Five goals for Ish Smith in the 2017-18 season

4. Shoot a career high from deep

If there’s one knock on Ish Smith, it’s his outside shooting. Or lack, thereof.

Smith has shot 29 percent from the three-point line in seven years as a pro. His single season career high is 33 percent.

Last season was particularly rough. He hit just 27 percent, despite only attempting 1.3 triples per game. Point guards could get away with that 20 years ago. In 2017? Not so much.

It may not appear to be that big of a deal in the box score. Especially since he takes so little three-pointers.

But it’s the reputation that hurts more than the percentage. Defenders will guard you differently if they know you can’t shoot. When a point guard isn’t a threat from deep, opponents begin to sag off of him. In other words, they dare that player to shoot.

A defender can cover more ground if his man is only dangerous off the dribble. So it becomes harder for the other four players to find open space on the floor.

Change won’t happen over night. The problem won’t be solved by launching three-pointers for the heck of it either. For Smith to improve, he’ll have to pick and choose his spots carefully.

He actually shot 42 percent on corner triples last season. That would be a good place to start.