NBA's 3-Point King

Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics became the NBA's all-time leader in three-pointers last night, hitting three to pass Reggie Miller on the career list.  I usually root against his team, but Allen's quiet leadership and class help keep me at least marginally interested in the NBA.  Allen's new record has made me think back on how the three-pointer has evolved from a seldom-used novelty to a primary weapon in modern basketball.

The old ABA introduced the bonus point basket in 1961, setting the distance at 25 feet; players at pretty much any level will tell you that was not a shot, but a heave.  The NBA didn't add the three-pointer until 1979.  In the 1982-83 season, only four players in the entire league made more than the 25 triples required to qualify for the league lead.  In 1987, Reggie Miller's rookie season, NBA teams averaged 410 three-point attempts per season.

The modern NBA is a shooter's league.  Last season, NBA teams averaged 1,487 three-point attempts, almost three-times the average from 1987.  And contemporary players are good at it;  more than 30 players are currently hitting over 40% from behind the arc.

To me, it illustrates how basketball at the college and pro level has evolved.  The mantra used to be, "work for the best possible shot."  Now it's, "take the first open shot."