Last season the Chicago Bulls finished dead last in the NBA in three point field goal percentage. In the summer they went out and got Kyle Korver from Utah. All he did was lead the league in three point shooting percentage. Actually he broke the NBA season record for three point percentage, with a .536 eclipsing that of former Bull Steve Kerr and his .524 in 1994-95.
Problem solved? Not yet, but it’s getting there.
Korver articulated the key to shooting the three ball.
“It’s practice. It’s mental, you got to believe in in your shot and shoot it like crazy and a short memory helps a lot,” he said.
By Paul M. Banks
The Bulls entered their game versus the New York Knicks second from last (Oklahoma City is worst) in the NBA in three point shooting percentage. In the loss to the Knickerbockers, they shot 47% from behind the arc, so that’s a slight improvement. Of course, they also let NYK shoot 16-24 from distance but perimeter defense is another topic for another time.
Korver is the only Bull shooting over 50% from three, but Luol Deng isn’t far behind. He isn’t known for being much of a three-pointer shooter, but he’s stepping it up this year. Derrick Rose worked on that facet of his game all summer. His percentage isn’t pretty, but his form certainly is. He just needs reps and he’ll get there.
No one’s expecting this team to be composed of Ray Allen, Jeff Malone, and Dell Curry any time soon, but the Bulls will need to get better soon in order to contend in the East. Keith Bogans was signed to be a spot up shooter, but his long ball is lumbering along in the 10s%.
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net , a Midwest webzine. He’s also a regular contributor to the Tribune’s Chicago Now network, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker Network, and Fox Sports.com
You can follow him on Twitter @thesportsbank