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Denver Nuggets: Squad’s best three-point shooter for 2018-19…

By James Siegle

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 19: Jamal Murray #27 and Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets talk during the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 19, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 19: Jamal Murray #27 and Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets talk during the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 19, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Which shooter leads the way for the Denver Nuggets in 2018-19?

The Denver Nuggets anticipate a high-octane offense this year. Complete with shooters, cutters, play-makers and skilled bigs, no opposing double-team will go unpunished. As Denver’s core develops, three-point shooting has also trended upward. Last year, the Nuggets proved to be a constant threat from downtown. In 2018-19, Denver boasts a projected starting unit with five capable three-ball splashers.

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Several players could lead the Nuggets in three-point percentage this season. Let’s examine the candidates and choose a verdict:

Jamal Murray: 

Jamal Murray possesses the team’s most gorgeous-looking stroke. He shot 37.8 3P% last season (ESPN), a number that underwhelms his shooting potential. Perhaps this is the year Murray’s percentage breaks out. One factor Murray should attain is cleaner shot attempts. Many of Jamal’s three-point tries were heaves off the dribble. Murray’s best strength is his spot-up marksmanship. Hopefully with Barton in the starting lineup and Isaiah’s addition to the bench, Blue Arrow can see more open jumpers. The right intangibles could render him Denver’s leading three-point man.

Gary Harris: 

Harris tied Jokic with a team-leading 39.6 3P% last season. He also led the Nuggets in volume, splashing 2.3 long-ball daggers per game (ESPN). An interesting factoid about Gary…his three-point percentage actually dipped from 2016-17 (42.0%). This decline can be attributed to his increased usage. Gary was often asked to create plays when other starters were resting. The good news…Barton’s move to start and IT’s addition will generally fulfill these duties. Harris should play a Klay-Thomspon-like, three-and-D role this year. If utilized correctly, Gary’s percentage should increase in 2018-19.

Nikola Jokic: 

Because Jokic contributes so much, his three-point shooting is often overlooked. After a scorching post-All Star stretch, Jokic boosted his trey-ball shooting to 39.6 percent, forcing a tie with Harris for tops on the team (ESPN). This was Nikola’s first year shooting a particularly dangerous percentage from three-point land…the deep ball was previously a last resort. Nuggets fans are ecstatic to see this addition to Nikola’s game. It only works to complement his stellar passing and slick post play. Nonetheless, it is hard to imagine Jokic’s percentage eclipsing that of Murray and Harris again.

Trey Lyles: 

Lyles netted a solid 38.1 percent on three-pointers last year, good for Denver’s third highest (ESPN). This stat alone is not shabby, but the entire story has yet to be revealed. According to Chris Dempsey’s analysis (NBA.com), Trey kicks his game into another gear when playing 25+ minutes. In 23 such games last year, Trey buried 44 percent from behind the arc. This would have placed first on the 2017-18 Nuggets. Trey could see more ticks this year…resulting in a higher three-point percentage. As a result, he is one of Denver’s breakout candidates, and may be deadly from deep.

Will Barton:

Thrill’s move to the starting lineup renders him a dark horse candidate for this honor. Barton’s career-high 37.0 3P% in 2017-18 placed just sixth on last year’s squad (ESPN). However, Thrill will see higher-percentage shots while playing more minutes with Denver’s starting unit. Jokic-ball provides means for greater offensive efficiency. Instead of launching tough parking-lot shots, Will can exercise slight patience and receive open looks. Combining this offense with Barton’s constantly-improving stroke lands him at an outside possibility.

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The Verdict: Gary Harris

Harris led Denver in three-point percentage the past two seasons. In 2018-19, he will accomplish this for a third straight year. Jokic and Murray will challenge him, but ultimately these two are play-makers. Jokic runs “point-center”, primarily facilitating the offense. Meanwhile, Murray favors mid-range shots and drives, mixed with the deep ball. Harris is the only true three-and-D guy on the Nuggets…and his utilization should be more reasonable this year. Factoring Isaiah Thomas’ addition and Barton’s increased role, Harris will be free to focus on his strengths.

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