Luka midrange game?

[dirkfansince1998]

What´s the difference between an iso at the ellbow that leads to a contested long 2 (your example Kawhi makes 44% of them) and an iso step back 3 for 32%. For a single possession I would take the 2, no question but as a go to move for the whole game it is the 3.

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That is exactly my point. For a single possession which is a sequence of what most last minute games come down to, even you would take the 2.  If that is the case would it not behove Luka to have that in his arsenal where he feels confident to go to it in the clutch?  You can’t just expect him to do that in the clutch if he is not doing it at other points in the game  Again, I am not asking him to abandon the 3s.

If you are saying that he can post up and generate some easier shots for himself or some easier 3s for his teammates if they double him in the post, than go for a traditional mid range game, that is perfectly fine too.

All I am saying is relying on 3s when you are a poor 3 pt shooter or driving and expecting calls that even Harden does not get as his teams go deeper into the playoffs and another stud is guarding you, has a much lower ceiling than what Luka is capable of reaching.

I think in that single possession case I still prefer a drive and finish in the paint and if that´s not possible a floater or a drawn double team and pass to an open shooter over an contested long two.
And if he increases his midrange volume for the whole game you have to consider the overall loss of points.
Let´s say he really improves his midrange game and reaches Kawhis level. He takes 100 of them instead of of 3s.
Makes 88 points on 44% from midrange. On the same amount of 3s he would score 96 points at his current percentage. Let´s say he can improve that number to 35% and he suddenly generates 105 points.
It´s obviously not that easy because we cannot ignore the reaction of defenders, fouls, turnovers and more but overall it is very likely that the Mavs will lose points if Luka increases his midrange volume even if he reaches elite percentages.
An added skill like an improved pull up jumper is never a bad thing because it opens up more opportunities but the question is if it as important as you think. Especially if the volume stays low.