Utah Jazz buyout candidate #2: DeAndre’ Bembry
DeAndre’ Bembry’s statistical profile would be a lot stronger without a particular quirk.
He looks the part of a perfect 3-and-D wing. His DBPM of 1.3 belies a rangy, athletic 6’5 wing who plays with infectious energy and intelligence.
He’s also shooting a stone cold 41.7% from three-point range. Jazz fans reading this article may implore us to stop typing now. Clearly, this is their guy.
About that statistical quirk.
Bembry is only attempting 0.8 three-point attempts per game. It’s not a consequence of limited playing time, as he was on the floor for 19.8 minutes per for the Brooklyn Nets. That’s 1.8 threes per 100 possessions.
It’s difficult not to conclude that Bembry is apprehensive to shoot 3s. Presumably, most of his attempts are either wide open, or out of necessity late in the clock. Surely there’s a reason for his lack of confidence. It doesn’t bode well for his fit with the Utah Jazz.
Of course, players evolve. Quin Snyder could make it clear to Bembry that to earn a spot in his rotation, he’ll have to shoot. Signing Bembry out of the buyout market is a much bigger risk than going with the top candidate, but it has the potential to yield a greater reward.
With an acceptable three-point volume, he’d be perfect for this team. Perhaps he can be coaxed to shoot more. If he can, this move could pay dividends.
If he can’t, it could be entirely wasteful. This entire Jazz offense relies on shooters shooting their shots. If Bembry refuses, he could be nothing more than a benchwarmer shortly into his Jazz tenure.
His hesitancy to let it fly is the only thing holding him back from occupying the top spot on this list.