For the first time in NBA history, 3-point shots represent more than 40% of shots taken this season. For the Celtics, this rate rises to over 56%. Is it too much? The question was asked to Adam Silver, before the NBA Cup final, and the “commissioner” ensured that there were discussions on the subject.
“The answer is yes, we have a lot of discussions about the style of basketball (that is played)” he explained. “I will not reduce the subject to a problem related to 3-point shooting. We look at things more holistically, with the level of talent on the field, the diversity of offenses and the vision of those fans. »
According to Adam Silver, the problem is not the number of 3-pointers but the standardization of attacks.
What levers?
“If there are changes to be made, I think it’s about this idea of more diversity offensively. I watch as many games as the rest of you, and it doesn’t have to be as many about 3-pointers, but for some viewers, some attacks are starting to look too similar, with teams copying each other. I think that’s something that’s really necessary let’s pay attention »
But how do we restore offensive diversity in the NBA, to prevent franchises from all trying to copy the Celtics formula, which is so good? Should we eliminate the 3-point line in the corners or limit the number of long-range attempts per game, as Bill Simmons recently admitted ?
“Historically, sometimes we moved the 3-point line”remembers Adam Silver, the NBA actually brought the 3-point line closer between 1994 and 1997 … to improve the scoring that was previously very weak. “I don’t think it’s a solution in this case because when we look at the game and the data, it doesn’t necessarily lead to more mid-range shots, if that’s what people want, but more density at the bottom of the basket »