Four Thoughts On Utah Jazz Newcomer Shelvin Mack

The Three-Point Shot

Now this concern might be a little more legitimate than that of the turnovers. In the game against Houston, Mack went just one of four from deep including missing two pretty open threes from the corner down the stretch. In two games with the Jazz he has shot just 28.6 percent and is only a 31.7 percent three-point shooter for his career.

So this is obviously an area where Mack can and will need to improve, especially when comparing his numbers to Raul Neto’s 40.4 percent three-point percentage and Burke’s 35.2 percent on the season. While Mack is undoubtedly better at creating his own shot and is a better overall scorer than his two competitors on the depth chart, his three-point shooting ability certainly leaves much to be desired.

However, there are a few reassuring aspects of this. First of all, Neto’s three-point numbers are a little skewed as he takes less than one three-point shot per game. Also, while in the starting lineup, Mack is surrounded by two solid three-point shooters in Gordon Hayward (36.3 career percentage) and Rodney Hood (36.9 career percentage).

In other words, with Neto’s minimal impact from deep that the Jazz are already accustomed to, combined with Hood and Hayward’s formidable three-point shooting, the Jazz don’t necessarily need Mack to be a sharpshooter from behind the arc. What they do need him to do is to be himself, finishing the floaters and runners off the glass as well as creating shots for his teammates. As he continues to do that, his offensive strengths will be the greatest benefit for the Jazz.

It’s also interesting to note that one of Mack’s best years from deep came while he was being coached in Atlanta by Quin Snyder. Snyder has long been praised for his skills in player development and could be instrumental in helping Mack improve his three-point shooting and his ability to effectively play to his strengths.

Once again, this is a concern that shouldn’t be over exaggerated.

Next: Insertion Into Starting Lineup