Detroit Pistons: Bogdanovic and Harris in elite group

For the last several seasons the Detroit Pistons have ranked near the bottom of the league in 3-point shooting.

They did manage to climb up to 21st overall in 3-point percentage last season, largely due to the contributions of veterans Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks, who both hit over 41 percent last season.

Of course, the Pistons also had some of the NBA’s worst shooters (I’m looking at you, Killian) to balance it out, which is why their percentage was so low even though they had two of the best long-range shooters in the league on their roster.

Detroit is hoping that the additions of Monte Morris and Joe Harris will propel them into the top half of the league in 3-point shooting, which would be hugely beneficial to their young guards.

Even though they are getting near the tail ends of their careers, Bojan Bogdanovic and Joe Harris are in the elite of the elite when it comes to 3-point shooting.

Detroit Pistons: Bogdanovic and Harris in elite group

When the Detroit Pistons traded for Joe Harris, it largely looked financial, but when you look at the numbers, the Pistons got one of the league’s best shooters as well as his expiring contract.

Over the past five seasons, only four players have made more than 700 shots from long range while hitting 40 percent of them. Here’s the list:

• Stephen Curry
• Bojan Bogdanovic
• Buddy Hield
• Joe Harris

They might be on the wrong side of 30, but the Detroit Pistons have two of the best shooters in the NBA on their roster. Of these four, Harris is by far the best, shooting an incredible 45 percent from 3-point range in that stretch.

Of course, neither of the two can defend, so it’s going to be a problem to have them both on the court at the same time, but the Pistons should at least be able to have one elite 3-point shooter on the floor at all times when you factor in Bogdanovic, Harris and Burks.

Monty Williams is going to be able to do things with Cade Cunningham that Dwane Casey never could, namely surrounding him with shooters and a lob threat to run a wide-open offense that takes advantage of his passing and ability in the mid-range.

Ausar Thompson should somewhat be able to cover defensive deficiencies from the shooters and allow the Pistons to go with lineups where nearly everyone in it can either shoot or create. Given the type of offense Monty Williams likes to run, the Pistons should see big improvement in their shooting overall while giving their young guards more opportunities to attack.