5 ripple effects of the Kyle Korver trade to Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Expect Korver To Bounce Back
Maybe “bounce back” is a bit strong, since Kyle Korver isn’t really having a bad season. But with the Hawks bringing the 35-year-old off the bench, it’s become pretty clear that he’s a step slow defensively and not quite what he once was, especially compared to the Korver we saw in 2014-15 when Atlanta won 60 games.
That season, Korver averaged 12.1 points per game on blistering .487/.492/.898 shooting splits en route to his first All-Star appearance and the conference finals. By comparison, Korver is averaging just 9.5 points per game on .441/.409/.889 shooting splits this year.
Obviously, shooting just under 41 percent from three-point range is still excellent. It’s the main reason Cleveland acquired him. But with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving facilitating to so many shooters on the perimeter, you can expect Korver to be as dangerous as he’s ever been, even in a bench role.
Korver has a .745 EFG% on wide open shots this year (6+ft open, shot >10ft), and shoots 49% from 3. #Threezus pic.twitter.com/4HB8L2Rnfg
— Michael Dunlap (@DunlapSports) January 6, 2017
The Cavs won’t expect him to do too much, and even with J.R. Smith sidelined for 10-14 weeks, Korver may not even start. But in a refined role, you can be guaranteed Tyronn Lue and company won’t have to get too creative with getting him wide open looks.
Cleveland currently ranks second in three-point attempts, second in three-point makes and second in three-point percentage. Korver is only going to help those numbers in a three-point heavy offense, and the open looks he’s afforded by LeBron James’ brilliant cross-court passing will remind people he’s still got plenty left in the tank.