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First, it's important to note that Villanueva is an average three-point shooter. He's currently shooting 32.1 percentage, not far off his career average. The league average is 34.9 percent. The analysis can be narrowed further when you consider the average of forwards that play more than 25 minutes a game is 33.8 percent.
Knowing that Villanueva isn't exceptional from outside is more difficult to digest when you realize how incredible he's played close to the basket this season. At the rim, Villanueva is shooting 77.0 percent and within ten feet of the basket he's shooting at a 65.0 percent clip.
Compare those numbers to other power forwards around the league that are playing as many minutes as Villanueva. The average shooting percentage at rim among those players is 63.6 percent. Within ten feet they're shooting 46.6 percent.
You can't argue with Villanueva's efficiency near the rim this season. Considering that the Pistons' guards continue to rely on one-on-one basketball in the half court, they need Villanueva to spend a little more time with his back to the basket and less time on the arc.
Two other benefits of having Villanueva down low are free throw attempts and offensive rebounds. He is a quality free throw shooter, averaging nearly 79 percent from the line for his career. It's a given that you'll draw more fouls playing in the paint as opposed to floating on the perimeter.
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There's nothing wrong with being a stretch forward and shooting the occasional three-point shot. By having the weapon in his arsenal, Villanueva can keep his defender on his toes and open up space on the court for his teammates. But for all of these reasons discussed, Villanueva should focus on shifting his play a little more to the paint as this season progresses.
