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NBA Draft 2017: 5 best pure shooters available

By Chris Stone

Dec 7, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Valparaiso Crusaders forward Alec Peters (25) passes the ball against Kentucky Wildcats guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Valparaiso 87-63. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Valparaiso Crusaders forward Alec Peters (25) passes the ball against Kentucky Wildcats guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Valparaiso 87-63. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bulls draft prospect
Jan 28, 2017; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) shoots a three point shot against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Duke defeated Wake 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Luke Kennard, Duke

On a team that featured a litany of 5-star recruits and the near consensus preseason National Player of the Year, Duke’s Luke Kennard rose to the top. The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 19.5 points per game as a sophomore en route to being a second-team All-American.

Much of Kennard’s offense is dependent on his shooting ability because he’s not the most explosive driver. Luckily, he can knock down shots from just about anywhere on the floor. Kennard shot 43.8 percent from deep on 201 attempts this season. He fired up more than six 3s per 40 minutes and shot 85.6 percent from the foul line as well.

Kennard was excellent in nearly every situation. He averaged 1.130 points per possession (PPP) (86th percentile) on spot ups, 1.071 PPP (76th percentile) coming off of screens and 1.203 PPP (80th percentile) on catch-and-shoots, per Synergy Sports.

The most intriguing part of the sophomore’s profile, though, is his ability to shoot off the dribble. Knocking down shots off the bounce will change the way that teams have to defend him and also open up some opportunities for him as a creator. Kennard ranked in the 93rd percentile on off the dribble jumpers this season, averaging 1.085 PPP, per Synergy Sports. That made him one of the most efficient pick-and-roll ball-handlers in all of college hoops, which will give him more versatility as an offensive player in the league.

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