"I hate all the three-point barrage" - Tracy McGrady on NBA stars settling for 3-pointers

The NBA is currently in a strong position. Even though megastars LeBron James and Stephen Curry are in the twilight of their respective, celebrated careers, young and talented superstars such as Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have already proven capable of taking the mantle when the time comes.

With revenue pouring in, a new TV deal set to commence this coming season, and clamor for the games at an all-time high, the league has a lot going for it at the moment. However, NBA legend Tracy McGrady has one complaint about the league and the direction in which the game is heading.

In an interview, McGrady expressed his disapproval of teams’ mindlessly jacking up three-pointers, emphasizing that if a massive big man such as Joel Embiid is shooting 4.1 triples per game, the game has truly become a three-point shooting contest.

Three-point barrage

Are NBA teams being too trigger-happy with the three-ball? The numbers paint a solid argument to that point. During the 2015-16 season, teams averaged 24.1 attempts from beyond the arc. Fast-forward to last season, and the same teams shot 37.6 threes per game, making only 36 percent of them.

It’s logical for a team like the Cleveland Cavaliers to keep launching three-pointers, given their efficient 38.3 percent success rate. However, the strategy clearly doesn’t align with their results when the Orlando Magic attempts 35.3 threes per game with a subpar 31.8 percent accuracy.

So, it’s not surprising that T-Mac isn’t a fan of the NBA teams’ shot selection skills or lack thereof.

“I hate all the three-point barrage,” the Hall of Fame wingman stated.

McGrady singled out Philadelphia 76ers star big man s a prime example of someone who settles for too many three-pointers instead of planting himself in the shaded lane and dealing damage around that area.

“I don’t want to see all these big guys standing out there. Like Joel Embiid, you were an MVP candidate because you were on the block this year, right?” T-Mac surmised.

A legit 7-foot center with impeccable footwork and a soft touch around the basket, Embiid has averaged 27.7 points throughout his nine-year NBA career. However, T-Mac noted that there are times when the process settles for long jumpers.

“Before you were standing out there shooting, jacking up threes, when your ability, your natural ability and where you dominate is in the interior. That’s why you were at your best,” he stated. “I don’t want to see you out there just jacking up threes.”

It’s all about taking smarter shots

Three is more than two — this is the math that is fueling the three-point revolution. Golden State Warriors superstar and his dominance from rainbow country also count for this, with analysts often noting how easy it is to pile up points when you can drain threes at the clip he does.

However, T-Mac pointed out in a separate interview that all-time greats like Curry have shot 9.3 triples a game for their careers. He also diversifies his game by taking what the defense gives him. More often than not, defenses try to run the Chef off the three-point line, which is fine with the latter, as he’s likely to make a midrange jumper or a floater if given the opportunity.

“The greatest players in our game still shoot midrange,” McGrady remarked. “Kawhi Leonard won a championship shooting midrange, Kevin Durant is shooting midrange, Steph and Klay Thompson, shoot midrange. So, yes, they’re great shooters from beyond the arc, but they basically, they play the game the right way and they take what the defense is giving them.”

It’s one thing to buy into a trend; it’s another to discern a team’s strengths and lean straight into those. McGrady is pointing to this: since three is better than two, shooting and making a high-percentage layup is still a lot better than flaring out to the corner to shoot a long ball.

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

“I hate all the three-point barrage” – Tracy McGrady on NBA stars settling for 3-pointers

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