INTRODUCTION:
The NBA has been around for over 70 years, and over that period of time so much has changed, not just how the game is played, but who it's played for. Behind the growth of a worldwide audience is the modernization of the league: the pace, the spacing, the popularity of the 3 point shot, and overall improved skill development have contributed to the game’s exploding popularity across the globe.
Just in the last ten years or so, probably the most significant change has been the evolution of the 3-point shot. It has changed everything about the game and reinvented the sport that was starting to become stale at the turn of the century. The player that encapsulates this revolution is Wardell Stephen Curry Jr. (Steph). With the rise of Curry came a faster game, a more wide open offense, and threes… lots of them. In the past, players were taught that the closer the shot, the more efficient the shot. This no longer holds true, and there are stats to back it up.
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS:
Kirk Goldsberry: Former VP of strategic research for the San Antonio Spurs and best selling author
Daryl Morey: General Manager of Houston and founder of the Sloan Conference
Mike D’Antoni: Head Coach of the Houston Rockets, former Head Coach of the Phoenix Suns, pioneer of “7 Seconds or Less” offense.
THE SCHOLARLY CONVERSATION:
Books: 7 Seconds or Less by Jack McCallum, Sprawlball by Kirk Goldsberry, and Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons
INITIAL THOUGHTS:
The NBA has been around for over 70 years, and over that period of time so much has changed, not just how the game is played, but who it's played for. Behind the growth of a worldwide audience is the modernization of the league: the pace, the spacing, the popularity of the 3 point shot, and overall improved skill development have contributed to the game’s exploding popularity across the globe.
Just in the last ten years or so, probably the most significant change has been the evolution of the 3-point shot. It has changed everything about the game and reinvented the sport that was starting to become stale at the turn of the century. The player that encapsulates this revolution is Wardell Stephen Curry Jr. (Steph). With the rise of Curry came a faster game, a more wide open offense, and threes… lots of them. In the past, players were taught that the closer the shot, the more efficient the shot. This no longer holds true, and there are stats to back it up.
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS:
Kirk Goldsberry: Former VP of strategic research for the San Antonio Spurs and best selling author
Daryl Morey: General Manager of Houston and founder of the Sloan Conference
Mike D’Antoni: Head Coach of the Houston Rockets, former Head Coach of the Phoenix Suns, pioneer of “7 Seconds or Less” offense.
THE SCHOLARLY CONVERSATION:
Books: 7 Seconds or Less by Jack McCallum, Sprawlball by Kirk Goldsberry, and Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons
INITIAL THOUGHTS:
- From a statistical standpoint, is the 3 point shot the best shot to take?
- Yes, it is. It has the highest Point per shot.
- Does the 3 Point boom better the fan experience? How can we tell?
- Yes. More spacing = more highlight plays
- Is skill specialization at its most important point in the NBA? In 2020 is it better to be great at one skill than good at many?
- Yes. It is better to be elite at one skill than good at many. In the past this was not true.