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Why Rodions Kurucs is an ideal Brooklyn Net

By Christian Milcos

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks at the conclusion of the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks at the conclusion of the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 24, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Hedo Turkoglu (15) goes up for a shot over Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo (8) during the first half at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Hedo Turkoglu (15) goes up for a shot over Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo (8) during the first half at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Shooting

The jury is still out on Kurucs’ ceiling as a shooter. There seems to be a clear divide pertaining how his shot will develop in the coming years. I mentioned on the Brooklyn Revolution Podcast that I believe Kurucs has the potential to be a very reliable shooter at the next level. However, this will take a lot of work on his part.

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Kurucs isn’t a “shooter” at the moment. He knocked down 31% of his shots from behind the arc on 3.9 attempt per contest for Barcelona this season. These numbers don’t jump off the page. However, he did show flashes of having a touch from distance. There was a period from late December to early February in which he became increasingly aggressive from downtown. He attempted nearly 40 3-pointers in seven games over this time span, which included impressive performances against Breogan, Melilla and Pret in which he converted on nine of 15 threes.

The potential for having an elite outside touch is evident when he is given the opportunity to showcase his talent. Some players who were below average shooters have been able to develop when surrounded by a fully stocked coaching staff at the next level. Of course, the poster-child for this situation is Kawhi Leonard.  Leonard shot 25% from behind the arc while at San Diego State. He is now a career 38% shooter in his career with the Spurs. There is often plenty of room to grow for someone coming into the league at such a young age.

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Kurucs’ stroke is far from broken. There are some players who spectators can immediately tell has an awkward release (Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Chuck Hayes). This is simply not the case with Kurucs.

His form is very workable and is very comparable to Hedo Turkoglu’s. Neither player appears to get much lift on their jumpers. It doesn’t seem to matter as both Turkoglu and Kurucs have a very consistent form and excellent follow through. This by no means insinuates that Kurucs is going to become as top notch of a shooter as Turkoglu. His potential to become a reliable knock down shooter and floor spacer, however, is likely.