We’ll tweak it’ – Adam Silver vows to fix NBA’s huge 3-point problem with rule change fans have been demanding for years…. see more
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has acknowledged growing concerns regarding the league’s increasing reliance on three-point shooting and its impact on the game’s entertainment value. In a recent interview on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” Silver stated, “As stewards of the game, Joe Dumars leads our competition committee here, we will tweak it, we will correct those issues.”
The 2024-25 NBA season has seen a record-breaking surge in three-point attempts, with teams averaging 41.4% of their shots from beyond the arc. The Boston Celtics, for instance, are on track to become the first team in NBA history to attempt more three-pointers than two-pointers over a full season. This trend has sparked debates among fans and analysts, with some, including LeBron James, expressing concerns about the game’s current state. James remarked, “There’s a lot of f—ing 3s being shot,” highlighting the shift in offensive strategies.
Silver emphasized the importance of maintaining diverse offensive playstyles, noting that uniformity could diminish team identities. He reflected on past eras, mentioning the “Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons and the “Showtime” Lakers, to illustrate the value of distinct team strategies. While acknowledging the evolution of player skills, with big men like Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokić expanding traditional roles, Silver cautioned against hasty modifications, such as moving the three-point line further back. He explained that such changes could unintentionally congest areas under the basket, leading to less attractive basketball.
The league’s contemplation of adjustments comes amid a notable decline in television ratings, which have dropped by approximately 20% this season. Some attribute this decrease to the game’s current style, dominated by three-point shooting. However, Silver and other NBA officials believe external factors, such as competition from other sports and significant events like the presidential election, also play a role.
Former players have joined the conversation, with Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal describing the game’s current state as “terrible” due to the overemphasis on three-point shots. Fans have echoed these sentiments, calling for the NBA to implement changes that restore balance and excitement.
In response, the NBA is actively exploring potential rule modifications to address these concerns. Silver assured that the league is committed to preserving the game’s integrity while adapting to its evolution, stating, “I assure you, we are on it. I think it’s a very fixable issue… we will tweak it. We will correct those issues.”
As discussions continue, the NBA aims to find solutions that balance the modern style of play with the diverse and dynamic strategies that have historically defined the sport.
