The days of the hard-fought defensive physical battles in the NBA are over. The next generation of offensive players and schemes has led to a new wave of three-point inflation in basketball.

The change in playstyle has shifted dramatically from what it has been in previous years. The pure scorers from the 1980s and 90’s like Michael Jordan focused more on attacking the rim as well as creating space for mid-range jumpers, big men like Shaquille O’Neal focused on dominating the paint, and point guards like John Stockton were pass-first playmakers. In today’s NBA all three of these archetypes are expected to have similar skill sets. All playstyles have adapted and evolved around the three-pointer. The three-pointer is perhaps the most impactful factor in today’s offensive-heavy league. If you can’t shoot the three you need to develop it and if you can’t develop it good luck trying to make a roster. Even players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, an athletic beast who can easily take over a game with his dominant playstyle, have developed at least an average three-pointer. One of the best big men in the NBA, Joel Embiid, recently had a game in which he made 4 out of his 7 three-point attempts. In his entire career, Shaq only made 1 three-pointer. What happens if a player doesn’t develop his three-point shot? Take Russell Westbrook as an example. On the Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell Westbrook was undoubtedly a top player in the NBA. Teams feared his intense playstyle and his inhuman athleticism. Additionally, Westbrook had a solid three-point shot averaging around 3 three-pointers per game in his most productive year. Eventually, Westbrook started to rely more on his athleticism and his shooting began to phase out of his playstyle. This allowed teams to crowd the paint and force Westbrook to take uncomfortable shots that barely went in. This unfortunate occurrence changed one player from an MVP to a role player. A good example of a player who did adapt his playstyle and was able to maintain his level of play is Lebron James. Lebron came into the league during the 2003-04 season, a time when the NBA teams hadn’t fully realized the potential of the three. Being one of the most athletic prospects ever, Lebron was able to quickly become one of the best players in the league. Over time, however, Lebron was able to evolve into a highly efficient three-point shooter and not rely on his athleticism. Now, averaging nearly 3 three-pointers per game and 8 attempts Lebron can lead his team and put up impressive stat lines at the age of 38. 

Another factor that has led to the rise in points is the schemes of teams. The team that best represents this three-pointer takeover is none other than the Golden State Warriors. Led by the best shooter of all time Stephen Curry who averages 5 three-pointers per game and 11 three-point attempts the Warriors dynasty shows the importance of the three-ball. The whole team has been built around getting Curry and Klay Thompson open looks behind the arc and no one can blame them. Four championships in the past 10 years speak for themselves. 

In general, the NBA is nearly unrecognizable to the fans of the 80’s and 90’s games. With the new schemes, the new playstyles, and new rules limiting defensive contact, the NBA has run rampant with sharpshooters and big men alike chucking up at least a few threes a game.