Carla Leite is putting together a solid first season in the WNBA. Despite limited playing time in a few games, Leite was able to make an impact in the Valkyries’ overtime win over the Los Angeles Sparks. She finished the game with 15 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one steal. While Leite did plenty of good things in the game, her 0-7 shooting from three also stood out.
3-point shooting has been an issue for Leite all season long. Over nine games, she has only converted three of her 24 attempts from long range. While it is encouraging that Leite doesn’t get discouraged and feels comfortable taking shots even after a few losses, her lack of accuracy is concerning.
Improving her 3-point percentage could be the key to taking her game to the next level.
An improved 3-point shot would give Leite a more complete package
Carla Leite is only 21 years old but already has an impressive skill set. She can handle the ball, navigate pick-and-rolls well, and is very fast getting to the rim. Defensively, she can also hold her own. Against the Sparks, she guarded Kelsey Plum for most of her time on the court. That is not an assignment you give to a rookie unless you have faith in her defensive capabilities.
Leite’s ability to defend, get to the rim, and run pick-and-rolls makes her fun to watch and a great backup guard option for the Valkyries. If she can improve her 3-point percentage, she should be able to become much more than that.
An improved 3-point shot would give Leite a pretty much complete package at the guard spot. It would also drastically improve her production. The Valkyries generate plenty of open threes, but the only players knocking them down consistently are Cecilia Zandalasini, Kate Martin, and Janelle Salaün. Adding her name to that list could open the door for increased playing time for Leite and guarantee a role in the WNBA for several seasons.
Teams will always want a guard who can run the offense, get to the rim, space the floor, and defend other ball handlers well.
3-point shooting is a general issue for the Valkyries
Leite is not the only Valkyries player struggling from three. Golden State is currently the worst 3-point shooting team in the league, converting only 27.3 percent of its shots. Considering that the Valkyries average the most threes per game, that is a major issue. The team’s offense would be much more difficult to stop if more threes were falling. It would also help the team make up for its lack of size.
With Cecilia Zandalasini and Janelle Salaün set to miss some games due to EuroBasket, the Valkyries will lose two of their best 3-point shooters. Other players will have to step up in their absence.