Portland Trail Blazers: 3 Reasons to love the Ben McLemore signing

PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 07: Ben McLemore #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots during the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on May 07, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Reason #2 – he can really shoot it

Blazers fans probably don’t realize it, but McLemore is an elite shooter. His career numbers in terms of his field goal efficiency may not show it, but the last time he was on a roster for an entire season, he was one of the best spot up shooters in the league.

In the 2019/20 season, when he was on the Houston Rockets, McLemore had the second-highest points total for a spot up shooter in the entire NBA, behind only Tim Hardaway Jr of the Dallas Mavericks. His rate of 44.6 on spot up jumpers is also very strong for a guy who was taking a high amount of attempts.

After being picked in the lottery by the Sacramento Kings in 2013, and experiencing some struggles with game time and shooting the ball, McLemore has actually shot it better in his return to NBA basketball over the last three years.

In his first five seasons in the league, he shot around league average at 35.1 percent, but in his last three seasons, he has shot 38.1 percent from deep.

Though he doesn’t bring a lot else to the team offensively, McLemore is a great fit with Dame because he can really stroke it. A great shooter from the corners, Dame will likely fire a bunch of passes into the corner when he is doubled at the rim. Having great shooters out there will keep this Blazers offense flowing.