The evolution of the 3-point shot in the NBA

The 3-point shot has become an integral part of modern basketball, but it hasn't always been that way. In fact, the 3-pointer was initially met with skepticism when first introduced to the NBA in the 1979-1980 season. However, over time, the shot has become a game-changing weapon, transforming the way the game is played.

In the early years after the NBA instituted the shot, the 3-point shot was not widely used. Many players and coaches believed that it was a low-percentage shot that wasn't worth the risk. However, a few forward-thinking coaches, such as Don Nelson and Mike D'Antoni, recognized the potential of the 3-point shot and began incorporating it into their offenses.

As the years went on, more and more teams began to adopt the 3-point shot as a regular part of their offensive strategy.

This was in part due to rule changes that made the shot more attractive. In 1994, the NBA moved the 3-point line in from 23 feet and 9 inches to 22 feet, which made the shot easier to make. Then in 1997, the NBA moved the 3-point line to its current distance of 23 feet and 9 inches, which made the shot more challenging.

Despite these changes, the 3-point shot continued to gain in popularity. By the mid-2000s, it had become a key component of many offenses. The rise of analytics in the NBA also played a role in the evolution of the shot. With the ability to track shooting percentages from different spots on the court, teams were able to identify the most efficient ways to score and adjust their offenses accordingly.

Today, the 3-point shot is more important than ever.

In the 2019-2020 season, NBA teams attempted an average of 34.1 3-point shots per game, up from just 18.4 in the 2004-2005 season. The success rate of these shots has also increased, with teams shooting an average of 35.8% from beyond the arc in the 2019-2020 season, up from just 32.0% in the 2004-2005 season.

The 3-point shot has not only changed the way the game is played, but it has also led to the development of new types of players. "Stretch" forwards and centers who can shoot from beyond the arc have become increasingly valuable, and guards who can shoot from long range are now more highly prized than ever.

The evolution of the 3-point shot in the NBA has been fascinating. From its initial skepticism to its current status as a game-changing weapon, the 3-pointer has transformed the way the game is played and will continue to do so in the future.