Detroit Pistons: More three point shooting will lead to success

The Detroit Pistons struggled on the offensive end of the floor last season at times. Three-point shooting will likely be an area addressed by new head coach Dwane Casey.

Last year, the Detroit Pistons were one of the better teams in the NBA in three-point shooting percentage. They shot 37.3 percent as a team which was fifth in the league last season.

The only issue is 16th in the league in three-point attempts last season. When you’re shooting it that well from deep, why not do it more?

The Pistons were just 22nd in the league in points per game. That will need to change if they want to be better this season.

This is where the league has been trending over the last few seasons. It’s more efficient from an analytical standpoint to be taking more three-point shots as a team and taking more looks at the rim. The mid-range game is dying for that reason.

This is an area of Detroit’s offense that Dwane Casey will take a long look at before the start of the season. Last year, the Toronto Raptors were in the top five in three-point attempts and makes.

How does Casey get more production out of his new team in this area?

Looking at the Detroit Pistons roster

There’s ways that Casey can get more three-point shooting form his team this season. Last year, a lot of factors played into why they weren’t taking as many long range attempts.

First of all, Ish Smith was the starting point guard for a chunk of the season. He’s not a good three-point shooter. Stanley Johnson was also on the floor a lot who is also not a good three-point shooter.

At times, Reggie Bullock was the only three-point shooter on the floor in the Pistons’ starting unit. This can all change this season.

Going smaller with the starting lineup can help with getting more three-point makes and attempts. Starting Luke Kennard at shooting guard and moving Bullock to small forward would help with spacing on the floor.

Reggie Jackson has never been an above average three-point shooter at the point guard position. He shot nearly 36 percent from long range when he had his best season with the Pistons.

That is fine considering Jackson’s other skills that he brings to the table. His ability to get into the paint off the dribble creates opportunities for kick-out passes to wide open shooters after the defense collapses.

Blake Griffin has been actively trying to improve his three-point game as well. He still shot just around 35 percent from long range last season which is below average.

It’s something that will help him avoid injuries as he gets older. Taking more three-pointers and expanding his offensive game will result in less wear and tear on his body.

Being the high flyer that he used to be needs to be something that he avoids going further. That style of play has resulted him in missing 15 or more games in each of the last four seasons. A healthy Griffin will mean good things for the Pistons.

Additions point to more three-point shooting

Through the draft and free agency, the Pistons have added players that indicate the team will be attempting more three-pointers.

Khyri Thomas was a guy that the Pistons traded up in the draft to get. He’s known for his defensive capabilities. He was the defensive player of the year in the Big East twice while he was at Creighton.

He’s also a fantastic three-point shooter. Thomas shot 41 percent from long range during his final year of college.

Glenn Robinson III was added as a free agent. He’s also a fantastic three-point shooter. He shot 41 percent from long range last season and has a clip of 38 percent for his career from out there.

Dwane Casey has all of the tools to emphasize more three-point shooting in the offense. That will in turn lead to more points per game for the Detroit Pistons.