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Shawne Williams and the Corner 3

by Tommy Dee on December 4th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
The corner three....despite the degree of difficulty with no backboard, just a money shot in basketball at any level. #UNC
December 3, 2011 2:55 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite
@alanhahn
Alan Hahn

I went on an extensive Twitter reminder when I read this and Hahn is spot on here. We’ve talked about the significance of the corner 3 in the NBA at great length here.  And, not to be dismissive, but the reason it’s such a money shot is because no one really teaches it at the high school level or especially at the AAU level.  Carolina excels in what we both call the “secondary break” or the offensive scheme that runs a ball reversal when they realize they won’t get an easy score in on a fast break. The ball gets reversed and often times the corner opens up because the defense has to defend both posts and the basket first then branch out to the perimeter. That leads to a close out from a bigger/slower player or smaller guard.

At one point last season, whether it be in transition or in quick half court offense Shawne Williams was absolutely lethal from the corner. It was a 3-game stretch during the beginning of November. I remember talking to fellow press members that he was 10-12, while everyone was complaining that the Knicks couldn’t stop Kevin Love. It was then that Williams began to receive major minutes.

The year before it was Jon Bender, who couldn’t sustain his legs. Gallo and Wilson Chandler also had the ability. The Wall Street Journal eventually noticed it as well. 

The bottom line is that this skill is a lost art and if you’re a coach or a basketball mentor, the game urges you to teach it. And for the Knicks, should they lose Shawne Williams, they better replace him with someone who can fill his shoes.  Williams also does much more and isn’t just a corner threat, but the fact that he IS, is critical to this offense this year.
  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_IRBXKEIXVMOUMM7CTZYDYIOCBQ speedster

    Wilson was lethal from the corner spot as well. I love the corner 3. There’s something really satisfying about it. There was that game against Philly that we lost last second when Williams decided to drive to the hoop instead of shoot the corner 3. We gotta pick up Extra E again. He was such a good pick up for us.

    Also, anyone think about the fact that our very first game of the season is actually a very important game for us. The shortened season makes each game a bit more significant. But on top of that, mentally for our team, beating the Celtics is a must. We played them so close in pretty much every game last year (except game 3 of the playoffs) but always came up short. If we can beat them in this first game, it would be a huge confidence boost for our team and would get us off on the right track for the season. Its gonna be a crazy Christmas.

  • Anonymous

    II hope Shawne takes a one year deal here. He’s good bench depth

  • Anonymous

    It’s also the shortest 3 on the court. For the great shooters it’s the easiest shot because they don’t need a backboard no matter where they shoot from.

  • Anonymous

    You should not have taken me back to that Kevin Love 30 30 game. It just reminds me and all defensive minded fans on how much we dislike the head coach. Poor defensive planning and poor defensive adjustments lead us to embarrassing loses such as the historic 30 30 game against our KNICKS. A 30 30 game has not happened in over 30 years in the NBA. If you notice during the entire season a player on each team had a career high against D’Antoni’s Knicks. Tyler Hansbrough had 29 points and 30 points in a back to back game on our beloved KNICKS. Other ridiculous numbers from players because of the lack of DEFENSE in 2011 were Griffins 44, Beasley 35, Bargnani 41, Udrih 29, Gordon, 35, Johnson 34, Brand 33, Salmons 27, Delfino 30, and DeRozan 36, I am going to leave out the elite scorers. We have a problem and Mike Woodson may be that answer but he is useless if D’Antoni is still in power. I hope I’m wrong.

    Williams is good player and one of my favorite role players but he is replaceable.

  • Anonymous

    I do think that Mike Woodson will make a difference on the defensive side of the ball, i also think that MD will be open to making MW make adjustments defensively as MD’s neck is on the line here.

  • Anonymous

    I wish there were more 7-footers who could shoot it. This is the fate we signed for when we gave Amar’e the max.

  • Anonymous

    EXACTLY. It’s actually one of the few 3 pointers that is worth shooting (the other being straight in from beyond the key). Most players can’t hit 3s from other locations at a high enough percentage to make it an intelligent and desirable shot.

  • Anonymous

    Those should be Landry Fields and Iman Shumperts shot all game long. They need to get comfortable in that corner.

  • The Glider

    I can hit corner shots all day long. Not a big deal.

    I’m ready Coach, I’m ready. And I promise I won’t hurt our cap.

  • Anonymous

    The corner three is far from a lost art. High School is where it is truly taught as a major weapon against the Zone defense. The basic play is called the “overload.” This is where the week side of the defense has to either guard the corner or give up a 2 footer if you overload any 2-1-2 Zone. Also the corner three is the shortest three of them all. But your right Tommy. The past rules of disallowing the Zone defense in the NBA will slowly bring back the corner three. MJ would not have a few of his rings if it weren’t for the lethal corner threes of Craig Hodges during the Bulls first “three peat”

  • http://twitter.com/anthonytdee207 anthony G. Decesare

    I do wonder if CP3 does get traded to Orl or LAC if infact they would look to trade for a guy that Amare wanted come now or at the trade deadline in Tony Parker. I mean say come the deadline the Spurs are playing ok..but showing their age a little, would the Spurs consider an offer of Billups’s expiring and Fields for Parker…just a thought.

  • Anonymous

    GIVE THAT MAN HIS MONEY NOW…
    OR HE GONNA ROBERT HORRY US LATER!

    DAMMIT!

    SINCERELY,

    BLACK DYNAMITE.

  • http://twitter.com/anthonytdee207 anthony G. Decesare

    Unless they just sit back wait till the off-season and if Howard and Paul are off the board and they try for Deron Williams and their not successful they look to take their cap space and use it on guys like Nash, Vince Carter and Marcus Camby…all 3 dudes are on the last year of their contracts, we get to keep our young players as well, nice mix of youth and vets i guess if you go that way and we can always buy 1st round picks..

  • Anonymous

    The chemistry and dynamic those two develop will be pivotal to the Knicks’ season. It’s clear that the team will improve. Regardless that Woodson’s never been seen as a defensive coordinator, as a responsable coach he takes care of that end as well, so it’ll be a big step from what the team has done thus far (no D), but I also hope he brings help to the offensive end as well.The current coach’s playbook needs a little ”tweaking”, to say the least, imo.
    I’ll bet he’s gonna be the one calling the shots in late game situation or late game adjustments.
    But once again, that relationship will define this team’s season.

  • Anonymous

    Hey biggie, goo to hear from you again my friend. It’s been too long. Little by little the classic TKB posters are returning.
    Great to have you back.

    And agreed. Williams should be kept. The guy loves the jersey, probably the hardest defender/worker the team has. He’s really turned it out around.

    Imo, he’s the only one that’ll be kept. I’ll be poopin’ kittens if ”Money” Mason’s still around.

  • Anonymous

    This is why I don’t understand the reports about us needing a shooter who can play defense, Williams fits the bill and is a decent defender.

    If we don’t sign him I can see him in MIA bombing us from downtown we don’t nee that.

  • Anonymous

    TOTALLY AGREE

  • Anonymous

    Heres a thought would anyone trade for R Lopez? Say Billy Walker plus 3 mil cash? I have been on this since last season cause i think it can work. Lopez has played in Mikes System and has been productive. I know ppl might say he was playing with Nash as such but his best season came when he started ALONGSIDE STAT. He is a banger and he matches up well with Noah

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_IRBXKEIXVMOUMM7CTZYDYIOCBQ speedster

    Would definitely do it for Walker plus cash. The question is, would Phoenix?

  • Anonymous

    I think the Suns would mainly because Sarver would be saving money, cause we would take Lopez plus give the Walker and pay for walkers salary and some with that 3 mil. Also if you look at Lopez’s playing time he barely plays and is glues to the bench, i think a change for arena would do wonders for him

  • http://www.youtube.com/tharealest62qb DaGawD

    Damnn 9mins of shawne willy that gotta be all his makes as a knick.

  • http://www.youtube.com/tharealest62qb DaGawD

    Woodson was a average coach in atlanta i’m not expecting any difference but a new face on the sideline

  • Anonymous
  • Anonymous

    Mike Woodson is just solid interim coach if/when D’antoni gets ousted mid season. At least Woodson has taken teams to the playoffs, we can’t trust Herb Williams to save the season.

  • Anonymous

    We need one who can play the two.

  • ReneNYK1

    He adds toughness which as a New York team we need because everyone hates us we have to be tougher than other teams,Williams gives us the Mase in your face toughness we need and so does Shumbert which I can’t wait to see.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_IRBXKEIXVMOUMM7CTZYDYIOCBQ speedster

    He was a the defensive coach for the Pistons the year they won the title. That team had great defensive players, but Im just sayin’ he’s had success. He built up Atlanta to where they are now. And its not like Atlanta has gotten that much better since he left. And he’s been on a team that’s won a title. I say that counts for something. And if Dantoni goes get fired this season, he could take over and do fine.

  • Anonymous

    The post said a small forward.

  • Anonymous

    Though the Knicks’ priority is a defensive center, they seem also intent on getting a 3-point-shooting small forward

    Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/knicks_eye_parker_zmW2tC0CgZLLQvjbFjSQGK#ixzz1fbIXTyuV

  • Anonymous

    I wouldn’t throw in 3 mil cash, straight up yeah

  • http://twitter.com/NYC_CHRIS Chris K

    anyone know when a schedule is being released?

  • Anonymous

    Release date is Tuesday night at 7 p.m on an NBATv special

    http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2011/12/2/2605314/nba-schedule-release-date-tv

  • Anonymous

    A year ago no one knew who Shawne Williams was.

  • http://twitter.com/ParzLou Parzlou

    Resigining Exta E should be a no brainer… Coach loves his corner three . plus he is an energy guy who can gaurd his postion and, the 5 if needed in a pinch . on another note… heard melo at the cuse/ fla game and he says he is ready to do battle with who ever is there on dec 9

    GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO KNICKS

  • Mr. Bloop33

    If you’re gonna use the TM make it count brotha lol.

  • ReneNYK1

    Not mine I like corner of free throw circle,but the corner is shortest distance.

  • Mr. Bloop33

    Half the people thought he was the knucklehead the Nets drafted. Where is that dude now?

  • Anonymous

    Why not the cash? It’s not our money, I’m sure Dolan wouldn’t care.

    PS the 3 million doesn’t count against the cap.

  • ReneNYK1

    They need to throw us Olafor and a number one and we can throw in Jeffries.LOL

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_IRBXKEIXVMOUMM7CTZYDYIOCBQ speedster

    Technically a year ago Knicks fans in the know were startin’ to realize we had something. But yeah, it was about this time last year he started making an impact. I can’t remember how early he first started playing a lot. I feel like it was after they were 3-8.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_ZW56AEBXQ5SRM6EZXELKJAQ3EE Hollis

    We wouldn’t be able to buy any picks come draft time because you can only spend 3 mil per year

  • Anonymous

    @Al_Iannazzone Ex-Net Bostjan Nachbar is expected to work out for the #Knicks on Tuesday. Nachbar played for D’Antoni in Italy. #nyk
    18 minutes ago

  • Anonymous

    @BigJorts55 I’m finally in New York time to get to work! Missing everyone who I left but ready for this journey! Let’s do big things! #NYK
    1 hour ago

  • Anonymous

    No, i dont think thats true. We sent $3 million in cash forthe Melo trade and then bought Jorts I believe.

  • The Glider

    I grew up watching Bill Bradley and Dave Debusschere his that shot routinely.

    The corner of the free throw circle is historically not a high % shot (according to Bill Russell). Debusschere took hit that one routinely too.

  • ReneNYK1

    It depends on you strong eye,my left eye is better for distance I found out so I could shoot better from the right side of the top of the key,Debussher loved it .

    In a message dated 12/4/2011 5:37:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, writes:

    (http://disqus.com/)

    The Glider wrote, in response to ReneNYK1:
    I grew up watching Bill Bradley and Dave Debusschere his that shot routinely.

    The corner of the free throw circle is historically not a high % shot (according to Bill Russell). Debusschere took hit that one routinely too.
    _Link to comment_ (http://disq.us/4g75dl)

  • Anonymous

    Interesting could be a 4 that can really stretch the floor…interesting to say the least..Check out the hops over dalembert..jeez….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B29TMNP37OY&feature=fvwrel

  • Fields Fanatic

    He was the guy that beat PEJ out of the final roster spot and got no love here.

  • Anonymous

    Per Alex Kennedy
    Dwight Howard – With free agency looming after this year, Howard’s name will come up repeatedly this season and the Magic will have to decide what to do with their superstar. He can opt out of his contract in July so Orlando risks losing him for nothing if they don’t make a deal. The New Jersey Nets are preparing to make an offer today and the Magic can expect calls from every other team in the league as well. The Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics and New York Knicks have also expressed their interest in Howard. This drama will likely carry on throughout the season, at least until March’s trade deadline.

  • Anonymous

    Chill on the cash. New CBA caps it at $3m for the whole year. We may need that loot for a Paul trade or to buy a draft pick in this years deep draft.

  • Anonymous

    Bill Ingram – 12/04/2011 3:30pm EST

    The Orlando Magic have been presented with a golden opportunity, one that no one imagined they would ever get. All-Star center Dwight Howard has made it clear to Magic GM Otis Smith that he wants to be in Orlando long-term, and will even sign an extension if the Magic can land one of two players:

    Chris Paul or Monta Ellis.

    The odds that Orlando can find an offer that would entice the New Orleans Hornets into parting with Chris Paul is extremely slim. It’s just not likely that the Hornets are going to want something like Jameer Nelson, Brandon Bass and Ryan Anderson in exchange for the best point guard in the NBA.

    Ellis, on the other hand . . .the Magic just might be able to make something happen there.

    One of the players the Warriors have targeted in free agency is Jason Richardson, someone who is technically still part of the Magic organization . . .at least in as much as they could re-sign him and trade him to the Warriors without having to worry about going over the salary cap. The Warriors will eventually have to accept the fact that running two point guards together in the backcourt is not going to be a winning scenario. It makes a lot more sense to start Richardson next to Steph Curry, which is where the Magic come in.

    If the Magic and Warriors consummate a deal it would allow the Warriors to add Richardson without adding to their own cap. It would also mean – if Dwight is serious – that the Magic could keep Dwight long-term.

    It’s not clear whether or not Ellis and Howard together make the Magic significantly better than they are at present . . .but if it keeps Dwight in town it’s a deal worth making for Orlando.

  • Anonymous

    Pat Riley Pulling Out All Stops for Battier?

    December 4, 2011

    Once NBA teams can speak with free agents beginning Monday, Miami Heat president Pat Riley has his franchise in strong position to sell Shane Battier on signing to play with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

    Battier has been a primary target in free agency for the Heat, and sources say the pitch of Riley, coach Erik Spoelstra and key Heat players could ultimately confirm Battier’s strong feelings about chasing a championship in Miami.

    Battier, 33, is still studying the marketplace, and how his personal scenario could change as different teams use the amnesty clause to create salary-cap space. Nevertheless, Miami currently stands as the most compelling option for him.

    via Adrian Wojnarowksi of Yahoo! Sports

  • Anonymous

    Ellis+Howard vs Iverson+Mutombo. Which is better?

  • Anonymous

    Did not know that thanks for the info

  • Anonymous

    Iverson>Ellis Howard > Mutombo It depends on who they are playing with.On pure talent alone(and attitude) I like Ellis + Howard. Who do you like and why? thanks

  • Anonymous

    I wrestle back and forth with it. Mutombo IMO was a better defender than Dwight, but couldn’t touch him on offense. But Iverson was the truth himself,made up for Dikembo deficiencies. Ellis is really just a broke man’s Iverson so its really debatable. And Howard is well… Howard.

    I would probably go Iverson Mutombo

  • Anonymous

    I knew you would go Iverson-Mutombo I said Iverson was better than Ellis but Iverson always needed an attitude adjustment and a shrink. Mutombo did not play offense well.D12has more potential on defense than Mutombo and of course he has game.Mutombo’s defense was about blocking shots.

  • Anonymous

    C’mon Brookdon, the example you cite was from the previous CBA, get with the program.

  • Anonymous

    Thank you!
    Everyone on this site was griping that we should have kept PEJ for some kind of nepotistic/nostalgic reasons.

  • Anonymous

    LOL I didn’t see any reason why they would change it.