For the first time in NBA history, the 3-point shot represents more than 40% of shots taken this season. For the Celtics, this rate even rises to more than 56%. Is this too much? The question was asked to Adam Silver, ahead of the NBA Cup final, and the “commissioner” ensures that there are 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 wouldn't 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 perception of the fans. »
According to Adam Silver, the problem is not so much the number of 3-pointers as the standardization of attacks.
What levers?
“If there are adjustments to be made, I think it is about this notion of greater offensive diversity. I watch as many games as the rest of you, and it's not necessarily so much about 3-pointers, but for some spectators, some attacks are starting to look too similar, with teams copying each other. I think that's something we should really pay attention to. »
But how can we bring offensive diversity back to the NBA, to prevent franchises from all trying to copy the Celtics formula, which works rather well? Should we eliminate the 3-point line in the corners or limit the number of long-range attempts per game, as Bill Simmons recently claimed ?
“Historically, we have sometimes moved the 3-point line”recalls Adam Silver, the NBA having in fact brought the 3-point line closer between 1994 and 1997… to boost scoring which was then too weak. “I don't think it's a solution in this case because when we look at the game and the data, it's not necessarily going to lead to more mid-range shots, if that's what people want, but more density under the basket. »
