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The NBA is witnessing a dramatic shift in its offensive approach, with 3-point attempts hitting an all-time high this season. On average, each game sees 75.2 3-pointers attempted, a significant increase from 70.2 attempts per game last season, which was previously a record. Just a decade ago, that number was only 44.8 attempts per game. The Boston Celtics, last season’s champions, led the league in 3-point attempts, averaging 51.3 per game. However, this rising trend in long-range shooting has sparked a vocal group of fans who are concerned about its effect on the overall game, particularly in relation to declining NBA television ratings. These concerns, they argue, stem not only from the growing volume of 3-pointers but also from changes in how sports and media are consumed in general.
LeBron James: A Call for Broader Conversations on the State of the Game
LeBron James has voiced his own concerns about the current direction of the NBA. When discussing changes to the All-Star Game format, LeBron expanded his thoughts to the broader state of the game. He stated:
“Our game, there’s a lot of f****** 3s being shot. So it’s a bigger conversation than just the All-Star Game.”
While LeBron's comments resonated with some fans, there was one notable figure who disagreed with his stance. That individual was J.J. Redick, a former NBA player and now an outspoken commentator.
J.J. Redick's Thoughtful Take on the 3-Point Trend
J.J. Redick, in his pregame comments, presented a more nuanced perspective. He explained:
“I don’t think the league is as homogenized as a lot of people make it out to be. There are certain rosters and certain players that, because of their skill set, it makes sense to shoot a lot of 3s. What I think gets lost a little bit in the amount of 3-point attempts is what has been taken away, which is a steady decline in long 2s. What, I checked this last year, so don’t quote me on this, but what has increased along with 3-point volume is points in the paint. So the 3 has allowed more space for people to actually score at the rim and score in the paint. So that’s the strategy.”
Redick’s argument highlights that while 3-point attempts have surged, they have also paved the way for more efficient scoring opportunities inside the paint. Contrary to the idea that 3-point shooting diminishes the game’s depth, Redick suggests it has opened up more space for players to drive and finish near the basket.
Points in the Paint: A Key Statistic
Looking back at the 2000-01 NBA season, the Lakers, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, were dominant in scoring points in the paint. That year, 39.4% of NBA teams’ points came from inside, and the Lakers exceeded that, getting 44.1% of their points in the paint. Fast forward to today, and teams are averaging 43% of their points from the paint, with the Lakers — who are looking to strengthen their interior presence — scoring 45% of their points in the same area. This shift shows that, contrary to what some may believe, teams are still prioritizing points in the paint even as 3-point attempts have surged.
A Complex Issue: It's Not Just About the 3-Pointers
LeBron’s concerns about the abundance of 3-point shooting are understandable, but as the data and insights from figures like Redick show, the issue is far more nuanced than just the rise in long-range attempts.
It's not simply about "too many 3s" being launched — it’s about how the evolution of the game has created new strategies, opportunities, and challenges for teams.
"I was not part of the committee. It's different, but I don't know. We'll see. We'll see when we get there. It's different. Obviously, any time you make some type of change, there's gonna be some [blowback]. I don't know. I have my ideas of what could possibly work, but I'm not gonna do that. We gotta do something," he added.
In conclusion, the NBA's evolution, driven by a combination of 3-point shooting, offensive strategies, and defensive adjustments, is reshaping the game in ways that are complex but exciting. While LeBron may have a valid concern, it’s clear that the conversation about the state of the game is more multifaceted than the volume of 3-pointers alone.
