Chandler Parsons' Improvement as Mid-Range Scorer Key for Houston Rockets' Success

I think having a mid-range game is good for Parsons but not necessarily the Rockets. Him taking less efficient shots isn't what we want. If he can't get to the rack on a drive, is a pull-up J want we want him to take at 40-some percent%? I don't think so. I think we'd rather have him be able to pass it back out instead.

Harden as a primary ball handler as the shot clock is winding down - now that's a guy you want to have a mid-range game. Same with your 4. They should be able to hit a 3 but also hit a 15 foot jumper because sometimes they won't be at the perimeter. That's why 2Pat was such a good offensive fit for us.

Also these shot charts are somewhat deceiving in that naturally he is going to shot a higher percentage from places he is trying to get positioned for and he is taking a majority of his shots.

It may be that his percentages for mid-range shots are low because he shots them so infrequently and also that he doesn't shoot them unless he is forced to (shot clock winding down), or playing against such great defenders that's all they will give him while still giving him fits on D.

 

You have to take some midrange jumpers once in a while, or you become predictable and easier to defend, which makes every remaining shot less efficient.

So to say we should ONLY shoot threes and shots very close to the rim is a bit short-sighted. You have to mix in some midrange jumpers once in a while, when the other options are well-defended, if even just to keep the defenders guessing.

But yeah, the shot chart is interesting - he should really practice those wing threes.