It’s time to face the music – the moment you realized field goal percentage isn’t the most crucial statistic in the NBA might be now. This epiphany may come as a shock, especially for those who still cling to the traditional metrics of evaluating a player’s performance.
While it’s unfair to directly blame Steph Curry for the dwindling significance of field goal percentage, his remarkable shooting ability and the subsequent 3-point revolution have undoubtedly contributed to this shift in perspective. The NBA has evolved, and so should our method of evaluating player efficiency.
In today’s game, where 3-pointers and free throws play such vital roles, relying solely on field goal percentage can be misleading. True shooting percentage offers a more comprehensive view by taking into account free throw shooting and 3-point attempts, providing a more accurate representation of a player’s efficiency.
1. The Cleveland Cavaliers – A Masterclass in Efficiency
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ recipe for success is no secret – Jarrett Allen’s 69% field goal percentage, Evan Mobley’s consistent 50%+ mark, and Ty Jerome’s incredible 3-point shooting. Combine these ingredients with the team’s No. 9 ranking in free-throw percentage, and you have the best true shooting percentage in the league at 63.3.
While some numbers may regress to the mean, it’s entirely possible that Cleveland will maintain its position as the league’s most efficient team. Jarrett Allen’s shooting accuracy, Evan Mobley’s balanced game, and Donovan Mitchell’s ability to draw fouls make for a deadly combination.
The Cavaliers’ unique blend of high shooting percentages, effective free-throw shooters, and elite 3-point specialists is the key to their remarkable true shooting percentage. This well-rounded offense will be a formidable force in the league for the foreseeable future.
2. Karl-Anthony Towns – The Game-Changing Acquisition
Before delving into the numbers, let’s set the stage: the New York Knicks, already a top-7 offense, acquire one of the greatest 3-point shooting big men of all time, Karl-Anthony Towns.
The math is simple: a potent offense plus a high-caliber 3-point shooter equals a truly dominant force. The numbers bear this out, as the Knicks have jumped to No. 2 in true shooting percentage at 61.6%, with Towns at the forefront of this transformation.
Last season, the Knicks struggled with 3-point shooting, finishing No. 20 in true shooting percentage. However, with Towns on board, they’ve catapulted to new heights, thanks to his remarkable 47% 3-point shooting, dominating post play, and consistent trips to the free-throw line.
3. The Boston Celtics – Sticking to What Works
The Boston Celtics won’t be abandoning their 3-point-heavy strategy anytime soon, and for good reason – it’s working wonders. With a true shooting clip of 60.2, Boston will continue to rely on their tried-and-true approach, constantly looking for open 3-point opportunities and capitalizing on them.
Boston’s commitment to 3-point shooting pays off across various efficiency metrics, and their willingness to pass up good 2-point shots for great 3-point shots will likely remain a staple of their offense.
4. The Brooklyn Nets – Exceeding Expectations
Brooklyn’s impressive start to the season has caught many off guard. Jordi Fernandez’s influence as the new head coach has worked wonders, propelling the Nets to No. 4 in true shooting percentage at 59.5%, despite expectations of a struggling season.
Cam Thomas, the team’s leading scorer, has defied expectations by becoming a more efficient scorer, boasting a 60.5 true shooting percentage – a career-high. His unique blend of scoring ability and newfound efficiency has helped drive Brooklyn’s surprising success.
5. The Los Angeles Lakers – A New-Look Offense
The Los Angeles Lakers have implemented a reworked offense with Anthony Davis at its center, and the early returns are promising. With a true shooting percentage of 59.4, this new system has yielded impressive results, showcasing AD’s growth as a more well-rounded player.
Davis is drawing fouls at an increased rate while also making more 3-pointers, making him an even more formidable force on offense. These adjustments have contributed to a slight improvement in the Lakers’ overall efficiency, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the league.
