Byron Scott: Jordan Hill ‘settling’ for too many jumpers

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott said that starting center Jordan Hill was settling for too many mid-range jumpers as opposed to attacking the rim.

Many fans will remember the white-hot start Hill had from mid-range over the first two games of the season against Houston and Golden State. However, since those games, Hill has regressed closer to the mean and shooting a more expected average away from the rim.

This season, Hill is shooting 31.9% of his shots from 16-23 feet. The only time he’s done that more was in his second season with the Knicks, where he shot 33.7% of his shots from that range in 24 games.

However, the difference is that Hill has developed a knack for scoring around the rim, something he hadn’t developed as well in his second year. Despite averaging a career-high in points at 13.7 this season, fans still want smarter shots from Hill.

The sixth-year forward/center out of Arizona is producing at a high level and has been the second best Laker this season, but there is still room for improvement. Last season, 77% of his shots came within 10 feet. This year, that number is right at 50%. For a player who lacks a consistent ability to hit a jumper and thrives at grabbing rebounds, you want Hill around the rim.