NBA Draft 2011: Jimmer Fredette and the 10 Purest Shooters in the Draft
When it comes to the game of basketball, the concept is rather simple: put the ball in the hoop.
That's why, obviously, it's very important for teams to get those guys who have a strong shot.
To me, I don't believe there is an exact definition of the basketball term "pure shooter." Everyone just seems to define it in their own way. Personally I like to define it as a player who is well-rounded in their ability to put the ball in the net (i.e. free throw, field goal, three-point range all considered).
Others define it as a player who has no inconsistencies and are always soundly making shots. Still, there are numerous other definitions.
I compiled this list picking out the prospects whom I believe have done the best job at getting buckets--whether it be from long-range, short range or just creating his own shots off the dribble. I didn't completely leave out inconsistent or "streaky" shooters, because I believe every player, at some point, hits a couple of bumpy areas throughout the prolonged season.
(Note: list not in any particular order).
Klay Thompson, Washington State
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As WSU's shooting guard for three season's, Klay quickly became known as one of the top three-point shooters in the nation.
In 2008-09, as a freshman, Klay shot 41 percent from beyond the arc, averaging 12.5 PPG while starting all 33 of WSU's games that season. It only got better from there.
This past season Klay led the PAC-10 (and 11th in the nation) with 21.6 PPG in 32 starts for the Cougars. Need more evidence in Klay's shooting ability? Look no further than his career totals over his three seasons: first in school history in three-pointers made (242/620), third in points (1,756), fourth in free throw percentage (82 percent) and 10th in three-point percentage (39 percent).
Best long-range jump shooter in the draft, bar none.
Brandon Knight, Kentucky
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Personally, I think when you combine Knight's speed and long-range ability you get a strong shooter at the next level.
Knight (6'3''/180) is a little guy, but his offensive strengths definitely includes shooting the ball. This past season he shot nearly 38 percent from beyond the arc and average 17 points a game.
He isn't what I would call the best 'team player,' meaning he isn't a strong passer. But that doesn't take away from his ability to create his own shots and put the ball in the net off the dribble.
Jimmer Fredette, Brigham Young
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Fredette remains one of the more underrated players in the draft, and he continues to rise on draft boards.
His overall skills aren't exactly the most polished of all the prospects (likely the reason he's been flying under that radar), but everyone is aware of his shooting ability.
The senior put up two straight seasons of 20-plus PPG, and shot nearly 90 percent from the free throw line.
Fredette is a very strong three-pointer shooter, as well, shooting 40 percent this season and 44 percent last season. His long range and quick release allows him to create his own shots. These strengths are certainly what has drawn the most attention from scouts and opponents alike.
Jon Diebler, Ohio State
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The NCAA's leader in three-point percentage this past season--hitting half of his attempts--there's no denying that Diebler is one of the top shooters in this draft class.
He is projected to be selected in the second round, but the 6'6'' shooting guard has a very smooth release.
No doubt that Diebler is a pure shooter, but as for the rest of his game? Needs a little bit of improvement if he wants to excel at the next level.
Alec Burks, Colorado
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In Colorado, Burks finished his 2010-11 campaign as the Nation's 19th-leading scorer (20.5 PPG).
Inconsistency is the only thing holding back Burks and his ability to shoot the ball at the next level. His size and wingspan allows him to effectively drive to the basket, but once he is able to consistently hit mid-range jumpers he will be able to create his own shots and become and effective SG at the pro level.
Kyrie Irving, Duke
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Due to injury, we didn't get to see too much of the Blue Devil freshman on the court. But when he was on, he was on.
Irving was one of the most efficient scorers during his 11 games played, and put up a lot of points on the board without even taking too many shots.
He became Duke's go-to player and even created his own shots while on the floor. If Cleveland decides to take Derrick Williams at the No. 1 spot instead (highly doubtful), then Irving would fall to No. 2. But let's be real here, I don't think the Cavs are going to pass up the opportunity to grab Irving.
Marshon Brooks, Providence
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Brooks doesn't receive the attention he deserves, mostly because he plays for a smaller school in Providence.
He's not the strongest free throw shooter of the group, but there's no doubt he has improved his game this season and his ability to put up points in bunches, as well as using his size to score points in the paint at the SG position, puts him on this list.
Brooks has shown that he has a smooth, effective attack on the offensive end of the ball, and his biggest strength is his ability to create his own shot--just like most of the other shooters on this list.
Nolan Smith, Duke
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Smith went under the radar this past season, as the flashy freshman (Irving, two slides previous) took over and stole the spotlight.
I still believe in Nolan Smith's ability to shoot the basketball. He's only 190 pounds, and he's not the most athletic guard I've ever seen, but Smith's ball-handling skills, versatility of going either left or right and his long-range ability gives him a spot on this list.
When it comes to taking shots, Smith seems to be smart about when to shoot and when to spread the ball to his teammates. Playing smart basketball also contributes to the ability shooters have in making shots.
Derrick Williams, Arizona
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One of the few big men to make this list, Williams isn't considered one of the best overall talents of this draft class for no reason.
It's obvious he has a knack for scoring, putting up 19.5 PPG in 38 games this past season for the Wildcats. But what most people may not realize, is that Williams is one of the best outside shooters at his position. He made 58.6 percent of his three-point attempts (though he only attempted 74 from beyond the arc).
Williams has a quick, smooth release to his shot, and is a fairly decent free throw shooter for a forward.
Williams may not be getting this kind of attention for his shooting ability specifically, but it has certainly only helped his chances of landing him a big-time NBA contract.
Josh Selby, Kansas
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Selby saw very little court action in his one and only season with Kansas this past season, serving a nine-game suspension to start the season and then battling a foot injury the rest of the way.
But Selby did show his ability to score the basket, and his long-range ability (37 percent from beyond arc) in 26 games played. Selby's athleticism
Selby worked and trained at Impact Basketball in Las Vegas and was scouted in three-on-three drills by DraftExpress. The scouting website claimed he showed great ability in shooting the ball in one-on-one situations, and he has shown improvements in his perimeter shooting.
Source used: draftexpress.com
Others Considered..
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Norris Cole, PG, Cleveland State
Kyle Singler, F, Duke
Reggie Jackson, G, Boston College
Chris Singleton, F, Florida State
Kemba Walker, PG, UConn
