The NBA’s Kemba Walker has made a slight adjustment to his jump shot, and it’s doing wonders for his game. The point guard for the Charlotte Hornets moved the ball just a few inches to his right, away from his face, thereby allowing him to see the basket with both eyes. He also is tucking the elbow in before the release, forming a ‘V’ that shooting coaches often stress. It was tough especially early on when I wasn’t making shots during the summer, Walker said. I said, I can’t do it. I’m going back to my old shot. I was having doubts.
His shooting coach, however, told him to stick with it, and he did. Now, Walker is shooting career-highs from the field (42.9%) and three-pointers (37.1%, up from 30.4% last season) and averaging career-highs in points (21). Now that Kemba can shoot, it makes him a better pick-and-roll player, as his defenders can no longer sag under the pick. Speaking about Walker, assistant coach Steve Hetzel said, He has a natural flow to the way he plays and puts a lot of pressure on his defender. They’re always on edge not knowing what moves he’s going to make. He has the ability to make them pay for what they decide.”