there’s no evidence KP is a better shooter than Towns.

I disagree.

KP’s shot selection is a lot worse than Towns’s. I’m not talking about the fact that Towns is stronger and can get some shots inside that perhaps KP can’t. I’m saying that Towns does not shoot nearly as many trash off balance and fade away 2s or try to force things up against a double team etc.. KP also takes some 3s when defended and from far past the 3 point line. Towns doesn’t do that. That’s why if you compare their shooting statistics they may seem similar when in fact if KP would simply eliminate the trash his shooting stats would be much better. He might score less than Towns because he can’t get some of that stuff inside, but I’d way rather he score 20 per 36 with a TS% of 60% than what he’s doing now.

100% agree.

Even without further development, D’Antoni and the Rockets would eliminate most of the long 2s and off balance fadeaway 2s. You should only be shooting shots like that late in the clock. That doesn’t mean he should never shoot a mid range shot. There are times he’s squared up, comfortable, and can easily shoot over a shorter player from 10-12 feet. He’s going to make enough of those to take them because the alternative will often be worse. But I’d rather anyone on the team take a a decent shot over KP taking an off balance long fadeaway 2. They would easily get his TS% to 60%. He’s a terrific shooter. He just takes way more bad shots than a lot of guys.