Da Windy City
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John Paxson gives his take on the state of the Chicago Bulls

By Carlos Nazario

Dec 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls vice president of basketball perations John Paxson (left) and general manager Gar Forman (center) talk with sports writer Sam Smith (right) prior to a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls vice president of basketball perations John Paxson (left) and general manager Gar Forman (center) talk with sports writer Sam Smith (right) prior to a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bulls’ poor shooting

“It’s hurt us, there’s no question about it. We’re last in the league in 3-point shooting. We acknowledged that going in, that that would be an issue with us. We did think and still think that Niko, Doug, they have the capability of being 40-percent 3-point shooters. That’s where they need to be. Right now, Niko’s at 30 and Doug’s at 33. Some of that is shot selection, some of that is finding your rhythm and your groove. But it’s obviously frustrating.”

He went on to say that he knew the shooting would be a problem when the season started, but that he felt the team would be shooting better. Really? I think they are shooting right around where most thought.

Actually, the Bulls’ big three of Rajon Rondo, Wade and Butler are shooting HIGHER from beyond the arc this season than their career numbers. For his career, Wade shoots 28.6 percent from three. This season he is at 31.0 percent, going into Wednesday night’s game. Butler, a 32.9 percent shooter from three, shoots 34.3 percent. Rondo made the biggest jump, shooting 32.0 percent, while his career average beyond the arc is 29.1 percent.

Of course, those numbers are offset by the under-achieving NIkola Mirotic and Doug McDermott. Niko is a career 40.1 percent shooter from three, but is shooting 39.2 percent this season. McDermott is the one really tumbling, shooting 34.0 percent while carrying a 40.1 percent career average. To be fair, McDermott suffered through a concussion problem so perhaps his shooting touch returns as he spends more time on the court.

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