The Nba needs change

The NBA has seen much criticism as of late from fans due to its changing gameplay. One of the major issues is the abuse of the three point shot. A striking example of this is the fact that the Boston Celtics are currently averaging a staggering 48.3 three point attempts per game. In comparison, per statmuse.com the 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors led by Stephen Curry, who is widely regarded as the greatest three point shooter of all time, averaged 31.6 three point attempts per game, nearly 17 less than this year’s Celtics team. This spike in three point shooting has taken away vital components of the league that made it so great.

A major component of success in the NBA used to be finding the best, highest percentage shot. Now, however, the overload of talent within the NBA has changed the game into a format in which players virtually play one on one basketball half the time. Ball movement often seems non-existent, winning in the paint is hardly a focus, hoisting up ridiculous threes is common, and the concept of running true plays outside of the final seconds of a quarter seems all but forgotten. 

Four time NBA champion and 2017 Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green echoed these frustrations in an interview via ESPN saying, “Every possession is some type of chess move. You don’t get that today in the NBA, often. …You just don’t get that on a regular basis. It’s just who can run faster, who can hit more threes. It’s no substance. I think it’s very boring.” 

How to fix it

My proposition to fix these issues falls on the league, coaches, and the players. The league should eliminate the corner three and extend the three point line. This would force players to use the paint more and take higher percentage shots as it would make less sense to pull up from what is now three point rage and be rewarded with the same points as a floater or a mid range shot. The coaches should revert back to making most possessions a “chess move” as Draymond said. Drawing up plays to find higher percentage shots should be an essential part of coaching. Finally, the players need to stop hoisting up low percentage shots and incorporate good ball movement as the primary focus of the offense.

The NBA’s nearly unwatchable play style is at the point where even players, Draymond Green specifically, are noticing the decline in the game’s appeal. It’s time to make some change.