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Detroit Pistons: Complete NBA Draft guide to the 3-point shooters

By Steve Pelletier

Johnny Juzang #3 of the UCLA Bruins (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Johnny Juzang #3 of the UCLA Bruins (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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CORVALLIS, OREGON – MARCH 07: Chris Duarte #5 of the Oregon Ducks shoots the ball over Jarod Lucas #2 (L) of the Oregon State Beavers during the first half at Gill Coliseum on March 07, 2021 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
CORVALLIS, OREGON – MARCH 07: Chris Duarte #5 of the Oregon Ducks shoots the ball over Jarod Lucas #2 (L) of the Oregon State Beavers during the first half at Gill Coliseum on March 07, 2021 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) /

Detroit Pistons NBA Draft: 2 possible shooters who fall just short

So to reiterate, a LEGIT shooter is a player who utilizes the three-point shot as one of the main weapons in their arsenal, taking a lot of attempts, and one who hits them at a consistent enough rate for the defense to have to account for it on every play.

I think there are actually quite a few in this deep draft and I will identify who I think they are based on where they are projected to be drafted. I frequent places like Tankathon, the Stepien, and NBA Draft Junkies in addition to the biggest entities like ESPN, CBS Sports, and Sports Illustrated so when I say where they will be projected to be drafted, these are the places I am using to determine that.

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I will mainly be giving each player’s three-point percentage, attempts per game, and attempt rate, but will fill in the context à la the Donovan Mitchell example if the player in question requires it. But before we get into it let me clarify a few names who you won’t see that just missed the cut:

Detroit Pistons draft picks: NBA Draft prospect Kessler Edwards- SF/SG Pepperdine

While his percentages are good and shooting is a main skill of his that will be listed on his scouting report, I remain skeptical as his three-point attempt rate has gone down every single year of his three year career. I think he can still be solid, but I feel he is more on the Danny Green hot-and-cold level of shooting rather than being consistent enough to be LEGIT.

Detroit Pistons draft picks: NBA Draft prospect Chris Duarte-Sg/SF Oregon

Duarte posted a stellar 42.4 percent this year from distance and a 33.6 percent clip last year. He also posted a three-point attempt rate above 46 percent in both seasons…but, he was also surrounded by good shooters both years at Oregon. I’m not saying he can’t be good but this helped him out immensely and so his LEGIT status is in question as last year his percentage was below average despite having two incredible three-point shooting teammates in Payton Pritchard and Anthony Mathis. Will Richardson also posted a 46.9 percent from beyond the arc last year. For me he is kind of the opposite of Spida since he should be posting better three-point percentages since he’s not doing all the heavy lifting, but only managed to do it for one season so far.