The Three-Point Revolution...

[ordigger]

....is bad for the game. Move it back.

I think you are nuts.....3-point shot was best thing to happen for the game....too bad lack of overall defense in the NBA has ruined it at that level.....

I know you're nuts.

Its a bad thing, here's why. You don't need to be a good player to excel in the game these days. All you have to be is someone that can shoot the ball from beyond the arc. Now that is not true of everyone, but there are plenty of players that simply are not talented enough in their all around game, yet they continue to play. You don't need to play defense, you don't need to hit free throws, you don't have to know how to drive the lane, and heck you don't have to worry about what a layup is. Why? Because all you have to do is hit that long shot 5-6 game, and you're good. That's why the game is boring....poor Dr Naismith is turning in his grave.

Sort of Herb Washington in baseball all those years ago, he knew one thing.

 

[grizindabox]

....is bad for the game. Move it back.

I think you are nuts.....3-point shot was best thing to happen for the game....too bad lack of overall defense in the NBA has ruined it at that level.....

I know you're nuts.

Its a bad thing, here's why. You don't need to be a good player to excel in the game these days. All you have to be is someone that can shoot the ball from beyond the arc. Now that is not true of everyone, but there are plenty of players that simply are not talented enough in their all around game, yet they continue to play. You don't need to play defense, you don't need to hit free throws, you don't have to know how to drive the lane, and heck you don't have to worry about what a layup is. Why? Because all you have to do is hit that long shot 5-6 game, and you're good. That's why the game is boring....poor Dr Naismith is turning in his grave.

Sort of Herb Washington in baseball all those years ago, he knew one thing.

Actually it has opened the entire game up and made it more exciting.....and since it has opened up the game it has exposed the weaknesses in players....without the 3-pointer, players would still have weaknesses....you could just hide them easier.....

 

[kyle_sample]

....is bad for the game. Move it back.

I think you are nuts.....3-point shot was best thing to happen for the game....too bad lack of overall defense in the NBA has ruined it at that level.....

I know you're nuts.

Its a bad thing, here's why. You don't need to be a good player to excel in the game these days. All you have to be is someone that can shoot the ball from beyond the arc. Now that is not true of everyone, but there are plenty of players that simply are not talented enough in their all around game, yet they continue to play. You don't need to play defense, you don't need to hit free throws, you don't have to know how to drive the lane, and heck you don't have to worry about what a layup is. Why? Because all you have to do is hit that long shot 5-6 game, and you're good. That's why the game is boring....poor Dr Naismith is turning in his grave.

Sort of Herb Washington in baseball all those years ago, he knew one thing.

That is such a narrow minded view of basketball. Regardless of era there have always been players who hung around because they found their niche. There were a lot of guys in the 70s, 80s and 90s who couldn't play offense at all, but they could either defend a certain position, rebound or act as an enforcer. Basketball isn't any worse because of the three. In fact there are a lot of arguments to be made that the understanding of how to use that has made strategy more interesting on both sides of the ball

 

[gotgame75]

....is bad for the game. Move it back.

I think you are nuts.....3-point shot was best thing to happen for the game....too bad lack of overall defense in the NBA has ruined it at that level.....

I know you're nuts.

Its a bad thing, here's why. You don't need to be a good player to excel in the game these days. All you have to be is someone that can shoot the ball from beyond the arc. Now that is not true of everyone, but there are plenty of players that simply are not talented enough in their all around game, yet they continue to play. You don't need to play defense, you don't need to hit free throws, you don't have to know how to drive the lane, and heck you don't have to worry about what a layup is. Why? Because all you have to do is hit that long shot 5-6 game, and you're good. That's why the game is boring....poor Dr Naismith is turning in his grave.

Sort of Herb Washington in baseball all those years ago, he knew one thing.

That is such a narrow minded view of basketball. Regardless of era there have always been players who hung around because they found their niche. There were a lot of guys in the 70s, 80s and 90s who couldn't play offense at all, but they could either defend a certain position, rebound or act as an enforcer. Basketball isn't any worse because of the three. In fact there are a lot of arguments to be made that the understanding of how to use that has made strategy more interesting on both sides of the ball

+1

Oredigger... The very fact that you reference James Naismith in your critique shows how out of touch you are with the game. I suppose we should go back to using peach baskets as well? You're like the stereotypical jaded old guy b*itching about much better things used to be in their day. Tired argument for a game that's passed you by. Meanwhile, the NBA's popularity is at an all-time high.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/rogergr...n-popularity-and-why-it-matters/#31e471335309

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...-gets-that-the-other-big-sports-leagues-dont/

 

[ordigger]

I think you are nuts.....3-point shot was best thing to happen for the game....too bad lack of overall defense in the NBA has ruined it at that level.....

I know you're nuts.

Its a bad thing, here's why. You don't need to be a good player to excel in the game these days. All you have to be is someone that can shoot the ball from beyond the arc. Now that is not true of everyone, but there are plenty of players that simply are not talented enough in their all around game, yet they continue to play. You don't need to play defense, you don't need to hit free throws, you don't have to know how to drive the lane, and heck you don't have to worry about what a layup is. Why? Because all you have to do is hit that long shot 5-6 game, and you're good. That's why the game is boring....poor Dr Naismith is turning in his grave.

Sort of Herb Washington in baseball all those years ago, he knew one thing.

That is such a narrow minded view of basketball. Regardless of era there have always been players who hung around because they found their niche. There were a lot of guys in the 70s, 80s and 90s who couldn't play offense at all, but they could either defend a certain position, rebound or act as an enforcer. Basketball isn't any worse because of the three. In fact there are a lot of arguments to be made that the understanding of how to use that has made strategy more interesting on both sides of the ball

+1

Oredigger... The very fact that you reference James Naismith in your critique shows how out of touch you are with the game. I suppose we should go back to using peach baskets as well? You're like the stereotypical jaded old guy b*itching about much better things used to be in their day. Tired argument for a game that's passed you by. Meanwhile, the NBA's popularity is at an all-time high.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/rogergr...n-popularity-and-why-it-matters/#31e471335309

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...-gets-that-the-other-big-sports-leagues-dont/

lol, considering who my family is, and what Dr Naismith and Springfield means to us is absolutely hilarious. Your entitled to your opinion, as I am to mine. I never said it didn't make the game more exciting, I said that you can be one dimensional and suck at the rest of the game, and still be considered good. Kyle is right in some ways, as I forget about the Manute Bols of the world.

Does it make the game more exciting? Yes Is it good for game? Probably Can you be a star by only doing one thing? Absolutely. Do I think it will pass the NFL? Absolutely, as its more of an International sport anyway, plus NFL has some serious problems in regard to safety.

Yet here's the thing.

Player A can hit 6-8 3's a night, rarely even shoots from inside the arc. When he goes to the FT, his percentage is 50%. His defense is average on his best night, and he gives up almost as many points as he scores. But man is he exciting! And scoring 15-20 pts a game.

Player B can make Jordanesque type shots, hit the outside jumper, drive the lane. His defense is above average. He also scores 15-20 pts a game.

I'm sorry but to me Player B is much better for the game, and much more exciting.

And btw, next time you feel the need to be condescending, and insulting, please take it to the football board. The nice thing about the basketball end is generally we can state opinions, and not have it turn into a pissing match.

 

[Geddes]

Pretty sure a dude hitting eight 3's a game ain't shooting 50% from the line..

And the most basic concept of the game is shooting the basketball. How can one who does this exceptionally, not be "good" at the game?

Apparently I need to up my dosage of crazy pills..

 

[citygriz]

Pretty sure a dude hitting eight 3's a game ain't shooting 50% from the line..

And the most basic concept of the game is shooting the basketball. How can one who does this exceptionally, not be "good" at the game?

Apparently I need to up my dosage of crazy pills..

Pass some of those pills over to me too...

 

[AllWeatherFan]

When I was a kid, we threw rocks into a peach basket nailed to the garage. And once the basket got full of rocks and real heavy, they all fell down on your head. And we liked it!

 

[citygriz]

Don't know how many of you watched the Warriors-Spurs game, but let me tell you, playing old-style, the Spurs are the perfect team. On offense they zip that rock; ball hums, setting up great shots. Great offensive rebounding, bigs you almost can't stop--Aldridge, Duncan (though he didn't play), plus the 7'3" guy who was manufactured in Frankenstein's lab in Slovenia--big and skilled. Kawai Leonard may be the most athletically skilled player to come along in a long time. That dunk he threw down over Bogut was incredible. Defense? Suffocating. Don't know when I've ever seen a team play better defense than the Spurs played yesterday. And the result?

They lose by six. Why? The Warriors outscore them 30-9 on triples. With the Splash Brothers, the Warriors have a dimension other teams simply can't match, while the Spurs just don't have anybody who can consistently make threes. Rumor has it, the Spurs will go hard after Kevin Durant. Now that would be something.

Hope our Griz are working on their three-point shots, because the game of basketball is changing before our eyes, away from height and post presence, to incredible long-range shooting skills; from plodding half-court sets to full-court speed and passing. Kids everywhere are emulating Steph Curry, and the results over the next ten years are going to be fun to watch.

 

[fanofzoo]

Don't know how many of you watched the Warriors-Spurs game, but let me tell you, playing old-style, the Spurs are the perfect team. On offense they zip that rock; ball hums, setting up great shots. Great offensive rebounding, bigs you almost can't stop--Aldridge, Duncan (though he didn't play), plus the 7'3" guy who was manufactured in Frankenstein's lab in Slovenia--big and skilled. Kawai Leonard may be the most athletically skilled player to come along in a long time. That dunk he threw down over Bogut was incredible. Defense? Suffocating. Don't know when I've ever seen a team play better defense than the Spurs played yesterday. And the result?

They lose by six. Why? The Warriors outscore them 30-9 on triples. With the Splash Brothers, the Warriors have a dimension other teams simply can't match, while the Spurs just don't have anybody who can consistently make threes. Rumor has it, the Spurs will go hard after Kevin Durant. Now that would be something.

Hope our Griz are working on their three-point shots, because the game of basketball is changing before our eyes, away from height and post presence, to incredible long-range shooting skills; from plodding half-court sets to full-court speed and passing. Kids everywhere are emulating Steph Curry, and the results over the next ten years are going to be fun to watch.

Don't you ever wonder where Mt. Saint-Mary's style went to. Little help here, Westphal or Westhead ?

I guess they were ahead of their time.

 

[citygriz]

Don't know how many of you watched the Warriors-Spurs game, but let me tell you, playing old-style, the Spurs are the perfect team. On offense they zip that rock; ball hums, setting up great shots. Great offensive rebounding, bigs you almost can't stop--Aldridge, Duncan (though he didn't play), plus the 7'3" guy who was manufactured in Frankenstein's lab in Slovenia--big and skilled. Kawai Leonard may be the most athletically skilled player to come along in a long time. That dunk he threw down over Bogut was incredible. Defense? Suffocating. Don't know when I've ever seen a team play better defense than the Spurs played yesterday. And the result?

They lose by six. Why? The Warriors outscore them 30-9 on triples. With the Splash Brothers, the Warriors have a dimension other teams simply can't match, while the Spurs just don't have anybody who can consistently make threes. Rumor has it, the Spurs will go hard after Kevin Durant. Now that would be something.

Hope our Griz are working on their three-point shots, because the game of basketball is changing before our eyes, away from height and post presence, to incredible long-range shooting skills; from plodding half-court sets to full-court speed and passing. Kids everywhere are emulating Steph Curry, and the results over the next ten years are going to be fun to watch.

Don't you ever wonder where Mt. Saint-Mary's style went to. Little help here, Westphal or Westhead ?

I guess they were ahead of their time.

Paul Westhead. Loyola Marymount.

 

[fanofzoo]

Don't know how many of you watched the Warriors-Spurs game, but let me tell you, playing old-style, the Spurs are the perfect team. On offense they zip that rock; ball hums, setting up great shots. Great offensive rebounding, bigs you almost can't stop--Aldridge, Duncan (though he didn't play), plus the 7'3" guy who was manufactured in Frankenstein's lab in Slovenia--big and skilled. Kawai Leonard may be the most athletically skilled player to come along in a long time. That dunk he threw down over Bogut was incredible. Defense? Suffocating. Don't know when I've ever seen a team play better defense than the Spurs played yesterday. And the result?

They lose by six. Why? The Warriors outscore them 30-9 on triples. With the Splash Brothers, the Warriors have a dimension other teams simply can't match, while the Spurs just don't have anybody who can consistently make threes. Rumor has it, the Spurs will go hard after Kevin Durant. Now that would be something.

Hope our Griz are working on their three-point shots, because the game of basketball is changing before our eyes, away from height and post presence, to incredible long-range shooting skills; from plodding half-court sets to full-court speed and passing. Kids everywhere are emulating Steph Curry, and the results over the next ten years are going to be fun to watch.

Don't you ever wonder where Mt. Saint-Mary's style went to. Little help here, Westphal or Westhead ?

I guess they were ahead of their time.

Paul Westhead. Loyola Marymount.

Damn you are right there, missed everything (like my 3).
Anyway what an offense there !

 

[Agent G]

Steph Curry has a level of touch (fingers like feathers) that is seldom seen and can't be developed or coached. He just has something that a majority of players will never possess. That, plus a level of confidence and an ability to play off the emotion of the moment that raises his ability and success to an even higher level. There are many good players who can shoot well and who can practice for hours every day and they will never get to his level. Don't get me wrong, hard work and a variety of shooting drills will improve just about everybody's shooting ability. But to an extent it's just like the guy who wants to dunk a basketball and doesn't have the physical ability...no matter how many jumping drills, strength work, etc. he does it may never get him to the point of dunking the ball. Or if he does get one down, it may not be pretty. That special ability that guys like Steph have may not look as powerful and ominous like a dunk but it's something that most people will never have no matter how much they practice.

I say all of this because the success of guys like Steph and Klay Thompson to a lesser level, is awesome to watch and great for the game...but in a way it's a two sided sword. The three point shot has made the game better but I guarantee we will see more and more teams and players at all levels devising a huge part of their offense around the 3 point shot and it could backfire on them, especially if they don't have the ability to go with it. In the long run the most successful teams need to have a good balance between all three levels of scoring (3's, mid-range and at the rim). We already have seen a greater number of players and teams moving more and more away from ever shooting mid-range and only can or desire to shoot the 3 or go to the rack.

If you look at championship teams at the HS, college and professional levels, most of them were pretty balanced with the three levels. The old saying of "living and dying by the three" will become more and more prominent due to the success of teams like the Warriors. Good balanced teams with more variety in their offenses will knock off many of the teams who just want to shoot 3's. We've already seen a lot of this. While many people only talk about all the 3's Golden State makes, they are actually a very good defensive team and they don't just jack up 3's...most of the time they come from good ball movement...mainly from guys other than Steph. We all know Steph can hit 3's from pretty much anywhere past half court regardless of whether it comes from good offensive flow or from him creating his own shot out of nothing...he can pretty much hit those tough shots just by walking out of the locker room!

Regarding the post about players who can only shoot 3's and can't do much of anything else...very few of them have much success and they don't add much value to teams in my opinion. It doesn't take long for opponents to figure out guys like that and shut them down. Part of the reason good 3 point shooters like Steph have success is because they always keep teams off balance with other abilities (dribble drives, passing, etc.). Those other attributes allow them to get better 3's when they get the chance to shoot them...i.e. Steph Curry who time after time gets great looks at the 3 when everybody in the universe knows he's going to shoot them. That can only happen because he has other teams on their heals with his other abilities and he's great at recognizing what the defense is doing and can basically make them do what he wants them to do in many cases.

 

[citygriz]

Excellent post. Solid knowledge of the game of basketball. An enjoyable read.

The older I get, the more I believe in three fundamental truths: Everything is cyclical; extremes hide the truth; and the wise man is the humble man. You are essentially applying rule two to basketball, saying you need balance among the various elements of the game--post-play, mid-range, three-point--and you have to play defense. Can't argue with that.

Maybe the Warriors are just blessed to have two all-time long-range shooters in Curry and Thompson, as other teams have dominated for a while or even for an era with exceptional post play. Maybe the Warrior success will prove to be cyclical. But I think the Warriors have established a new paradigm for basketball, by significantly extending the area of the court that has to be defended. I notice teams now are harassing Curry in the backcourt, and extending their defense beyond the three-point line, sometimes with double-teams. But what this does is just open up more of the floor for cuts and back-cuts, to a team that is adept at moving without the ball. The interesting thing to watch for me is how Gregg Popovich has tried to defend Curry. First game, he thought he could put Leonard on him; that didn't work. Next two games they tried suffocating Curry with double-teams. That worked for one game. Next two, Curry passed out of those double-teams, or simply drove around and through for layups. And when the Warriors are coming at you at break-neck speed, before you can get set up in a half-court defense, defending them is a nightmare.

I've always wished Montana would open up the floor, and play a faster game. Against USF several years ago, I watched us almost overcome a late-game deficit with a trapping, hustling full-court press--led by Will Cherry--that completely baffled an athletic USF team, but Tinks used it as a late-game device only. With the athletes we're seeing DeCuire recruiting now, I'm hoping we can expand this, to a faster, open-court style. The fans will love it, I can guarantee, and filling up Dahlberg will be the first benefit.

 

[mtgrizrule]

Excellent post. Solid knowledge of the game of basketball. An enjoyable read.

The older I get, the more I believe in three fundamental truths: Everything is cyclical; extremes hide the truth; and the wise man is the humble man. You are essentially applying rule two to basketball, saying you need balance among the various elements of the game--post-play, mid-range, three-point--and you have to play defense. Can't argue with that.

Maybe the Warriors are just blessed to have two all-time long-range shooters in Curry and Thompson, as other teams have dominated for a while or even for an era with exceptional post play. Maybe the Warrior success will prove to be cyclical. But I think the Warriors have established a new paradigm for basketball, by significantly extending the area of the court that has to be defended. I notice teams now are harassing Curry in the backcourt, and extending their defense beyond the three-point line, sometimes with double-teams. But what this does is just open up more of the floor for cuts and back-cuts, to a team that is adept at moving without the ball. The interesting thing to watch for me is how Gregg Popovich has tried to defend Curry. First game, he thought he could put Leonard on him; that didn't work. Next two games they tried suffocating Curry with double-teams. That worked for one game. Next two, Curry passed out of those double-teams, or simply drove around and through for layups. And when the Warriors are coming at you at break-neck speed, before you can get set up in a half-court defense, defending them is a nightmare.

I've always wished Montana would open up the floor, and play a faster game. Against USF several years ago, I watched us almost overcome a late-game deficit with a trapping, hustling full-court press--led by Will Cherry--that completely baffled an athletic USF team, but Tinks used it as a late-game device only. With the athletes we're seeing DeCuire recruiting now, I'm hoping we can expand this, to a faster, open-court style. The fans will love it, I can guarantee, and filling up Dahlberg will be the first benefit.

Travis wants his GRIZ to get up 20 more shots per game. As is the GRIZ often hit 80 points. Can you imagine 80 points being a bad scoring game for this team? I really like DeCuire's vision for the kind of team he wants. Despite the emphasis on scoring and past paced offense, defense has been the identity of his teams so far. The future is very bright for DeCuire and GRIZ basketball.