Up-and-Coming Forward Georges Niang Joins Utah Jazz

Craig Luschenat of Massachusetts specializes in developing talent for the NBA. Also the holder of a master’s degree from Oxford Brookes University, Craig Luschenat has mentored former Iowa State player Georges Niang, who recently signed with the Utah Jazz.

Niang stood out in the NBA’s G League (minor league), averaging 19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, playing an average of 33.9 minutes. His passing skills and defensive prowess caught the attention of Jazz head coach Quin Snyder.

The 6-8, 230-pound forward racked up an average of 22 points per game for the G League’s Salt Lake City Stars, leading the team. His scoring average was ninth in the league, 10th in field-goal percentage (.570), and second in three-point performance (.459). 

Niang earned a spot in the G League’s First Team for 2017-2018. He also appeared in the Midseason West Team, chosen by general managers, players, and coaches.

Although the Jazz did not disclose the terms of his contract, sources say that Niang’s first year is guaranteed, all but assuring him of a place on the final roster.

Craig Luschenat - Jaylen Brown

Craig Luschenat: 

Jaylen for his career shoots 36% from three and 35% from 16 feet to the three-point line. After calibrating all his miss fundamentals together against the rest of the NBA I can conclude that he is between a 36%-38% three-point shooter. His miss fundamental totals were most comparable to Rodney Hood.

Jaylen’s biggest problem in his shot delivery is that he drops his hands far too often. His dropped hands rate is 37% per 100 missed shots, which is 13% over the elite shooters average of 24%. More specifically, he drops his hands when he’s trying to get his shot off quick or his shot is contested, which is a problem a lot of players have. The other smaller error he commits is weak/no-stepping into his shot. He needs to consistently rhythm 1/2 step into his shot to create energy, balance, and lift going towards the rim.

Jaylen has great form, a high release point, and really good fundamentals on his shot delivery. Also, he is in the elite percentile for every category except dropped hands and doesn’t commit any extra fundamental errors. This is a trait all elite shooters share, which I believe Jaylen can become. When he shoots the ball the way he should his shot looks as good as anyone in the league (See Clip 4 of “Good Misses”).

Breakdown:  Per 100 Missed Shots:

1.     Dropped Hands: Totalà 37% of the time he missed.

2.     Leaning/Fading Back: Totalà 18% of the time he missed.

3.     Feet off Balance: Totalà 12% of the time he missed.

4.     Good Misses: Totalà 37% of the time he missed.

5.     Weak/Non-Step into Shot: Totalà 21% of the time he missed.

6.     Missed Short: Totalà 24% of the time he missed.

Video Breakdown: Craig Luschenat 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGT_C64TelQ

www.youtube.com/craigluschenat

Craig Luschenat - Kyrie Irving

Craig Luschenat: 

Kyrie for his career shoots 38% from three and 45% from 16 feet to the three-point line. After calibrating all his miss fundamentals together against the rest of the NBA I can conclude that he is really between a 38%-40% three-point shooter. 

Kyrie has good form, a fluid shot, and a good release point, which are big positives for any player. Also, he does a does a great job of holding his hands; he has a 24% drop hands rate per 100 missed shots, which is in the elite shooters percentile. Along with this, he has a high number of good misses, which is a trait all elite shooters share. If Kyrie minimizes the couple of fundamental errors he currently commits he will shoot into the 40’s from three consistently.

Kyrie commits a couple fundamental errors that are affecting his shot. First, he fade/leans a lot, 37% of his misses to be exact; this is 12% over the elite shooters average of 25%. Second, he shoots at the peak of his shot or on the way down, especially when shooting off the dribble. This causes flat/short misses because he isn’t getting the lift or arc that he needs on his shot. Both of these errors are causing Kyrie to miss short at a 40% rate; elite shooters miss short on only 25% of their misses. Missing short doesn’t give the ball a chance and it usually always means a player made a fundamental mistake during their shot.

Breakdown:  Per 100 Missed Shots:

1.     Dropped Hands: Totalà 24% of the time he missed.

2.     Fading/Leaning Back: Totalà 37% of the time he missed.

3.     Feet off Balance: Totalà 12% of the time he missed.

4.     Good Misses: Totalà 35% of the time he missed.

5.     Shooting on the Way Down: Totalà 23% of the time he missed.

6.     Missed Short: Totalà 40% of the time he missed.

Video Breakdown:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J6OA895Ub0

Craig Luschenat - Danny Green

Craig Luschenat: 

For his career Danny shoots 40% from three and 39% from 16 feet to the three-point line. After calibrating all his miss fundamentals together against the rest of the NBA I can conclude that he is between a 38%-40% three-point shooter. His miss fundamental totals were most comparable to Troy Daniels.

Danny is an excellent shooter, and has a really good shot delivery. He does a great job with his balance or verticality, as well as his footwork on his shot. Both fundamentals are well into the elite shooters percentile. Also, his good miss percentage is excellent at 46%; the elite shooter average is 39%. If he fixes the couple errors he commits I believe he could shoot into the mid-40’s from three.

Danny makes two fundamental mistakes that he should address. First, he has a tendency to not step or weak step into his shot, which generates no lift on his shot. He needs to consistently rhythm 1/2 step into his shot to create power from his legs. Secondly, he drops his hands more than I would like to see. His drop hands percentage is 31%, while the elite shooters average is 24%. A player holding their hands is vital for keeping the same release point on every shot.

Breakdown:  Per 100 Missed Shots:

1.     Dropped Hands: Totalà 31% of the time he missed.

2.     Falling/Fading Back: Totalà 5% of the time he missed.

3.     Feet off Balance: Totalà 8% of the time he missed.

4.     Good Misses: Totalà 46% of the time he missed.

5.     Weak/No-Step into Shot: Totalà 33% of the time he missed.

6.     Missed Short: Totalà 24% of the time he missed.

Video Breakdown:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1RTuclFIqw