Quote:
Originally Posted by Karthik
I could write a paper on this subject, but I'll do my best to explain simply.
The 3 point shot is undervalued in the NBA; more specifically, NBA players have a strange obsession with the long 2 pointer, with has lowest expected value of any play in basketball. That being said, finding players who can shoot the 3 at 40% or better in game situations with defense is difficult. There were 31 players who shot at that rate last season, but remember this is not with them mad bombing 3's at all costs. This their percentage based on only shooting what the player perceives to be a "good shot". If a team were to employ the strategy you suggest, their 3 point percentages would drop dramatically.
There are a lot more factors that go into this, but basically, teams should probably shoot more three pointers, however, simply relying on the three point shot sends you into risky territory.
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I won't pretend that I watch basketball as much as I presume you do, but my interpretation of the "mid-range jumper" is that it's often the open play. It's usually what the defense is most willing to give up, when push comes to shove. They won't give the higher probability shot or lay-up close range, and they won't give the higher scoring 3-pointer. So the ball handler takes what's given to them.