Andrew Pace
Basketball has undergone significant changes over the last two decades. The sport has become faster and more athletic, with players taller and heavier than their historical counterparts. The game has also become more strategic, with the rise of data analytics and new offensive and defensive tactics, such as the increasing use of the three-point shot and the decline of the mid-range jump shot. The NBA itself has also evolved, with more teams and higher salaries for players, who have benefited from lucrative endorsement deals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of teams | 14 in 1969-1970; 30 today |
| Average player height | 6-foot-5 in 1969; 6-foot-7 today |
| Average player weight | 205 pounds in 1969; 220 pounds today |
| Hand-checking | Banned in 2004 |
| Speed of play | Increased due to more 3-point attempts |
| Possession per game | Jumped from fewer than 96 to about 101 over the last 10 years |
| Mid-range jump shot | Decreased |
| Endorsement deals | Turned the NBA into a revenue-generating machine for corporate America |
| Player salaries | $100,000 in 1969; $201.16 million contract for 5 years in 2022 |
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What You'll Learn
The death of small ball
Over the last 20 years, the NBA has undergone several significant changes, from increased endorsement deals to the emergence of data analytics. One notable strategic shift has been the rise and subsequent decline of "small ball".
Small ball refers to a style of play where teams opt for smaller, faster, and more agile players instead of the traditional "big men" who dominated the game in previous decades. This strategy creates mismatches for the opposing defence, as smaller players can shoot from longer distances, stretch the defence, and exploit driving lanes. Additionally, smaller players tend to be faster, allowing them to outrun defences and score more points on fast breaks.
The team that popularized small ball was the Golden State Warriors between 2014 and 2019. They effectively utilised small ball lineups, earning them the nickname "Death Lineup". During this period, the Warriors won three NBA titles and set a new record for wins. Their success led some analysts to predict that small ball was the future of basketball, with teams moving towards positionless basketball.
However, small ball also has its drawbacks. While it adds speed and agility, it sacrifices strength and height, making it challenging to guard the space under the basket and limiting the team's offensive options near the basket. A notable example of small ball's shortcomings was the 2018 Western Conference finals, where the Houston Rockets, despite being the top seed and the best team of the season, were pushed to a deciding Game 7 by the Golden State Warriors.
While small ball can be effective with the right personnel, it is not a universally successful strategy. As the NBA continues to evolve, teams will need to adapt their strategies and find new ways to gain an edge over their opponents. The death of small ball signifies a return to traditional lineups and a recognition that while speed and agility are advantageous, the presence of taller and stronger players cannot be overlooked.
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Increased speed of play
Over the last 20 years, the speed of play in basketball has increased significantly. This is due to several factors, including rule changes, increased athleticism of players, and strategic developments.
One of the main contributors to the increased speed of play is the rise in three-point attempts. In recent years, there has been a huge increase in the number of three-point shots taken, which has led to more rebounds and possessions per team per game. This has resulted in a faster-paced game with more scoring opportunities. The focus on three-point shooting has also led to the near elimination of the mid-range jump shot, which was a staple of the game in the past.
The ban on hand-checking in 2004 has also played a role in increasing the speed of play. By curtailing this defensive technique, the game became more fast-paced and free-flowing, as players had more space and freedom to move and drive to the basket.
In addition, the players themselves have become faster and more athletic. The average NBA player today is taller and heavier than their counterparts from 20 years ago, combining size with increased speed and agility. This has resulted in a more dynamic and rapid style of play, as players are capable of covering more ground and making quicker moves.
Strategic developments have also contributed to the increased speed of play. For example, the "inverted pick and roll" involves a big player running the pick-and-roll with smaller screeners, creating a mismatch and taking advantage of the speed and agility of taller players. This can lead to a quick transition to offense, making it challenging for the defense to keep up.
The combination of rule changes, athletic advancements, and strategic innovations has resulted in a noticeable increase in the speed of play in basketball over the last 20 years, contributing to a more exciting and dynamic game for fans to enjoy.
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Players are taller and more athletic
Over the last 20 years, the game of basketball has evolved significantly, with players becoming taller and more athletic. Height has always been an advantage in basketball, and this has become even more evident in recent years. The average height of an NBA player has increased over time, with the current average being around 6-foot-7, up from 6-foot-5 in 1969. This increase in height provides players with a number of advantages, including a greater maximum jump height, a shorter distance to the basket, and a better chance of blocking shots.
The emphasis on height in basketball has led to the emergence of a \"small-ball\" style of play, where teams prioritize having players with similar physical attributes and skill sets. This style of play often features taller players who are more accurate shooters and can contribute to a faster-paced game. In addition, the increasing involvement of international players, particularly from Europe, has contributed to the evolution of the small-ball game. These players often possess strong ball-handling skills and a team-oriented mindset, making them valuable assets.
The advantages of height in basketball are not limited to jump height and shot-blocking. Taller players also benefit from having a lower centre of gravity, which provides better balance. Additionally, their longer arms and legs give them a longer reach, making it easier to retrieve balls and block shots. This advantage is particularly evident in positions like the centre, where players contest for first possession or "hit out" after each goal.
While height is a significant factor in basketball, it is not the only determinant of success. Athleticism and skill play crucial roles as well. Taller players may have advantages in certain aspects of the game, but shorter players can excel in other areas, such as retrieving loose balls or utilizing their pace and power to evade opponents. Additionally, shorter players may have an easier time manipulating their bodies in the air, allowing them to make agile moves that taller players might struggle with.
The evolution of basketball towards taller and more athletic players has had a significant impact on the sport. The increase in height and athleticism has led to faster-paced games, more rebounds, and higher individual productivity. This evolution is also reflected in the rebounding patterns, with offensive rebounding on the decline and defensive rebounding maintained or improved by taller players.
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More teams
Basketball has seen a significant expansion in the number of teams participating in the sport over the last 20 years. This growth has led to a larger and more diverse league, with more opportunities for players and fans alike.
Historically, the National Basketball Association (NBA) had a smaller number of teams, with 14 teams in total during the 1969-1970 season, divided equally between the Western and Eastern Divisions. However, in recent years, the NBA has experienced a boom in team numbers. As of the date of writing, there are now 30 teams in the NBA, with an additional team in each conference compared to 50 years ago. This increase in teams has resulted in a larger and more diverse league, with a wider range of players and playing styles.
The expansion of the NBA has had several positive impacts on the sport. Firstly, it has created more opportunities for players to showcase their talents and pursue professional basketball careers. With more teams, there are more roster spots available, increasing the chances for aspiring players to make it to the big leagues. Secondly, a larger league means more games, more matchups, and more strategies, which can lead to increased excitement and interest from fans. The expansion of the NBA has also contributed to the globalization of the sport, with teams now located in different parts of the world, expanding the fan base and creating new markets for basketball.
The increase in teams has also led to a shift in strategies and playing styles. With more teams and players, the competition has become more intense, driving teams to innovate and adapt their tactics. This has resulted in the development of new offensive and defensive strategies, such as the emergence of small ball, where smaller, faster players are utilized to create a quicker and more dynamic style of play. This style of play contrasts with the traditional big man game, which dominated the sport for many years.
The expansion of the NBA has also had an impact on the business side of the sport. With more teams, the league has become a more significant economic force, generating more revenue and creating more jobs. The increase in teams has also led to the development of new markets and sponsorship opportunities, as companies seek to associate themselves with the growing popularity of the sport. Additionally, the expansion of the league has contributed to the development of basketball culture, with more teams leading to a wider range of fan communities and increasing the sport's impact on popular culture.
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Endorsement deals
LeBron James, a four-time NBA champion, exemplifies the significant earnings from endorsements. In 2023, James made approximately $46 million with the Los Angeles Lakers, while his endorsement deals with Nike, Beats By Dre, and PepsiCo brought in nearly double that amount, totaling around $80 million. James has also signed deals with AT&T, GMC, CarMax, and Subway, showcasing the diverse range of companies seeking to associate themselves with basketball stars.
Kobe Bryant, who retired from the Lakers in 2016, is another example of the long-term financial gains from endorsement deals. Throughout his career, Bryant earned over $600 million from endorsements, and this figure continued to grow during his retirement. His contract with Nike in 2014, worth $75 million over five years, demonstrates the substantial value attached to these agreements.
The evolution of endorsement deals in basketball over the last 20 years has transformed the financial landscape for players. These deals have provided athletes with substantial earnings, often exceeding their salaries, and have contributed to the overall revenue generation within the sport. The impact of endorsement deals initiated by pioneers like Michael Jordan continues to be felt, shaping the way companies and athletes interact and create mutually beneficial partnerships.
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Frequently asked questions
The average height and weight of players have increased. In 1969, the average NBA player stood at 6-foot-5 and weighed about 205 pounds. Today, the average height is 6-foot-7 and the weight is 220 pounds.
In 2004, the NBA completely banned hand-checking. This rule change has led to an increase in the speed of play, with more 3-point attempts and possessions per game.
The rise of the 3-point shot has led to a decline in the mid-range jump shot. Teams now make several passes on the 3-point perimeter to find an open player, increasing the speed of play and individual productivity.
The NBA has become a revenue-generating machine for corporate America, with athletes signing huge endorsement deals. In 2018, the NBA's top 10 earners made a combined $234 million off the court, a significant increase from other sports.
The number of teams has increased. In 1969-1970, there were 14 NBA teams, while today there are 30, with 15-16 teams in each conference.
