FanPost

Does the NBA have an incentive problem?

The NBA game has changed. The 3-point shot is king. Teams are constructing their rosters to be able to play 5-out. And I'm wondering if this is a good thing.

It started once teams began to grasp the added value of the 3-pointer. Initially it was fairly priced, as 3-point percentages were fairly low in the shot's infancy. However, as time has passed the value of taking 3-point shots has gotten so high that we now think any non-layup, non-dunk 2-pointer is flat out foolish to take.

The league average for 3-pointers last season was 36.2%, yielding 1.086 points per shot.

The league average for 2-pointers was 50.9%, yielding 1.018 points per shot.

Now, this may not seem like a huge difference, but over the course of a game it accounts for many wins and losses.

My issue is that the change in the game created by this incentive to shoot from farther away is causing teams to create lineups of 6'7" clones. We are losing the traditional positions that make the game more intriguing. I don't want the post game to go away. I don't want the midrange to go away. I don't want to see teams just whip the ball around the perimeter until someone jacks up a shot. Basketball is the only goal-oriented sport where teams intentionally try to shoot from farther way. It's just unnatural. We don't award more points for longer field goals. Or award an extra goal for a blue line slap shot. Or see soccer players backing up so they can score from the higher-value area. Teams should be rewarded for working the ball closer to the hoop, not farther.

Now, maybe I'm feeling this way because I happen to be a fan of an NBA team that no longer has any 3-point shooters. I'm sure that has something to do with it. That said, I don't necessarily need to see the 3-pojnt shot go away. But maybe moved back to where the incentive to take it is reduced, and the incentive to take those "stupid 15-footers" is increased to commensurate levels.

Ultimately, I'm just trying to talk about something besides those players on our team who shalt not be named...

A user-created LB joint. The Liberty Ballers staff does not contribute to FanPosts.