The 10 Most Consistent Shooters in the NBA

Posted by HoopsAvenue on July 14, 2008 under General NBA, NBA Stats | Be the First to Comment

A few weeks back we looked at the most consistent scorers in the NBA and found that Corey Maggette of the LA Clippers topped the list. But, what about the most consistent shooters? Everyone has an off night every now and then, but which players are the most reliable to hit their shots? Once again, we used the coefficient of variation (CV) statistic to determine the answer to that question. We took 3 point shots out of the picture and just looked at 2 pointers. Using a minimum of 50 games played, here’s what we found:

The 10 Most Consistent 2-Point Shooters

Lebron James 0.21
Al Jefferson 0.22
Hakim Warrick 0.23
Carmelo Anthony 0.23
Monta Ellis 0.23
Amare Stoudemire 0.23
Kevin Garnett 0.24
Andre Miller 0.24
Kobe Bryant 0.25
Dirk Nowitzki 0.25

Surprised not to see more big guys on the list? Overall, bigs post higher shooting percentages than guards, but apparently they aren’t as consistent, although Amare Stoudemire and Kevin Garnett are the notable exceptions here. Hakim Warrick and Monta Ellis are the guys who really stand out on this list though. Warrick was highly consistent at hitting 50% of his shots despite putting up less than 10 shots per game. That’s a difficult thing to do, but it shows that Warrick was ready when his opportunities came. Ellis, though, might even be more impressive when you look at his stats as a whole. He’s only 6’3″, but is able to shoot 53% and shoots it consistently. Of course, being able to dunk like he can has to help your shooting percentage:

Most of the other guys on the list shoot high volumes so it’s a bit easier to get in rhythm and get close to your shooting percentage.

Oh, and the most inconsistent shooter? Louis Williams of the 76ers. Right behind him? Not surprisingly, Jason Kidd.

Celtics Acquire Championship

Posted by HoopsAvenue on June 18, 2008 under Boston Celtics, NBA Playoffs | Be the First to Comment

It’s hard not to root for the Celtics to win the championship every year if we get to see Kevin Garnett go crazy every time they do. Seriously, someone get that guy some sleeping pills. At least he didn’t forget his Adidas plug to precede all his shoutouts. The NBA just isn’t going to be the same anymore without KG having a chip on his shoulder. Oh, and how about Paul Pierce ruining Doc Rivers shirt with the gatorade dump? Major bonus points for some originality in their celebrating.

This championship was a 21st century championship like no other, though (if KG’s “Anything is Possible” take on Adidas slogan didn’t tip you off). Nearly the entire team was put together in one season. There was, first, the Ray Allen deal which was reasonable. Then, the KG deal, which…well, let’s just remember it was Danny Ainge dealing with Kevin McHale. Yes, the Wolves did get some potential and 1st round picks, but they couldn’t find any other team to get a slightly better deal from? Hmm. Then, there were some smart free agent pickups like James Posey. And, Sam Cassell, successfully pulled off the tried and true veteran maneuver of riding coattails. So, Boston made just enough smart moves to put together a team that even Doc Rivers couldn’t screw up.

Danny Ainge is validated as a GM? Kevin Garnett doesn’t have a chip on his shoulder? The NBA just won’t be the same anymore.