DeMarcus Nelson has a new jump shot and it looks a lot better

December 7, 7:34 PMGolden State Warriors ExaminerMatt Steinmetz

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DeMarcus Nelson: Jumper looks better 

DeMarcus Nelson made it very simple when he was asked about being sent down to the D-League.

“They sent me down here on a special assignment,” Nelson said. “And that’s my job: To get this assignment done.”

Of course, the assignment is only done when he’s back in the NBA for good. And the best way for Nelson to make it back from Bakersfield is to improve on one thing: His shot.

“This is a good chance for me to correct the technique on my shooting form,” Nelson said. “I think that’s the last part of my development as a player. It’s the biggest jump I can make, once I can correct that and become more of a consistent shooter.

“When guys have to honor my shot, that’s going to expand my game more and it should really create longevity for me in the league.”

He means in the NBA, of course, and not the D-League.

Anyone who saw Nelson take some jumpers for the Warriors earlier this season wouldn’t recognize Nelson’s jumper now.

It’s less herky-jerky, more fluid, and Nelson no longer has that exaggerated release point from almost behind his head.

It looks a lot better. And it showed.

Nelson had 24 points _ on 10-for-12 shooting _ and seven rebounds on Saturday night against the Utah Flash.

He knocked down five outside jump shots, including his ony 3-pointer from straight on.

“I’m changing the form a little bit, make sure to keep the elbow tucked in, arc on the shot, and hand underneath the ball," Nelson said. "A term coach (Don) Nelson uses is “ball on a platter.

“I’m trying to remember those things and be consistent with that. Just pound it, pound it, and make it muscle memory.”

DeMarcus Nelson is playing a lot of shooting guard for the Bakersfield Jam, whose starting point guard is Mateen Cleaves.

He played almost exclusively at the point for the Warriors earlier this season.

Nelson is barely three months into his professional journey, and it’s already had ups and downs and then some.

He went undrafted out of Duke, but latched on with the Warriors’ summer league teams. He was then invited to camp with a non-guarantee and proceeded to make the team.

Not only did Nelson make the team, he would become the opening night starter at point guard.

Next thing he knows, he's off to the D-League.

“Initially when I got the news I was coming down here, I was upset and I was confused,” Nelson said. “I was starting and playing well and I was in the rotation. But you never know what management is thinking.

“After I talked to Coach (Nelson) and talked to some people in management, it made more sense. After that, it was like: This is what they want me to do and I’m going to make the most of the situation.”

DeMarcus Nelson also knew the reality. He wasn’t a high draft pick or even a draft pick at all.

“They could have just waived me,” Nelson said. “It could have been a lot worse. They could have waived me and I’d be overseas right now or just another guy fighting to get a call-up. That in and of itself shows how much they think of me."