3 NBA players who suddenly became great 3-point shooters this season

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic reacts after scoring a three-point basket in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Amway Center on March 11, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

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Caleb Martin. player. Pick Analysis. F. Miami Heat. 2. 110. Scouting Report

After being waived by the Charlotte Hornets last summer, Martin landed with the Heat and has taken a step in his career on one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. In mostly a bench role (10 starts in 57 games entering Monday, with a recent Achilles’ injury to note), he is averaging a career-best 22.7 minutes, 9.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. Looking deeper, via Basketball Reference, he has accounted for four total Win Shares this season.

In his first two NBA seasons, Martin attempted 162 3-pointers and converted a below-par 31.5 percent. This season, he has gone 60-for-145 from beyond the arc, good for a robust 41.4 percent clip.

In four college seasons, split between NC State and Nevada, Martin was a 35.9 percent 3-point shooter. He was a willing shooter (7.6 3-point attempts per game over his last three college seasons), just not a particularly good one. In his third NBA season, and it’s hard to ignore a new team and a better overall team/situation as the driving force, he has become a well above-average threat from beyond the arc.

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