Brooklyn Nets: D’Angelo Russell should be used as a spot-up shooter

D’Angelo Russell’s inability to blow by defenders is having an effect on the Brooklyn Nets’ ability to get uncontested shots, thus he would be better suited in a spot-up shooter role

"“Average ball-handler in the half-court. Rarely gets all the way to the basket. Doesn’t get to the free throw line at a very high rate”."

This was said by Jonathan Givony formerly of DraftExpress in regards to some of the flaws that D’Angelo Russell had in his game as he was coming up through the amateur ranks. Unfortunately for Russell, these flaws have continued to follow him throughout his NBA career because it is difficult for him to separate from any defender on his way to the basket.

One example of D’Angelo’s inability to get separation was when he managed to isolate Minnesota Timberwolves forward Taj Gibson earlier this month. Russell started the isolation with a couple in between the leg dribble moves as he tried to get Taj off balance. After a few seconds, he decided to go to the left to start his drive towards the basket.

Unfortunately, the dribble moves did not affect Taj meaning he was in position to defend D’Angelo’s drive to the basket. As Russell drove left to the basket, Gibson would move his feet to the right to keep his chest in front D’Angelo’s body. This sequence continued until Russell took a heavily contested floater that would end up missing.

D’Angelo Russell’s limitations have allowed opposing teams to put single coverage on him because they are aware that he cannot blow by defenders to get a shot at the rim or draw a double team. Russell has only attempted 16.2 percent of his shots at the rim over 3-plus seasons in the NBA.

Consequently, it has affected the number of easy looks that the Brooklyn Nets are getting because the opposing coach tells his players to stay with their assignment. The Nets currently rank 20th on catch and shoot points averaging 27.9 per game.

Therefore, the team should transition Russell into a permanent off the ball role as it would allow them to start a player who is more likely to take shots at the rim. For example, the team could start Spencer Dinwiddie who attempts 24.2 percent of his shots at the rim and converts 58.4 percent of those field goal attempts.

The presence of Dinwiddie increases the likelihood that the opposing team has to send help in his direction to prevent him from getting easier looks at the basket. Consequently, one or more of his teammates would be left open giving him the chance to kick it out for a wide-open catch and shoot opportunity.

Not only would the change in role benefit the team on the court but it would also help them off the court. D’Angelo Russell has a career shooting percentage of 36.4 percent on catch and shoot 3’s (36.6 + 36.5 +34.6 +38/ 4). Russell shooting 38 percent this year is better than at least half of Detroit and Philadelphia’s roster.

Furthermore, he could be the long-term solution at point guard for Chicago, Indiana, and Phoenix as their point guards spend a substantial amount of time off the ball. Therefore, the Brooklyn Nets can turn D’Angelo into a valuable trade chip which could be used to extract a future pick from one of these teams who need/ want a shooting point guard.