SanAntonioSpurs
07-02-2025, 12:26 AM
The single factor that will determine whether several of our players reach their ceiling and be one what they can is if they develop their 3 point shot. Sochan could become a huge asset if his shot, especially his 3 point shot improves to above league average. He is an elite defender, but we can't play 4 on 5 on offense in the playoffs. He shot 30.8% from 3 last year. If we can get him to even 35% or 36%, we could play him and he is still very young.
De'Aaron Fox had broken tendons in his pinkie on his shooting hand. When Wemby was shut down due to DVT, then they shut De'Aaron Fox down too. He had his surgery and he should return to 2023-2024 form which was 37% from 3, 26 points per game and 6 plus assists per game
Dylan Harper's greatest weakness is his shooting. His shooting will determine whether he becomes elite and unguardable or above average . He did shoot 33% from 3 as a freshman last year at Rutgers. However, he shot about 40% on catch and shoot 3s . He needs to have a higher release point and a quicker release.
Castle's greatest weakness is his shooting. If we could improve his shooting, it would make him very dangerous .
Carter Bryant was already a 37% 3 point shooter in college at Arizona.
Wemby is now above 35%. If he can get to 37%, this would be an absolute nightmare for defenses.
This shooting deficiency needs to be addressed. Otherwise, good defenses will pack in the paint and force us to hit jump shots and we won't.
Therefore, a very good shooting coach would seem to be a wise investment. Here are some options:
Of course. Addressing the team's shooting deficiencies is a critical next step for the Spurs' front office. Following the departure of legendary shooting coach Chip Engelland in 2022, the team has struggled to find consistency from the perimeter, a weakness that must be resolved to maximize the potential of their young core.[1, 2]
Fortunately, the coaching market features a number of highly respected specialists who could fill this vital role. Here is an analysis of available and notable shooting coaches who could be a good fit for the Spurs' coaching staff.
Premier Free Agent Target
Peter Patton
Recently dismissed from his role as Director of Player Development for the Chicago Bulls, Peter Patton represents the most logical and compelling candidate for the Spurs.[3, 4] Patton's coaching lineage is directly tied to San Antonio's own history of success; he learned the craft of shooting instruction under the tutelage of Chip Engelland himself.[5]
* Track Record: Before his recent stint in Chicago, Patton served as the shooting coach for the Dallas Mavericks (2018-2023) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (2016-2018).[3, 6] In Chicago, he was credited by players for significant improvements in their shooting, and his firing was reportedly met with frustration from the team's core players.[4, 7, 8] His dismissal was attributed to a difference of opinion with the front office, not a lack of coaching acumen, making him an attractive free agent.[4]
* Coaching Philosophy: Patton’s approach focuses on fundamentals like footwork, hand placement, and creating a consistent shot path, without necessarily overhauling a player's natural form.[9, 10, 11] He emphasizes building great habits through form shooting to create a reliable, repeatable motion.[10]
Top-Tier NBA Assistants
While currently employed by other teams, the following coaches have established themselves as elite specialists who would be worth pursuing for a key role on a new staff.
* Fred Vinson: Currently with the Detroit Pistons, Vinson earned a reputation as a "shot doctor" during his long tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans.[12, 13] He is widely credited with transforming the shooting mechanics and success of players like Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Herb Jones.[14, 15] His method involves breaking a player's shot down to its core elements, often starting with one-handed form shooting close to the basket and meticulously rebuilding from there.[14]
* Ben Sullivan: An assistant with the Houston Rockets, Sullivan is another coach from the Chip Engelland coaching tree, having worked under him in San Antonio as a video intern and in player development.[16, 17, 18] Sullivan has built a strong reputation for developing shooters, most notably working with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee and with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in Boston.[17, 19] He credits Engelland with teaching him "how to teach," focusing on the unique biomechanics and mentality of each individual player.[17, 18]
Elite Player Development Coaches
These coaches are known for their holistic approach to player development and have strong track records of improving players, including their shooting.
* Sam Cassell: A current Boston Celtics assistant coach, Cassell has a long and respected resume as a player development guru.[20] He was instrumental in the development of guards like John Wall in Washington and has recently been credited with helping Jayson Tatum improve his post-up game.[21, 22] Known for his expertise in the mid-range game, Cassell has been a sought-after head coaching candidate for years.[23, 24]
* Johnnie Bryant: The associate head coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bryant is considered one of the league's top young assistants, known for being a strong player-development coach.[25] He has a close relationship with Donovan Mitchell from their time together in Utah and was credited with helping Julius Randle and Immanuel Quickley elevate their games in New York.[26, 27]
Independent Shooting Specialists
Beyond the ranks of current NBA assistants, there is a group of world-renowned private shooting coaches who work with top-level talent and could be lured into a full-time team role.
* Dave Love: Having previously worked for three NBA teams (Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Orlando Magic), Love has a proven track record of dramatic, quantifiable improvement in his clients.[28, 29] He helped players like Aaron Gordon and Dewayne Dedmon make significant leaps in their free-throw and 3-point shooting percentages.[29, 30]
* Chris "Lethal Shooter" Matthews: Arguably the most famous independent shooting coach in the world, Matthews has worked with a long list of NBA and WNBA stars.[31, 32] His philosophy is built on consistency, muscle memory, and mental focus.[33] He has been offered NBA jobs before but has been selective, waiting for the right opportunity and fit.[34]
* Dave Hopla: Considered by many to be one of the best pure shooters in the world, Hopla has served as a shooting coach and consultant for the Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, and New York Knicks.[35] His expertise and passion for teaching are widely respected.[35]
Given the clear need and the talent available, the Spurs have a strong opportunity to bring in a high-impact coach to address one of the roster's most significant weaknesses and further unlock the potential of their young players.
De'Aaron Fox had broken tendons in his pinkie on his shooting hand. When Wemby was shut down due to DVT, then they shut De'Aaron Fox down too. He had his surgery and he should return to 2023-2024 form which was 37% from 3, 26 points per game and 6 plus assists per game
Dylan Harper's greatest weakness is his shooting. His shooting will determine whether he becomes elite and unguardable or above average . He did shoot 33% from 3 as a freshman last year at Rutgers. However, he shot about 40% on catch and shoot 3s . He needs to have a higher release point and a quicker release.
Castle's greatest weakness is his shooting. If we could improve his shooting, it would make him very dangerous .
Carter Bryant was already a 37% 3 point shooter in college at Arizona.
Wemby is now above 35%. If he can get to 37%, this would be an absolute nightmare for defenses.
This shooting deficiency needs to be addressed. Otherwise, good defenses will pack in the paint and force us to hit jump shots and we won't.
Therefore, a very good shooting coach would seem to be a wise investment. Here are some options:
Of course. Addressing the team's shooting deficiencies is a critical next step for the Spurs' front office. Following the departure of legendary shooting coach Chip Engelland in 2022, the team has struggled to find consistency from the perimeter, a weakness that must be resolved to maximize the potential of their young core.[1, 2]
Fortunately, the coaching market features a number of highly respected specialists who could fill this vital role. Here is an analysis of available and notable shooting coaches who could be a good fit for the Spurs' coaching staff.
Premier Free Agent Target
Peter Patton
Recently dismissed from his role as Director of Player Development for the Chicago Bulls, Peter Patton represents the most logical and compelling candidate for the Spurs.[3, 4] Patton's coaching lineage is directly tied to San Antonio's own history of success; he learned the craft of shooting instruction under the tutelage of Chip Engelland himself.[5]
* Track Record: Before his recent stint in Chicago, Patton served as the shooting coach for the Dallas Mavericks (2018-2023) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (2016-2018).[3, 6] In Chicago, he was credited by players for significant improvements in their shooting, and his firing was reportedly met with frustration from the team's core players.[4, 7, 8] His dismissal was attributed to a difference of opinion with the front office, not a lack of coaching acumen, making him an attractive free agent.[4]
* Coaching Philosophy: Patton’s approach focuses on fundamentals like footwork, hand placement, and creating a consistent shot path, without necessarily overhauling a player's natural form.[9, 10, 11] He emphasizes building great habits through form shooting to create a reliable, repeatable motion.[10]
Top-Tier NBA Assistants
While currently employed by other teams, the following coaches have established themselves as elite specialists who would be worth pursuing for a key role on a new staff.
* Fred Vinson: Currently with the Detroit Pistons, Vinson earned a reputation as a "shot doctor" during his long tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans.[12, 13] He is widely credited with transforming the shooting mechanics and success of players like Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Herb Jones.[14, 15] His method involves breaking a player's shot down to its core elements, often starting with one-handed form shooting close to the basket and meticulously rebuilding from there.[14]
* Ben Sullivan: An assistant with the Houston Rockets, Sullivan is another coach from the Chip Engelland coaching tree, having worked under him in San Antonio as a video intern and in player development.[16, 17, 18] Sullivan has built a strong reputation for developing shooters, most notably working with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee and with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in Boston.[17, 19] He credits Engelland with teaching him "how to teach," focusing on the unique biomechanics and mentality of each individual player.[17, 18]
Elite Player Development Coaches
These coaches are known for their holistic approach to player development and have strong track records of improving players, including their shooting.
* Sam Cassell: A current Boston Celtics assistant coach, Cassell has a long and respected resume as a player development guru.[20] He was instrumental in the development of guards like John Wall in Washington and has recently been credited with helping Jayson Tatum improve his post-up game.[21, 22] Known for his expertise in the mid-range game, Cassell has been a sought-after head coaching candidate for years.[23, 24]
* Johnnie Bryant: The associate head coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bryant is considered one of the league's top young assistants, known for being a strong player-development coach.[25] He has a close relationship with Donovan Mitchell from their time together in Utah and was credited with helping Julius Randle and Immanuel Quickley elevate their games in New York.[26, 27]
Independent Shooting Specialists
Beyond the ranks of current NBA assistants, there is a group of world-renowned private shooting coaches who work with top-level talent and could be lured into a full-time team role.
* Dave Love: Having previously worked for three NBA teams (Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Orlando Magic), Love has a proven track record of dramatic, quantifiable improvement in his clients.[28, 29] He helped players like Aaron Gordon and Dewayne Dedmon make significant leaps in their free-throw and 3-point shooting percentages.[29, 30]
* Chris "Lethal Shooter" Matthews: Arguably the most famous independent shooting coach in the world, Matthews has worked with a long list of NBA and WNBA stars.[31, 32] His philosophy is built on consistency, muscle memory, and mental focus.[33] He has been offered NBA jobs before but has been selective, waiting for the right opportunity and fit.[34]
* Dave Hopla: Considered by many to be one of the best pure shooters in the world, Hopla has served as a shooting coach and consultant for the Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, and New York Knicks.[35] His expertise and passion for teaching are widely respected.[35]
Given the clear need and the talent available, the Spurs have a strong opportunity to bring in a high-impact coach to address one of the roster's most significant weaknesses and further unlock the potential of their young players.