The evolving landscape of basketball, heavily influenced by the 3-point shot, has drawn criticism from Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green. The NBA is witnessing a surge in 3-point attempts, with approximately 75 per game this season, a significant jump from around 68 just five years ago and under 45 a decade prior. Even the Denver Nuggets, currently attempting the fewest threes in the league at 31.2 per game, would have ranked second in the 2014-15 season.
Green, a teammate of Stephen Curry, arguably the catalyst for this 3-point revolution, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of the game. Despite attempting a career-high 3.5 three-pointers per game this season, a notable increase from his average of 2.1 between 2018 and 2024, Green finds the modern NBA lacking in substance. He describes it as a game focused on speed and 3-pointers, devoid of the strategic depth he appreciates.
The league's emphasis on freedom of movement has contributed to higher scores and weaker defenses, coinciding with a decline in television viewership this season. However, the recent trade of Luka Dončić to the Lakers has provided a ratings boost, with his LA debut attracting over 2 million viewers and the trade deadline generating a double-digit percentage increase in viewership since January. Despite this, overall viewership by Christmas was down 19% from the previous year, influenced by factors such as a highly-rated Dodgers-Yankees World Series.
The NBA is projected to surpass 92,000 3-point attempts this season, a record-breaking figure by a considerable margin.
