Minnesota Sports Forum

Q12543 wrote:Good questions Carlos. On #1, go here:http://courtvisionanalytics.com/where-do-rebounds-go/

The answer is the opposite of what you posit. Missed 3-pointers have a better chance of extending possessions compared to missed 2-point jump shots.

As for #2, yes, someone who puts the ball on the deck and is on the move toward the basket has a better chance of being fouled. But the debate here is open long 2's versus open 3's, neither of which will lead to getting fouled very often unless someone comes on a very late challenge and runs into the shooter. And when does that happen? Mostly on 3-point shots, because they are so much more valuable. Again, most NBA defenses encourage long 2-point shots.

The most efficient shots in basketball are dunks, layups, free throws, and 3-pointers. In other words, NBA offenses should try to generate as many shots as possible at the rim or beyond the 3-point line. Houston is a team that has embraced this philosophy. They shot by far the lowest percentage of "long 2's" compared to any other team in the NBA.

But back to the main point. I don't disagree with an overarching philosophy by Flip to take open shots first and foremost. Every NBA offensive system is looking to somehow generate a good, open shot. Where I have a problem is that somehow the 3-point shot is discouraged for certain players, yet the 20 foot jumper is not. If someone can't hit 3-pointers at an acceptable clip, than they certainly shouldn't be allowed to take long 2 pointers either.