Kristian Ferrell
The three-point shot revolution has sparked a debate about whether the increased focus on three-pointers is ruining professional basketball. Critics argue that the emphasis on three-pointers has led to a decline in the midrange game and has resulted in teams playing in a more homogeneous style. They also believe that the three-pointer has decreased the value of other shots and made the game less exciting. However, others argue that the three-pointer has made the game more democratic, as it is a skill that can be developed through practice, and that the concerns about the three-pointer may be exaggerated. While the number of three-pointers continues to rise, the average expected value of three-pointers has decreased since the 2017-18 season. The NBA is considering making changes to address these concerns, but the league's survey panel shows younger fans are more positive about the volume of three-pointers than older fans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of 3-point attempts | Increased in each of the previous 10 seasons, from 22.2% in 2010-11 to 39.2% in 2020-21 |
| Teams winning without making 3-pointers | A team hasn't won a game without making a 3-pointer in eight years |
| 3-point specialists | Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Damian Lillard |
| Average expected value of 3-pointers | Less than 2-pointers since the 2017-18 season |
| Current 3-point line distance | 23 feet, 9 inches (22 feet in the corners) |
| Discussion topics among NBA executives | Impact of basketball analytics and the 3-point 'moneyball' era on the popularity of the game |
| Critics of the 3-point revolution | Vernon "Mad Max" Maxwell, old-school players |
| Impact on the midrange game | Decline in midrange players and play style |
| Accessibility of 3-point shooting | Requires less athleticism and is more achievable for players |
| Criticisms of 3-pointers | Leads to similar play styles among teams, less exciting basketball, and more blowouts |
| Fan perception | Younger fans are more positive about the style of play and volume of 3s than older ones |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The three-point shot is less valuable now than in the past
The decline in the relative value of three-pointers can be understood in the context of the "3-point 'moneyball' era," where basketball analytics played a significant role in shaping team strategies. As teams focused more on maximizing the number of three-point shots, the law of diminishing returns came into play. The increased supply of three-point shots has resulted in a decrease in their relative value, with teams now recognizing the importance of balancing their shot selection with more high-percentage two-point shots.
One of the key criticisms of the emphasis on three-point shooting is that it has led to a decline in the midrange game. Legendary players like Hakeem Olajuwon, known for their exceptional midrange skills, are becoming a rarity in the modern game. The midrange game requires a unique set of athletic abilities and strategies that are being overlooked in favor of the more democratic approach of focusing on three-point shots. This has resulted in concerns that the game is becoming less dynamic and that players are becoming more specialized in three-point shooting at the expense of developing a diverse skill set.
Additionally, the increased focus on three-point shooting has led to a perception of homogenization among teams. Critics argue that teams are starting to look similar in their offensive strategies, with a heavy emphasis on three-point shots and layups. This has led to concerns that the game is becoming less tactically diverse and that the unique identities of teams are being lost. While younger fans generally view the increase in three-point shooting positively, older fans often prefer the traditional styles of play that emphasized a broader range of offensive strategies.
The decline in the relative value of three-pointers has also been acknowledged by figures within the NBA. Daryl Morey, one of the pioneers of the three-point revolution, expressed concerns that the heavy emphasis on three-point shooting might be "turning toward making the game worse." This sentiment is shared by players and analysts, who believe that the game has strayed too far from its traditional roots, and that a rebalancing of offensive strategies is necessary to restore the dynamic and exciting nature of the sport.
Choosing Your Basketball Position: Factors to Consider
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Teams are playing more similarly
The increased focus on three-pointers in basketball has led to criticism that teams are becoming increasingly similar in their playing styles. This is because the three-point shot has become so dominant that teams are abandoning other strategies, such as the midrange game, which has led to a perception of a lack of variety in the sport.
Vernon Maxwell, a retired NBA guard, is one of the most vocal critics of the three-point revolution. He argues that the game has changed too much, with big guys now running from three-point line to three-point line instead of dominating the paint. This change in strategy has led to a more homogeneous style of play across the league, with teams prioritising three-pointers and layups over other types of shots.
This criticism is not just coming from former players and fans but also from within the NBA itself. Daryl Morey, the Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations and one of the architects of the three-point revolution, has expressed concern that the league has hit a point where the emphasis on three-pointers is "turning toward making the game worse." There is a worry that the game is becoming less dynamic and exciting, with teams appearing to copy each other's strategies and abandoning more traditional, varied styles of play.
The data supports the claim that teams are playing more similarly. The Denver Nuggets, the lowest team in 3-point volume in the 2024-25 season, would have led the NBA in three-point attempts as recently as 2013-14, illustrating how the entire league has shifted towards a three-point-centric style of play. This shift has led to concerns that the game is becoming less tactically diverse, with teams seemingly all adopting the same strategy.
While the three-point revolution has undoubtedly changed the way basketball is played, it has also levelled the playing field to some extent. Developing a dominant three-point shot is more accessible than developing the rare athleticism required to excel in the midrange game. This accessibility has allowed a wider range of players to succeed in the NBA, creating a more democratic league where success is not solely dependent on exceptional physical gifts.
Calf Raises: Basketball Performance and Injury Prevention
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The midrange game has vanished
The three-point shot revolution has arguably diminished the midrange game in basketball. The midrange game, exemplified by players like Hakeem Olajuwon, has become less prominent as teams increasingly focus on three-pointers or dunks/layups. This shift has led to concerns that basketball has become less exciting to watch and that the game has strayed from its traditional essence.
The midrange game has long been associated with a unique athleticism and grace that set players apart. Olajuwon, for example, was known for his exceptional moves 10 to 15 feet from the basket, an area where he displayed unparalleled skill and ease. However, with the rise of three-point shooting, some believe that the rarity and excitement of the midrange game have faded.
The shift towards three-pointers is evident in the increasing number of three-point attempts in recent seasons. The focus on three-pointers has also influenced player positions and strategies, with even big guys running from three-point line to three-point line to shoot threes. This change in gameplay has sparked debates about whether the increased focus on three-pointers has taken away from the traditional aspects of the game.
Some argue that the three-point revolution has made the game more accessible and "democratic." Anyone can develop a lethal three-point shot with enough practice, whereas excelling in the midrange game requires a rarer combination of athleticism and skill. This shift has allowed players with less traditional athletic abilities to find success in the NBA, such as Sam Hauser of the Boston Celtics.
While the three-point revolution has its supporters and has opened up opportunities for different types of players, the disappearance of the midrange game remains a concern for many basketball enthusiasts. The midrange game was an integral part of basketball's history and provided a showcase of exceptional athletic abilities. As the game continues to evolve, finding a balance between embracing innovation and preserving the essence of the sport will be crucial for the NBA and its fans.
Fun Basketball Drills: Keeping Young Players Engaged
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It's harder to get excited about three-point shots
While the three-point shot has been a game-changer in the NBA, some argue that it is harder to get excited about three-point shots. The three-point shot has become so common that it is no longer a special or exciting moment in a game. The focus on three-pointers has shifted the game away from the traditional midrange and low-post play, which some fans find less interesting to watch.
The three-point shot has become so prevalent that it is no longer a rare or impressive feat. In the past, players like Ray Allen were considered exceptional if they averaged 6 to 8 three-point attempts per game. Now, it is common for players to average 9 to 10 attempts, and even players who are not known for their athletic ability can become proficient three-point shooters. The increased focus on three-pointers has led to a decline in the midrange game, with players like Hakeem Olajuwon, considered the best midrange player of all time, becoming less common.
Some fans find the emphasis on three-pointers boring and predictable. They argue that teams are starting to look the same, with a focus on hunting for three-pointers and layups rather than a variety of shots and strategies. The three-point shot has also led to more blowouts due to the higher variance associated with three-pointers. If a team gets hot from three-point range, they can quickly build a large lead that is hard to come back from.
The shift towards three-pointers has also changed the way players move on the court. In the past, big guys would play close to the basket, but now they are running from three-point line to three-point line to shoot threes. This has taken away from the traditional style of play and the skills of big men in the low post.
While the three-point shot has added a new dimension to the game, the excessive focus on it has taken away from other aspects of the game that many fans find exciting. The three-point shot is no longer a rare or exciting event, and the predictability of teams focusing heavily on three-pointers can make the game less engaging for some fans.
Installing a Basketball Pole: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The three-point focus has taken away from the game
The three-point revolution has also sparked a debate about the value of shots. While the number of three-point attempts continues to rise, a recent study by Shane Sanders and Justin Ehrlich shows that the average expected value of three-pointers has become less than two-pointers since the 2017-18 season. This suggests that teams may be better off emphasizing more high-percentage two-point shots.
The emphasis on three-pointers has also led to concerns about the entertainment value of the game. Some viewers find the increased number of three-point shots less exciting and boring, with one commentator noting that "it fuc*ed the game up." The shift away from the mid-range game and the athleticism it required has also been lamented, with some believing that basketball is no longer as fun to watch.
Additionally, the three-point focus may have contributed to a perception of sameness among teams and players. The mid-range game allowed for more unique styles of play and individual athleticism to shine, whereas the three-point game can be mastered by anyone willing to put in the hours in the gym. This has led to criticisms that the NBA is becoming a "cookie-cutter" league, with teams copying each other's strategies and players all aiming for the same shot selections.
While the three-point revolution has its supporters and has undoubtedly changed the landscape of the NBA, there are valid concerns that the focus on three-pointers may have taken away from the game's traditional strengths and entertainment value.
Ian Jackson's Height: A Basketball Advantage?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Many people think that the increased focus on three-point shooting has taken away from the game and ruined it. However, some people think that the three-point shot has made the game better by increasing the pace, skill, versatility, and fun of the game.
According to a study by Shane Sanders and Justin Ehrlich, while the number of three-point shots continues to increase, the average expected value of three-pointers has become less than two-pointers since the 2017-18 season. This suggests that there is now too much three-point shooting for a point-maximizing offense.
Some players, like Vernon "Mad Max" Maxwell, think that the increased focus on three-pointers has hurt the game. He believes that the NBA has strayed too far from what once made it great. Other players, like Larry Johnson, have expressed confusion about the modern game, noting that it is now all about shooting threes and scoring a lot of points without much defense.
