Five team improvements heading into Training Camp

2. Shooting

PHOENIX, AZ – APRIL 9: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on April 9, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

Very often last season, Phoenix’s poor shooting was hard to watch. From shots players have no business taking, to flat out ugly bricks. After the 2016-17 campaign, Phoenix had gone down in both three-point and two-point percentages from the season prior. In a game where every shot counts, the percentage drop should worry any fan.

Air Ball

With Phoenix’s commitment to spreading the floor and taking as many shots as possible, focus must be shifted to taking (and making) smarter shots. With the young talent on the team, there is a lot of learning that needs to be done before they can be known as effective shooters. A focus on passing out of a good shot for a great shot is key to the team becoming knockdown shooters.

The Fix

The overall basketball IQ of the team needs to be increased. With the ability to take the right shot, percentages will naturally rise. A higher percentage leads to opponents more focused on defending shooters, which in turn can lead to more drive opportunities. Being able to drive to the basket will cause defenders to back off slightly, leading to more open shots.