'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3 Giannis Antetokounmpo
Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is arguably the most dominant power forward in the game today.
He attacks the rim like no other player can and is one of the leading scorers for points in the paint. However, his shooting struggles are well documented. The Greek Freak's entire free-throw routine (before catching the ball) is over 20 seconds long, and even then he often air-balls his attempts.
He is a career 28% from the three-point line and 71% from the free-throw line.
Antetokounmpo is often left wide open at the three-point line, with defenders daring him to shoot the ball. His mechanics are not the best, and he certainly needs to improve his jumper.
At the moment, his efficiency outside the restricted area is abysmal. He converts 73% of his attempts within 0-3 feet of the basket, but that number falls down to 35% when he attempts from beyond three feet.
Many believe Antetokounmpo overthinks at the charity stripe, which eventually forces him to miss. Renowned NBA analyst Skip Bayless said in this regard:
"Never seen a player shoot two free-throw air balls in the midst of making so many free throws. Giannis is so amped up, he hyperventilates and shoots air balls..."
Just like with Draymond Green, if Giannis Antetokounmpo develops even a decent mid-range jump shot and not a three-point shot, it would be a huge addition to his game.
#2 Bam Adebayo
Bam Adebayo is one of the most versatile big men in the NBA. Everyone is aware of his defensive prowess, but if the Miami Heat intend on competing for the NBA title again, Adebayo will need to be more aggressive offensively.
He is a decent mid-range shooter and has improved in that regard every season. The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor spoke about Adebayo during the Miami Heat's 2020 NBA playoff run, saying:
"Bam Adebayo really has a nice mid-range jumper, such smooth mechanics. Shooting 48% on catch-and-shoot 2s during the season and playoffs. I wonder how long it'll be until he extends that to 3."
Adebayo is comfortable taking mid-range shots, although he is not as effective as people would want him to be. He is often passive, with his teammates exhorting him not to be afraid of misses.
He converts 72% of his attempts within 0-3 feet from the basket but only 42% of attempts from anywhere between 3-16 feet from the rim. That isn't particularly bad for a 23-year-old player who is constantly improving, though.
However, Adebayo is one of the few NBA All-Stars who doesn't even attempt three-pointers. He has made just seven career three-pointers in 44 attempts, giving him a career average of 15%. If Adebayo gets more aggressive and starts to consistently make his jump shots, he would be a force to be reckoned with.
#1 Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons is under fire lately because of his atrocious performances in the 2021 NBA playoffs series against the Atlanta Hawks.
His inability to shoot and make free throws arguably cost the Philadelphia 76ers the series, leading them to an early exit. ESPN NBA analyst Stephen A Smith has often said that the 76ers cannot win the NBA championship if Simmons cannot shoot the ball.
The Hawks used the 'Hack-a-Simmons' strategy, intentionally fouling him. Ben Simmons was 15-45 from the three-point in the conference semifinals, which was 33%, the worst FT% for a series in NBA history. Moreover, he has just five three-pointers in his entire career, doing so on 34 attempts (14%).
His inability to shoot has led to him being called a liability, and he is now in trade talks. Hall of Famer Charles Barkley doubled down on 'Inside the NBA on TNT' and spoke about Ben Simmons after the loss in Game 7, saying in this regard:
"Ben Simmons can be an All-Star, but that's all he can be until he learns how to shoot. My second best player can't shoot. I can't go to him with the game on the line...I don't even have him in the game...You can’t have a guy on the court ,who’s afraid to shoot the basketball."
LA Lakers legend and Hall of Famer, Magic Johnson has also said that Simmons needs to get with someone in the 2021 off-season and get his confidence up.
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