Based on the below the fact that we’re 2-2 and not 0-4 is frankly bonkers.

2023/24 shooting percentages through the first 4 games;

Paolo: 38/22/54

Franz: 38/33/95

Wendell: 36/20/58

Markelle: 50/0/0

Jalen: 41/30/100

The same players shooting percentages through the 2022/23 season;

Paolo: 43/30/74

Franz: 49/36/84

Wendell: 53/36/74

Markelle: 51/31/78

Jalen: 42/33/72

Based off their field goal attempts this season, if instead of shooting below their average they shot at their average, here’s what their scoring would have looked like;

Paolo: 15.2 ppg

Franz: 27.3 ppg

Wendell: 13.6 ppg

Markelle: 12.9 ppg

Jalen: 15 ppg

That is a difference of 22.9 points per game across all starters when compared to their actual averages through 4 games.

This number is huge, but also unrealistic, but even if you only take 50% of it the team would rank rank in the top 10 for ppg.

To go along with number 1 in the league for fewest ppg allowed, it’s actually a great sign for the rest of the year.

The short and simple is that the team is currently in a slump. Jalen being in the starting 5 instead of Gary could have something to do with this, as you don’t need to respect his jumper as much, which means less spacing.

But another big key is Wendell who hasn’t been able to hit the broad side of a barn in the first 4 games and he’s crucial to our spacing efforts.

Regardless of what’s changed this year, my overarching point is that a fg% drop off as significant as this is unsustainable, same as Gary shooting 400% from 3.

Some players may not match or improve their percentages from last season but they sure as hell can only go up from where they are.