The mid-range shot is often seen as a mostly bad shot in the analytics world. They like to see a player attempt a 3-pointer or a shot at the rim; otherwise, the possession isn’t optimal for the offense.
Sure, mid-range shots aren’t as prevalent as they were in previous eras of the NBA. Especially in a playoff setting, though, when defenses do their darndest to shut down threes and layups, those 2-pointers from outside the paint still have to be attempted at times.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels is off to a great start from the mid-range this season.