Goal #1 in Garland’s Year 3 for the Cavs: Attempt more three-point shots
Throughout all of Garland’s exciting second season, many believe the biggest gripe with him has been the number of three-pointers he attempts. Garland attempted 5.1 threes per game as a starter and for as good as a shooter that Garland is, this number could be higher.
Looking at all starting guards (starting in at least 40 games) at a height of 6-foot-4 or lower, Garland ranked 21st in three-point attempts per game in the regular season, per NBA.com. That was behind players such as Kendrick Nunn, Marcus Smart and John Wall, all of whom didn’t attempt as many field goals or weren’t as efficient as Garland.
Some variables behind his attempts are things like the offensive game plan on the season. Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s offensive philosophy must change for the team to improve and should look to add more down-screens/flare screens/off movement threes for Garland as well as other shooters on the team.
Another reasoning for the lower attempts compared to his peers could simply be a hesitancy to take certain three-point shots. We can count many moments during the season where Garland passed up good three-point shots to settle for a closer jumper or looking to find another teammate.
Though it isn’t bad for players to look for higher quality looks, some of those shots are ones you want him to take and as he becomes more acclimated to the league, he will start to take more of those shots that are passed up on.
It’s no surprise that Garland’s best month during this now-past season was the month where he attempted the most three-pointers and attempting more threes will help the offense as well as himself grow.