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Golden State Warriors: D’Angelo Russell’s potential as a shooter

By Tony Pesta

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors poses for a portrait during media day on September 30, 2019 at the Biofreeze Performance Center in San Francisco, California. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors poses for a portrait during media day on September 30, 2019 at the Biofreeze Performance Center in San Francisco, California. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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D’Angelo Russell has the potential to become a lethal shooter with the Golden State Warriors.

The Golden State Warriors have revolutionized what it means to be a 3-point shooting team in the NBA. Though the roster has undergone seismic changes, including the addition of D’Angelo Russell, the Warriors will still be looking to play the brand of basketball that made them so successful.

Behind the offensive strength of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the Dubs have built a dynasty. Elite marksmanship from beyond the arc is what separated the Warriors from the rest of the league.

Russell began his career around the same time as the Warriors built their dynasty. D-Lo has done a fantastic job of adjusting his game and improving each year. In his fourth season, Russell averaged career-highs in points and assists to earn a spot on the All-Star team.

At 23-years of age, Russell has plenty of time to grow. He is already an efficient producer in the pick-and-roll. Last season, D-Lo scored 10.9 points per game as the ball handler in pick-and-roll scenarios.

Overall, D-Lo scored 21.1 points per game, meaning more than half of his scoring came via screen-and-roll action. As for the rest of his points, Russell typically scored in isolation or through catch-and-shoot opportunities.

Last season, D-Lo scored a total of 320 points on catch-and-shoot looks. This accounted for roughly 19 percent of his season total of 1,712 points. It’s safe to say that this is a strong point in Russell’s game as he shot an above-average 39.3 percent on these chances.

The Warriors have always stressed ball movement in order to generate offense. As a result, the Dubs typically rank towards the top of the league in catch-and-shoot points. In fact, no other team in the NBA has made more catch-and-shoot field goals since the 2014-15 season.

Russell should have no problem transitioning into the Warriors offense. Learning from one of the best shooters ever in Curry, we should see D-Lo make significant strides as a shooter. We can expect Russell to hit a career-high in 3-pointers this season.

Next. Warriors: 3 biggest questions. dark

Moving forward, Russell will continue to improve as a shooter. He has solid mechanics and an obvious will to improve so the future is bright for D-Lo.

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