Leonard's 3-pt ability

[BigGameDamian]

Raef LaFrentz lasted a long time in the NBA despite a ridiculous number of games missed to injuries because he could block shots and shoot 3 pointers. Sabonis, Bargnani, Okur and Brad Miller are all quality centers who used the three point shot effectively.

Looking over the stats of all those guys, a recurring theme is that they all missed a lot of games over their careers. Obviously, shooting three pointers doesn't lead to injuries. Being 7 feet tall, solidly built, and running a lot and banging in the middle leads to injuries. But they all continued to get contract after contract despite all the injuries, and I think that outside shot helped allow them to keep playing because they could still produce on the offensive end even when they lost the athleticism and speed to score effectively around the rim. They could even play through injuries more, because they could create space on the offensive end just by standing at the top of the key and daring teams to sag off. And then they only had to jog back 60 feet instead of 94. I can imagine if you are that big and with trying to get around on one knee, little things like that can add up.

If I were Leonard, I'd look at developing my three point shot as a long-term career investment. If you are 7 feet tall, can stand in the paint and block shots and can also hit three pointers, you can make a lot of money in the NBA into your mid-30's.

You forgot to mention Rasheed Wallace...If Leonard turned out to be like a Raef LaFrentz type of player I would be ok with that.

 

[HailBlazers]

Bad Comparison IMO. The special thing about Leonard are his hands and incredible athletism, not so sure you could say that about Raef LaFrentz.

With a little footwork practice (ok a lot), Leonard could easily become an inside threat. Think poor mans (white) KG. It might take him a while to get there, but he was a high risk high reward draft pick anyway. It's why we drafted him over Zeller, the ceiling potential.

 

[BigGameDamian]

Bad Comparison IMO. The special thing about Leonard are his hands and incredible athletism, not so sure you could say that about Raef LaFrentz.

With a little footwork practice (ok a lot), Leonard could easily become an inside threat. Think poor mans (white) KG. It might take him a while to get there, but he was a high risk high reward draft pick anyway. It's why we drafted him over Zeller, the ceiling potential.

KG? That's a long shot but we will have to wait and see few have the same level of intensity that KG plays with. I would say along with Kobe, KG is probably the most intense player in the NBA. That's a big reason why he is so valuable.

 

[Sinobas]

At 7'1.25" 270+ lbs. (as he fills out) the last thing I'd want him to do is shoot jumpers.

P&R and back-to-the-basket only!

Having a center that can shoot 3s is a nice weapon though. It was a good weapon for guys like Sabonis, Brad Miller and Vlade Divac. A center can get some wide open looks, and he also looks like he'll be a good passer.

 

[HailBlazers]

KG? That's a long shot but we will have to wait and see few have the same level of intensity that KG plays with. I would say along with Kobe, KG is probably the most intense player in the NBA. That's a big reason why he is so valuable.

Was strictly referring to his back to the basket/elbow/inside game. After all this thread is about his shooting ability.