Edwards Shot attempts near the rim

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Good news is that typically these guys get more accurate on close-in shots with experience. What may offset that some of their attempts drift further away. DeRozan for example is now king of the mid-range and long 2. He doesn't go all the way to the hoop nearly as much as he used to.

Look at how Harden and Westbrook struggled to finish as rookies. By their second year, it was a completely different story for both of them.

Bottom line - Ant's ability to use either hand with ease and his strength already puts him in elite company in terms of his ability to get to the rim and then finish at a high rate. Over time I think he will develop better touch as well.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Rookie Year Numbers Only:

Name - % of FGA from 0-3 Feet/FG% from that range
Bradley Beal - 18%/60%
Devin Booker - 21%/64%
Donovan Mitchell - 26%/64%
Anthony Edwards - 30%/64%
LeBron James - 32%/60%
James Harden - 33%/47%
Jaylen Brown - 40%/61%
Russell Westbrook - 42%/48%
DeMar DeRozan- 45%/62%

[Monster]

Rookie Year Numbers Only:

Name - % of FGA from 0-3 Feet/FG% from that range
Bradley Beal - 18%/60%
Devin Booker - 21%/64%
Donovan Mitchell - 26%/64%
Anthony Edwards - 30%/64%
LeBron James - 32%/60%
James Harden - 33%/47%
Jaylen Brown - 40%/61%
Russell Westbrook - 42%/48%
DeMar DeRozan- 45%/62%

Just for fun...
Andrew Wiggins 30.7%/66.5%

[AbeVigodaLive]

Rookie Year Numbers Only:

Rookie Year Numbers Only:

Name - % of FGA from 0-3 Feet/FG% from that range
Bradley Beal - 18%/60%
Devin Booker - 21%/64%
Donovan Mitchell - 26%/64%
Anthony Edwards - 30%/64%
LeBron James - 32%/60%
James Harden - 33%/47%
Jaylen Brown - 40%/61%
Russell Westbrook - 42%/48%
DeMar DeRozan- 45%/62%

Just for fun...
Andrew Wiggins 30.7%/66.5%

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Yes, Wiggins posted elite numbers in this category. And that makes sense given his elite length and athleticism. His first couple years especially shows a player adept at getting to the rim and converting or drawing a foul. Unfortunately, he was not a great outside shooter so this held back his overall efficiency even though he was efficient at the rim.

Then over time, like other players, Wiggins began taking more and more jumpers. Now he's down to taking only 21% of his shots at the rim. But he's having his most efficient year of his career because - surprise, surprise - he suddenly discovered how to make 3-point shots now that he no longer wears a Wolves uniform.

The key with Edwards will be to not get lazy and fall in love with his jumper. And if he does fall in love with his jumper, we need to hope he gets more accurate with our franchise versus somewhere else! A rarity indeed.....