The NBA has facilitated a significant transformation in the sport over the last decade or so. Three-point shooting has altered the game; brought it further away from the basketball and decreased the traditional emphasis on height. For decades, powerful players with height, strength and athleticism came in and dominated the game. Names like Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Dwight Howard were near unstoppable in the paint, and height was the prerequisite for this type of success. However, the modern game has shifted towards a more perimeter-oriented style, where skill, versatility, and shooting have become more valuable than sheer height alone.

The Evolution of the Game

Basketball has evolved into a sport where traditional positions are becoming increasingly fluid. The rise of “positionless basketball” has led to teams exploiting mismatches and valuing versatility over the rigid roles of the past. Players today are expected to contribute in multiple areas, regardless of their size. This shift is exemplified by teams like the Golden State Warriors. While the Warriors weren’t the first team to play a “small-ball” lineup, they were the first to win an NBA championship without a traditional big man to finish the game. Proving that a team doesn’t necessarily need towering centers to succeed.

Steph Curry

Standing at just 6’2″, Stephen Curry, has completely redefined how basketball is played at both the professional and amateur levels. Curry has transformed the game with his unparalleled shooting range and movement without the ball. Add to that a quick release, and ability to hit shots from well beyond the three-point arc is the foundation in Golden State’s four NBA championships between 2015 and 2022. Curry’s impact was so profound that it caused a shift in how teams construct their rosters and develop strategies, favoring perimeter shooting and spacing over the traditional dominance of the post.

Curry’s shooting ability has not only made him one of the most exciting players to watch but has also fundamentally altered the way teams play offense. The “Curry effect” is evident in how almost every team in the league now prioritizes the three-point shot. The days of grinding out points in the post are largely gone, replaced by an emphasis on quick ball movement, spacing, and shooting efficiency from deep.

Curry’s influence is clear in the fact that NBA teams are now attempting over 35 three-pointers per game on average, compared to fewer than 20 a decade ago. Beyond the numbers, Curry’s style of play has democratized basketball, giving smaller players the belief that they can dominate without the physical advantages traditionally needed to succeed. His success story has inspired a generation of young players to hone their shooting skills, knowing that an elite three-point shot can be as valuable, if not more, than size or strength.

The Influence of the Three-Point Revolution

The three-point revolution has been one of the most significant changes in modern basketball. NBA teams are now attempting more three-pointers than ever before, shifting the game towards the perimeter. This trend has allowed shorter players to thrive, as their shooting skills can offset the advantage that height once provided. Guards like Damian Lillard (6’2″) and Trae Young (6’1″) have become superstars by leveraging their shooting ability and offensive creativity, demonstrating that height is not a prerequisite for success in today’s game.

When contemplating bets, especially on platforms like Mostbets, it’s important to consider the effect of the three-point game. Teams that rely primarily on three-point shooting may be more erratic, making them appealing candidates for certain sorts of wagers, such as over/under totals.

Decline of the Traditional Big Man

The traditional role of the big man—dominating the paint, blocking shots, and grabbing rebounds—has evolved. Modern centers are now expected to guard smaller players on switches, defend the perimeter, and even stretch the floor by shooting from distance. This evolution has diminished the dominance that height once conferred. Big men like Nikola Jokić and Anthony Davis are not only effective in the paint but also contribute as playmakers, midrange shooters and can sometimes step out for the occasional three. You we’re seeing that with Shaq, DeAndre Jordan, Andrew Bogut, Darryl Dawkins, and Artis Gilmore.

Impact on Youth Basketball

This shift is also evident in youth basketball, where the focus is now on developing well-rounded players rather than just tall prospects. Youth coaches are emphasizing skills like ball-handling, shooting, and defensive versatility, ensuring that young players can adapt to the modern, fast-paced game. This approach prepares players to excel in multiple positions, reducing the traditional focus on height as the primary advantage.

While height remains an important factor in basketball, its significance has diminished in the face of the game’s evolution. The rise of three-point shooting and the emphasis on versatility have reshaped basketball, making skill, strategy, and adaptability more critical than ever. Players who can contribute in multiple areas, regardless of their height, are now seen as the most valuable assets on the court. As the game continues to evolve, the importance of height will likely continue to wane, giving way to a new era of basketball defined by its diversity of skills and playing styles.