The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Four internal improvement focuses this offseason

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 23: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz warms up prior to Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 23, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 23: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz warms up prior to Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 23, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 23: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz warms up prior to Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 23, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 23: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz warms up prior to Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 23, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Donovan Mitchell improving 3-point shooting

It’s hard to nitpick Donovan Mitchell for anything considering that he blew all expectations out of the water with an incredible rookie season. The first-year player out of Louisville put up 20.5 points per game for the Jazz to help lead them into the playoffs.

Amid several impressive achievements that he accomplished in 2017-18, one that really stands out was that he passed Damian Lillard to set the all-time record for most three-point makes in a season by a rookie. Lillard had set the previous record back in 2012-13 with 185 made threes. Mitchell finished 2017-18 with 187.

With that being the case, we all know that Donovan is undoubtedly a threat from behind the arc. However, if he is to truly elevate his game and help the Jazz improve, he needs to become even more dangerous from three-point range. Not only would doing so simply allow Donovan to put up points at a higher clip from deep, but it would cause him to command more respect on the perimeter resulting in better spacing and more opportunities for him to attack the rim or find open teammates.

Although Mitchell’s 187 made threes was an impressive mark, the efficiency at which he made those shots leaves something to be desired. He shot just 34 percent from three-point range this past season and just 31.3 percent in the playoffs. By comparison, Lillard shot 36.8 percent from deep in his rookie season with nearly one fewer attempt per game than Mitchell.

Imagine if Mitchell can just get up to right around that 37 to 38 percent range. It would work wonders for his game! When he got hot this season, he could be electrifying from deep, but there were certainly times where he struggled to connect. If he can get a little more consistent and efficient, there’s no telling how much more effective it will make him overall. As he draws more attention beyond the arc, he’ll also have greater opportunity to blow past his defender and get to the rim.

Donovan particularly needs to get more comfortable with above the break threes, something the Jazz as a whole could use work on as well. That was by far the shot he attempted the most this season – 482 attempts, nearly 100 more than restricted area shots – thus improving in that regard would significantly help his efficiency.

Knowing when to settle for those tough threes compared to looking to get a better shot would be helpful, too. But that’s something I expect to come with time for the rookie. He seems to have the determination and work ethic that will result in him improving in many areas this season. If that includes three-point shooting efficiency, both he and the Jazz will be in great shape.

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