Why is Kessler shooting threes?

[jazznik]

...when his FT% is at 53%? I looked at all 3-point shooters in the NBA with the 3PT% >34%: there are just a couple of guys with the FT% in the mid-60s and that because they are having an unusually bad year or/and shot very few free throws. They shot way better in previous seasons. I mean, there is absolutely no precedent of a player with the free-throws rate in the 50s who became a serviceable 3-point shooter.

If Walter dreams about becoming a good jump shooter he needs to start with fixing his free throw form first - which, by the way, is a major, major flaw for him right now and limits his ceiling. Is Kessler stupid?

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

Because winning isnt important right now.

Walker has proven himself this year. I dont know how much great development he is getting past this point in the season so him trying something brand new is worth seeing where he is.

Maybe he starts shooting it well and gains confidence, or maybe he realizes this isnt really in the cards and he stops working on it so much.

 

[kcgar]

I think because we are trying to lose and what better way to practice then during meaningless games. There is at least some pressure during games that aren't there during practices. If he can't improve then they won't allow him next year

 

[jazznik]

I mean, the guy is shooting 42% FT in March and he all of a sudden decided that THIS is the time to unlock his hidden long-range sniper? I understand why the coaching staff is cynically going along with it but why is Walter keep pushing for it in the first place?

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

I mean, the guy is shooting 42% FT in March and he all of a sudden decided that THIS is the time to unlock his hidden long-range sniper? I understand why the coaching staff is cynically going along with it but why is Walter keep pushing for it in the first place?

Because he has pushed for it his entire career. He shots 3's in HS. He left UNC because they wouldnt let him shoots 3's then he went to Auburn where he shot 3's again.

 

[homeytennis]

God bless him. It is all for the greater good of the tank.

 

[jazznik]

Maybe he starts shooting it well and gains confidence, or maybe he realizes this isnt really in the cards and he stops working on it so much.

Maybe? So can you give me an example of a big shooting FT in the 40s and low 50s who all of a sudden "started shooting it well" from the three? Like, has it ever happened? And it is not simply "let him practice that, we are tanking anyway": Walter is clearly putting a lot of time and effort in working on his 3-PT shot. Instead, he could be practicing way more realistic and attainable things like baby hooks, push shots etc. Or even improving his abysmal FT%!

 

[kcgar]

I think he has always wanted to, but this is not him deciding to do it. This is 100% the coaching staff allowing it and not in a cynical way. I think that is pretty obvious. It's an experiment

 

[homeytennis]

Maybe? So can you give me an example of a big shooting FT in the 40s and low 50s who all of a sudden "started shooting it well" from the three? Like, has it ever happened? And it is not simply "let him practice that, we are tanking anyway": Walter is clearly putting a lot of time and effort in working on his 3-PT shot. Instead, he could be practicing way more realistic and attainable things like baby hooks, push shots etc. Or even improving his abysmal FT%!

The Mailman was a horrific FT shooter his rookie year and he put in the work and improved that and his three point shot greatly.

 

[infection]

Our love is like Walter, pinned down and abused for being strange.

 

[SoberasHotRod]

Maybe? So can you give me an example of a big shooting FT in the 40s and low 50s who all of a sudden "started shooting it well" from the three? Like, has it ever happened? And it is not simply "let him practice that, we are tanking anyway": Walter is clearly putting a lot of time and effort in working on his 3-PT shot. Instead, he could be practicing way more realistic and attainable things like baby hooks, push shots etc. Or even improving his abysmal FT%!

There has been reports that the Jazz and Kessler have been at odds over him working on his 3pt shot. The Jazz would love for him to focus on the stuff he is likely to be successful at, but Kessler really wants to shoot 3's.

As others have said, I think this is a way for them to allow Kessler to live his dreams and understand that just because you can make some shots in an empty gym, doesn't make you a 3pt shooter. Sometimes the best way to teach your kids not to do something is to let them do it and find out for themselves.

 

[jazznik]

As others have said, I think this is a way for them to allow Kessler to live his dreams and understand that just because you can make some shots in an empty gym, doesn't make you a 3pt shooter. Sometimes the best way to teach your kids not to do something is to let them do it and find out for themselves.

Yeah, this is probably the best explanation: Kessler is stupid and the coaching staff is gladly giving him an opportunity to try and fail.

But that just highlights how important and desirable the 3-point shooting became lately. Kessler desperately wants to be one of the cool kids and launch threes as well. He is currently the only rotational Jazz player who is not a 3-point shooter (aside from Collier and Cody who are working on it). He feels left out.