Wizards' Kris Humphries 'grateful for the opportunity' to play for Celtics coach Brad Stevens
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After two straight seasons with a below-average true shooting percentage, new Washington Wizards forward Kris Humphries finally managed to score at an above-average rate last season.
Under the tutelage of Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens, Humphries learned how to become efficient, something he's grateful for.
"I talked to Brad all the time and it’s just one of those things where, ‘Man, you got me a lot better,’ ” Humphries told the Washington Post. “Handling the ball, making plays, things like that. Shooting. I’m grateful for that. I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep playing in a lot of situations like the one I was in."
Humphries' improved shooting efficiency is to be commended. He stretched his range to become more pick-and-pop oriented, taking 60 percent of his shots from 10 feet and beyond for the first time in his career. He connected on 42.6 percent of his shots from 10-16 feet, and 47.9 percent from beyond 16 feet but within the 3-point line. Both marks are excellent, especially given his position.
Humphries' range will be valued in Washington's frontcourt, which occasionally suffered from spacing issues a year ago. The starting frontline of Marcin Gortat and Nene played mostly inside, encouraging opposing bigs to crowd the paint and forcing the team's guards to settle for mid-range jumpers.
The Wizards led the league in mid-range attempts last season.
"The one thing I know is that in the time that I play I can be efficient and help people win," Humphries added.