The next step in Zion Williamson’s development: 3-pointers against the Indiana Pacers

Few players in the NBA are known to have it painting mastery showing Zion Williamson since his arrival in the league. In fact, entering Monday, the Pelicans’ interior was averaging 18.9 points inside that zone per game, making it the second in this table right back John Antetokounmpo (19.5).

But even if strength within will always be Zion’s hallmarkit would be necessary to continue expanding your repertoire to avoid becoming a predictable player for defenses. Even when in most cases they can’t stop it, even knowing it will get in.

This Monday, in the game that his The Pelicans lost to Indiana 129-122Williamson showed some of this necessary extension: made 2 of 3 3-pointers, en route to 26 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assistson a night marked by a amazing performance by Miles Turner (37 points and 12 rebounds).

The hat-tricks were Zion’s first in 2022-2023. Until the Indiana game, he was 0-for-2 in seven innings. And not only that, but it was also the first time he made more than one three-point shot since debut in January 2020 against the San Antonio Spurs when he was dispatched with an unexpected 4 of 4 from the perimeter.

That was so unexpected 4 for 4 in his major league debut, that those conversions accounted for 25% of all his career triples (he had 16). Until today of course.

Williamson’s problem is that not only did he not convert from three, but He doesn’t have a good mid-range shot either.. The data will draw attention: throughout his NBA career, he has never scored a long double (from 5 meters to the three-point line). He attempted 8 shots from that distance and missed them all.

The funny thing is that unlike other similar shooters, Shion looks to have a knack for doing damage from the perimeter. With his efforts this Monday he now has one 18 off 53 from three in his career, it applies to a solid 3.4%. His nearly 70% on free kicks isn’t a big deal, but he’s also far from completely inept when it comes to shooting.

On most plays and possessions, Williamson doesn’t need the outside shot to score or dominate. But as opposing defenses improve and the decisive stretches of each campaign are reached, Having variations in your arsenal will be essential. Monday’s game against Indiana was a hopeful sign in that regard.