Luke Kennard is widely known as a three point specialist. While this label isn't necessarily incorrect, it understates just how much Kennard brings to the table.
After losing Tyus Jones in free agency last season, the Grizzlies faced a problem similar to one the Atlanta Hawks are currently battling: They had no proven backup point guard to back up their star. They trusted, however, that their bench backcourt of Kennard and Scotty Pippen Jr. could pick up the slack.
This was a successful gamble, as Kennard truly thrived in this role. His box score stats might not jump off the page, but his impact was certainly felt. Hawks voice David Lee spoke about this on the Locked On Hawks Podcast, citing that Luke Kennard was in the 90th percentile of potential assists per 36 minutes last season.
Kennard uses his three point shot to create looks for others
The downstream effects of being a lethal shooter cannot be understated. Kennard is the active career three point percentage leader on a very difficult shot diet. Every time he catches the ball, regardless of where he is, his defender is worried about a three. This attention inevitably leads to overzealous closeouts, giving Kennard a free path to the paint.
Kennard isn't the high-flying rim finisher that his teammate Ja Morant is, however, to be able to score off these opportunities himself. Instead, he has developed into one of the league's best playmakers, dissecting the weaknesses in the help defense and executing with a deep bag of pass types. While his limitations as a finisher cap his value as an offensive player, this isn't felt when given a supporting cast that can capitalize on the pressure Kennard creates.
Modern NBA offenses are built on the concept of creating an advantage, which is maintained through a series of correct decisions until the offense ultimately converts it into points. The initial advantage often comes through a pick and roll or isolation, where a star like Trae Young beats his defender. After drawing help defense, the two teams battle in a beautifully chaotic series of driving to the paint and kicking to the open man, hopefully creating a high-quality shot in the process.
To be a good playmaker in today's NBA, you have to be able to create the initial advantage through the threat of your individual scoring ability. Kennard's generational three-ball is so threatening that it has given him the ability to beat players without even dribbling the ball. When you consider his pick and roll chops, he has multiple ways to attack a defense and create advantages.
This skillset is incredibly valuable for the Hawks in particular, who have a host of players who can score when others create the initial advantage. Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu are dangerous when given room to drive to the paint; Zaccharie Risacher and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are three point threats the defense cannot ignore.
While Young and Jalen Johnson are capable of creating the initial advantage, Kennard's presence will provide a stabilizing effect. Even if one of Atlanta's stars is sidelined or having a poor night, Atlanta should always have at least one person on the court who can get the ball rolling for the offense.