The NBA has made a significant announcement regarding the future of three-point shooting in the league. Commissioner Adam Silver recently addressed concerns about the impact of excessive three-point attempts on viewership, stating that they are actively addressing the issue and will make adjustments to correct it. This raises questions about whether the era of small-ball is coming to an end and if the focus will shift back to more physical play.
Several players have expressed their opinions on the matter, with Shaquille O'Neal even singling out Stephen Curry as someone who may have negatively affected the situation. However, Silver previously defended Curry, suggesting that the decline in viewership was not related to three-point shooting but rather due to other factors such as the popularity of other events like the World Series between the Yankees and Dodgers.
The potential changes to limit three-point shots could significantly affect many shooters in the league, potentially leading to a decrease in their use. This shift towards a more physical style of play has been welcomed by some players.
Recent statistics from Sportico show a severe drop in NBA viewership, with only one basketball event making it into the top 100 most-watched events in the United States in 2024, which was a WNBA game featuring Kelsey Plum's final college match. In contrast, the highest-rated NBA game last year did not even make it into the top 150.
Players like Kevin Durant have also questioned the impact of three-point shooting on viewership, expressing concern about why people might be losing interest in watching NBA games.
Some players seem to support a return to a more physical style of play, as evidenced by Kyrie Irving's willingness to cover fines for his teammates after a recent incident involving physical altercations during a game against the Suns.
The article concludes by asking readers for their opinions on these potential changes within the NBA.