Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

Brooklyn Nets summer workout: D’Angelo Russell works on shooting and dribbling

By Chris Milholen

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 6: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets attends the game against the Orlando Magic during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 6, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 6: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets attends the game against the Orlando Magic during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 6, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Brooklyn Nets point guard D’Angelo Russell shared his progress this offseason, releasing a video showing his intense workout regimen.

D’Angelo Russell proved to the Brooklyn Nets and critics he is not taking a break from basketball. In a recent offseason workout, Russell worked on all offensive areas, showing improvement and consistency.

After watching the workout, it is clear that Russell has been in the weight room. He looks bigger and stronger. Russell’s stronger body will be a huge x factor next season. He will gain a lot more confidence driving through contact and blowing past defenders.

It will also come into play on rebounds. Russell is not known for rebounding, but if he can add that in his game, he can become a great all-around point guard.

There are a couple notable takeaways from his latest off-season workout.

3-point shooting

One of Russell’s most confident offensive moves is shooting behind the arc. He has proven he can shoot the 3-ball from anywhere on the court and with confidence.

In the workout, Russell was lights out from catch-and-shoot 3s. Throughout the workout, Russell stressed the 3-ball, showing he wants to be a 3-point threat next season.

Russell also shot great off the dribble. He practiced a one-dribble pop 3 and added a second dribble shortly after. Last season, Russell did not attempt too many off-the-dribble 3-point shots. It is good to see Russell working on these kinds of shots.

This will add shooting depth to his game, making his shooting game hard to guard for defenders.

Russell shot 32,4 percent from behind the arc last season, averaging 5.8 attempts per game.

Free throw shooting

Russell is a consistent free throw shooter. He has been getting more attempts from the foul line due to his driving game. The 6-foot-5 guard has increased his driving attempts through contact and finishing the play with three points.

More from Nothin' But Nets

Free throw shooting is very important for guards in the NBA. The guard position is very prone to shooting fouls due to their shot attempts or their driving plays. The Nets have been a consistent team from the foul line, which is great to have in the closing minutes of a game.

Russell averaged 2.7 free throw attempts per game last season with the Nets. He shot 74 percent from the foul line as well. That should be one area Russell must work on this offseason.

Mid-range shooting

Mid-range shooting is a vital area on the offensive end, particularly for point guards.

In the workout video, Russell was seen taking corner jump shots; both catch-and-shoot and off the dribble. Russell did attempt a good amount of mid-range jumpers last season. If Russell masters his mid-range shot from all areas, he will be a dangerous shooter in the NBA.

The Nets run a small-ball offense which favors shooters. Brooklyn is filled with 3-point shooters, but more many mid-range shooters. Russell is already a confident shooter behind the arc.

So if he adds a confident mid-range game, it will not only give Brooklyn a bigger mid-range presence, but spread the floor for outside shooters.

Dribbling

D’Angelo Russell is a great ball-handler. He controls the ball very well when he has it in his hands and can really put on a passing clinic.

Live Feed

Golden State Warriors should target former All-NBA big for 14th roster spot
Golden State Warriors should target former All-NBA big for 14th roster spot /

Blue Man Hoop

  • Philadelphia 76ers bring back Danny Green for 2023-24 seasonThe Sixer Sense
  • Lakers steal Bulls last chance at a free agency splashPippen Ain't Easy
  • Golden State Warriors' pacific rival makes huge free agent signingBlue Man Hoop
  • Potential two-way center signs with rival after workout with Golden State WarriorsBlue Man Hoop
  • NBA Free Agency: Pacific rival shows interest in Golden State Warriors' championBlue Man Hoop

    • Russell’s dribbling game opens up many opportunities not just for him to score but to facilitate the ball. When the ball is in Russell’s hands, all defensive eyes are locked on him. When driving to the basket, defenders expect Russell to take it all the way.

    The good thing for Russell is he can finish through traffic. He can also pass to outside shooters and make fancy passes to the paint.

    Overall takeaway

    The major takeaway from the offseason workout is his ambition to get better. Russell has been talked down throughout his NBA career.

    Shortly after being traded to the Brooklyn Nets, rumors swirled about Magic Johnson, who is the president of basketball operations with the Los Angeles Lakers, doubting Russell’s NBA bright future and calling him a locker-room issue.

    Well, Russell has been slowly proving he deserved to be a second overall draft pick and not only to live up to his expectations, but exceed them. It is also safe to say Russell is fully invested in the Brooklyn Nets and the bright future ahead of them.

    The Nets point guard has been supporting Brooklyn’s summer league team this offseason, showing respect and interest in the organization’s young assets.

    Next: Nets 15 best draft picks of all-time

    It will be interesting to see how Russell plays next season with the Brooklyn Nets.