Bradley Beal: Coach Randy Wittman endorses midrange shots

This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who has ever watched a Washington Wizards game coached by Randy Wittman.

Breakout star Bradley Beal spoke about the midrange, a much-maligned low-efficiency zone harpooned by a sweeping analytics movement, to SLAM Magazine's Yaron Weitzman:

SLAM: You love shooting the midrange jumper, even though that’s an unpopular shot in today’s NBA. Is that something you’re going to keep doing?

Beal: That’s definitely a shot that, even though a lot of people in the NBA don’t like, I’m going to continue to work on it. It’s an open shot and I think you’re probably more open shooting that shot than a lot of other shots. It’s just about being able to get the mechanics down and the rhythm down and being able to knock it down.

SLAM: Has the team ever told you to stop taking them?

Beal: Not really, nah. They just let me play my game. Coach Wittman loves those shots. He wants you to shoot everything possible whenever you have the opportunity to.

The debate over midrange jumpers is an ongoing battle and there's merit on both sides.

Those in Beal and Wittman's corner argue that open looks are clear invitations to score. Passing up open looks can be viewed as timid and it gives an advantage to the defense to only need to guard two spots: the paint and the 3-point line. Giving up the midrange also undercuts playing through the high post.

But others - mostly those who have looked over the analytics - see the long two-pointer as a waste. There's an extra point to be had with triples, while shots in the paint lead to more free throws and a higher shooting percentage. At its core, basketball is a game of trading possessions for points and the midrange shot, unfortunately, provides the lowest rate of return.

That said, it's should be viewed on a player-by-player basis. Some stars have made a thriving career out of the midrange. Michael Jordan himself turned to the midrange shot when he needed to ease the brutal banging in the post. Modern day examples include LaMarcus Aldridge and David West, who love operating in the space between the paint and the 3-point line.

But on a team level, the Wizards definitely need to cut down on their midrange attempts. They have capable 3-point shooters, strong slashers, and excellent finishers such that they don't need to always settle. Sometimes, shots are open for a reason.

Taking lots of midrange shots has certainly not helped the Wizards, who find themselves lumped together with a list of defunct offenses from last season:

Wittman's philosophy has translated to poor results for his players, including Beal. The sweet-stroking shooting guard launched 316 midrange jumpers last season, where he shot just 33.9 percent. Compared to the 40.9 percent he hit on 3-pointers, and the difference in efficiency is monumental.

Ultimately, it's about balance and working towards the best outcome for the offense. It doesn't mean a contested 3-pointer against a flying closeout is necessarily better than a calm midrange look after stepping by the closeout. But setting so often for the midrange is not the best outcome.