Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Ryan Saunders wants his team to avoid shooting long twos, and the new man in charge of Minnesota used an interesting tactic in a recent practice to promote this new strategy.
In a recent scrimmage, Ryan Saunders told his players that long twos were worth negative points so that they wouldn't shoot them.
Interesting Timberwolves note: Interim head coach Ryan Saunders says one of his goals has been improving shot selection, specifically avoiding long twos. In a scrimmage the other day, long twos were worth negative points. Smart & modern thinking.
— Reid Forgrave (@ReidForgrave) January 12, 2019
Somewhere, Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni is nodding in approval. The Rockets have taken analytics to another level, as they emphasize shooting 3-pointers and layups and avoiding two-pointers at all costs.
Timberwolves small forward Andrew Wiggins takes a lot of long two-pointers, so this is going to be a huge adjustment for the former No. 1 overall pick.
The Timberwolves average 111.6 points per game, which ranks 15th in the NBA. It remains to be seen if this offensive philosophy is a step towards the right direction, and if it will help Minnesota win more games and become a more efficient offensive unit moving forward. Saunders is 1-1 since replacing Tom Thibodeau as head coach of the team.
Don't expect Minnesota's shot selection to change overnight, though. Players are creatures of habits, and it's going to take them some time to get used to what Saunders wants them to do.
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