 39% from 3 pt range and was the Heat best perimeter defender
 

bksballer89

Most Popular Member
147,442
39,337
1,033
Joined
Apr 16, 2013
Location
New York, NY
Hoopla Cash
$ 109,565.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
Richardson shot 46% from 3 in his rookie year. Only 33% last year but that was due to his knee injury.
 

WiggyRuss

Well-Known Member
33,626
9,292
533
Joined
Jul 17, 2014
Location
Suburb of Cleveland
Hoopla Cash
$ 14,727.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
Based on your metrics, players I think you missed on for the top 10:
Avery Bradley - One of the best, if not the best guard defender in the NBA. 39% from 3 last year.
Patrick Beverly - Probably second best to Avery Bradley for guard defender. 38.2% from 3 last year.
KCP - another really good perimeter defender. Shot only 35% from 3, but he's streaky and getting better.
Robert Covington - His 3 point percentage dipped last year to 33%, but he's a career 35.4% 3 point shooter with all 3 years previous above 35.3%.

All four above are better defenders than almost everyone on your list.
yah i was thinking bev. and brad. but both those guys seem to be more than 3-d players--- but i guess klay is as well-------

its tough to pidgeon hole some of those guys.
 

CitySushi

Andrew Wiggin's burner account
15,264
7,986
533
Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Hoopla Cash
$ 102,675.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
yah i was thinking bev. and brad. but both those guys seem to be more than 3-d players--- but i guess klay is as well-------

its tough to pidgeon hole some of those guys.

Yeah, that's why I said based on his metrics. I don't believe half of the players on his list are truly 3 and D guys by my definition. Porter, Middleton, Batum, Klay and even Crowder and Matthews to a lesser degree all do more things than simply spot up for 3 and play defense. Bradley and Beverly wouldn't make the list for me in the same way. KCP and Covington though I think can be argued.
 

WiggyRuss

Well-Known Member
33,626
9,292
533
Joined
Jul 17, 2014
Location
Suburb of Cleveland
Hoopla Cash
$ 14,727.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
Yeah, that's why I said based on his metrics. I don't believe half of the players on his list are truly 3 and D guys by my definition. Porter, Middleton, Batum, Klay and even Crowder and Matthews to a lesser degree all do more things than simply spot up for 3 and play defense. Bradley and Beverly wouldn't make the list for me in the same way. KCP and Covington though I think can be argued.
what about Jr Smith?

tough one to decide either way
 

CitySushi

Andrew Wiggin's burner account
15,264
7,986
533
Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Hoopla Cash
$ 102,675.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
what about Jr Smith?

tough one to decide either way

I would say JR Smith is up there, although his defense isn't as good as some of the others. Last year he had 8.7 FGA per game and 6.6 were 3's. He's now a 3 point specialist in my eyes.
 

HurricaneDij39

The Middle of Everywhere: NWI
7,181
1,097
173
Joined
Apr 18, 2013
Location
Chesterton, IN
Hoopla Cash
$ 1,000.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
Danny Green should be on this list. One of the best 3 and D guys in the league. Career 40% from deep and a top wing defender at his position. Only player to make 100+ 3s and record 40+ blocks in SIX STRAIGHT SEASONS.

Yeah totally forgot about him. Still have to say all these guys on this list sans Vince Carter have more upside than he does, though.
 

HurricaneDij39

The Middle of Everywhere: NWI
7,181
1,097
173
Joined
Apr 18, 2013
Location
Chesterton, IN
Hoopla Cash
$ 1,000.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3

Kind of the D without the three. I kind of need more than one 35% season from three to consider him a legit "3-and-D" guy.

Maybe it's a little bit of bias from me as a Pacers fan, but I view Solomon Hill as bigger with sound mechanics from deep. To me, his $12 million a year is actually a bargain compared to what KCP commanded on the open market.

@CitySushi
 

CitySushi

Andrew Wiggin's burner account
15,264
7,986
533
Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Hoopla Cash
$ 102,675.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
Kind of the D without the three. I kind of need more than one 35% season from three to consider him a legit "3-and-D" guy.

Maybe it's a little bit of bias from me as a Pacers fan, but I view Solomon Hill as bigger with sound mechanics from deep. To me, his $12 million a year is actually a bargain compared to what KCP commanded on the open market.

@CitySushi

IMO

Solomon Hill's contract is still an albatross. KCP didn't command anything on the open market, which is why he opted to sign a 1 year 18M deal with the Lakers. KCP's market value now is probably close to 13-14M a year, now that teams have learned from their past mistakes.

KCP's mechanics to me are fine, I think it's mostly his balance. A lot of times he rushes his shot, and his footwork needs to be worked on. Shot form is decent though. If he learns to center his base, he's going to be a much better and more consistent shooter.
 

HurricaneDij39

The Middle of Everywhere: NWI
7,181
1,097
173
Joined
Apr 18, 2013
Location
Chesterton, IN
Hoopla Cash
$ 1,000.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
IMO

Solomon Hill's contract is still an albatross. KCP didn't command anything on the open market, which is why he opted to sign a 1 year 18M deal with the Lakers. KCP's market value now is probably close to 13-14M a year, now that teams have learned from their past mistakes.

KCP's mechanics to me are fine, I think it's mostly his balance. A lot of times he rushes his shot, and his footwork needs to be worked on. Shot form is decent though. If he learns to center his base, he's going to be a much better and more consistent shooter.

I read an article earlier in the spring on CBS that KCP was a max contract candidate for this summer. Maybe that wasn't the best way to judge, but there's no way I give him $18 million a year. Way too streaky. The Lakers were the one team that could afford to do so since they were putting much their eggs in the 2018 free agent market.
 

bksballer89

Most Popular Member
147,442
39,337
1,033
Joined
Apr 16, 2013
Location
New York, NY
Hoopla Cash
$ 109,565.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
I read an article earlier in the spring on CBS that KCP was a max contract candidate for this summer. Maybe that wasn't the best way to judge, but there's no way I give him $18 million a year. Way too streaky. The Lakers were the one team that could afford to do so since they were putting much their eggs in the 2018 free agent market.

Totally agree. I said it before he signed. No way was he a 18 mill yearly player. At most you could maybe get me to give him 12 or 13. Nothing more
 

HurricaneDij39

The Middle of Everywhere: NWI
7,181
1,097
173
Joined
Apr 18, 2013
Location
Chesterton, IN
Hoopla Cash
$ 1,000.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
@CitySushi

One other side note: In the sample size in mentioned in my OP, Solomon Hill had a positive plus/minus rating for those 37 starts. KCP's plus/minus rating with the Pistons was -1.9 last season.

I'll pass on giving him a contract.
 

CitySushi

Andrew Wiggin's burner account
15,264
7,986
533
Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Hoopla Cash
$ 102,675.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
I read an article earlier in the spring on CBS that KCP was a max contract candidate for this summer. Maybe that wasn't the best way to judge, but there's no way I give him $18 million a year. Way too streaky. The Lakers were the one team that could afford to do so since they were putting much their eggs in the 2018 free agent market.

There's not many teams out there that are going to go anywhere near 18M a year for him. There are actually very few teams next year with viable cap space. I think he's going to sign a 4 year 50M deal. Somewhere in the Waiters category in terms of contract money. No team is going to give anywhere close to 18M a year. The only reason he got the 18 this year was because it was a 1 year deal. If he were looking a multi year deal, I'm sure his options were much closer to 12M per.
 
Top