The NBA’s Three-Point Conundrum: A Counterpoint to the Optimists
As a self-proclaimed representative of the NBA casuals, I’m compelled to respond to the recent blog post by Greenie, which downplays the growing criticism of the league’s three-point shooting phenomenon. Having recently published a blog post highlighting the alarming trends in three-point data, I’m more than happy to engage in a respectful discussion with Greenie, who I’ve had the pleasure of exchanging views with.
A Tale of Two Perspectives
Greenie’s argument hinges on the notion that critics of the NBA’s three-point shooting are not watching the games, and therefore, cannot accurately assess the situation. However, this line of thinking is flawed. As casual fans, we don’t need to watch every game to recognize when players are not giving their full effort, settling for quick threes with minimal ball movement. We’ve all experienced the frustration of turning off games due to the lack of excitement and competitiveness.
The JJ Reddick Factor
Greenie cites JJ Reddick’s interview as evidence that the NBA’s three-point shooting is not the problem. While Reddick is an intelligent and entertaining personality, his bias as a current coach and prolific three-point shooter cannot be ignored. It’s unlikely that any coach would admit that their teaching methods are boring, especially when they’ve built a career around them. Moreover, Reddick’s argument that the NBA’s ratings decline is due to online haters is a weak attempt to shift the blame.
The Beauty of Ball Movement
Greenie does make a valid point about the beauty of ball movement leading to uncontested three-point shots. The Celtics and Warriors are excellent examples of teams that execute this strategy effectively. However, this is not the norm, and the ratings decline suggests that fans are not entertained by the current style of play.
Shot Variation: A Deeper Dive
Greenie’s graph showing the decline of long-two point shots and the rise of threes is misleading. It fails to distinguish between short and long midrange shots, hiding the finer details of the league’s shot distribution. The truth is, the midrange is being carved out, and analytics are driving teams to prioritize three-point shots.
A Call to Action: Bring Back Physicality
Despite our differences, Greenie and I agree that the NBA needs to address its lack of physicality. The removal of hand checking has led to a decrease in defensive intensity, and the over-reliance on analytics has resulted in a less exciting product. By reintroducing physicality and re-adjusting officiating to allow for more contact, the NBA can create a more balanced and engaging game.
In conclusion, while Greenie and I may have differing opinions on the NBA’s three-point shooting, we both recognize that the league needs to make changes to improve the overall product. By acknowledging the problems and working together, we can create a more exciting and competitive NBA experience for fans.
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