Three-Point Percentage – CJ McCollum / Anfernee Simons
The Blazers are one of the best three-point shooting teams in the NBA, with guys like Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Norman Powell and Anfernee Simons.
Because of Lillard, and to a further extent, McCollum’s massive volume from three, it’s pretty difficult for them to achieve the higher percentage that we are likely to see from players with lower volumes. For this reason, Lillard has only achieved the magical 40 percent mark from three.
McCollum, because of his superior mid-range shooting, attempts a lesser number of threes than Lillard, so he has been able to achieve that mark three times, and carries a career rate of 39.8 percent. Last season, McCollum had to take more threes with the non-perimeter-oriented Derrick Jones Jr in the starting lineup, but this season we should see him back to his normal volume, as he will have floor spacer Powell alongside.
McCollum will likely sit around 40 percent from three, but young sniper Simons is likely to be around that mark too, after he shot an impressive 42.6 percent from three last season, and on qualified volume, was the best spot-up shooter in the entire league.
Simons will likely have a similar role this year, with around 4 – 5 three-pointers a game, meaning his percentage will likely hover at the 40 percent mark.