There’s no denying that the game of basketball has evolved significantly over the last decade. Whether for good or bad is debatable. That said, there are veterans like B.J. Armstrong, who are not happy with the basic core principles of the game getting sidelined in the transition.
Among the several changes, the most notable has been the volume of 3-point shooting, something that has become the primary offensive option for most teams. A strategy that worked wonders for the Golden State Warriors, courtesy of their Splash Brothers backcourt.
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Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson became one of the most feared duos at the time. Following the success of the Warriors, the remaining 29 teams sought to adopt the same 3-point model. As a result, the emphasis on shooting was higher than ever.
Addressing the subject some time back, Armstrong felt that modern-day players prioritize building on the aesthetic aspects of the games and avoiding the dirty work.
“On one hand, everyone wants to be a shooter. I know people in the Hall of Fame that couldn’t shoot at all. They didn’t just become the best player on their team, they’re in the Hall of Fame and couldn’t shoot. Who is getting an award for setting a screen? But someone’s got to do it. Everyone’s in the gym, shooting step-backs, double step-backs. Everyone’s working on their handle. Everyone’s getting the 5000 shots a day. Wait a minute, someone’s got to pass the ball. Someone has to pass it. Everyone can’t shoot, there’s only one ball,” said Armstrong, who was known to be among the elite 3-point shooters in the 90s.
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Hall of Famers who played to their strengths
Yes, the need for a jump shot has never been greater than it is today, but there have always been exceptions. Names like Dennis Rodman and Ben Wallace are prime examples who carved a niche for themselves, threading unfamiliar paths and excelling at it as well.
Both Rodman and Wallace were known for their hustle mentality, rebounding and tenacious defense. Talking about the all-time greats, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain and Shaquille O’Neal were never really known for their shooting but were able to dominate the game like no other.
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Soon to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, Dwight Howard serves as another example. Addressing the current lot of largely confirmed first-ballot Hall of Famers, names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Draymond Green and Rudy Gobert are definitely going to make it.
3-point obsession and Curry being the poster boy
Everyone wants to shoot 3s like Curry, but very few come close to making them like him. While everyone marvels at his long-range prowess, they do not see the behind-the-scenes efforts. Acknowledging that he was not the most physically gifted athlete, the Warriors legend began to work to build on his positives and mastered them to another level.
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Today, almost every team in the NBA lives and dies by the 3, something we’ve seen explicitly in the case of the 2024 champions, the Boston Celtics.
Consequently, fewer players focus on other fundamentals, such as setting screens, playing post-up and finishing at the rim. This has led to a loss of interest among fans, which is evident from the declining ratings. It is high time Commissioner Adam Silver and the league do something about it, before the fundamental principles of the game become extinct.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.