Former Boston Globe columnist Bob Ryan recently expressed his disapproval of the three-point line in the NBA during an appearance on “The Ricky Cobb Show.” Ryan believes that the three-point shot is the worst thing to happen to basketball in his lifetime. He traced the origins of the three-point shot back to Abe Sacks, the founder of the American Basketball League in 1961, who introduced it as a gimmick. The NBA adopted the three-point line during the 1979-1980 season, forever changing the game.
Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics made the first three-point shot in NBA history on Oct. 12, 1979, marking the beginning of a significant shift in the way the game was played. Teams like the Celtics are now attempting a high volume of three-point shots in every game, which has led to a drastic change in playing style. Ryan acknowledged the influence of players like Steph Curry, who have revolutionized the game with their shooting prowess. Curry’s success has inspired a new generation of players to focus on three-point shooting.
Ryan recognizes that the game will not revert to its pre-three-point line style of play but emphasizes the need for more balance in shot selection. He believes that there should be a reasonable and intelligent balance between twos and threes, with a ratio of 2-1 favoring twos. He expressed frustration with the high volume of three-point attempts and noted that nights where a player goes 9-40 from the field are disgraceful and not reflective of the basketball he grew up with. Despite his reservations, Ryan acknowledges that the game has evolved and tries to enjoy it as much as he can.
Having covered the Boston Celtics for The Boston Globe from 1969 to 1982, Ryan has a deep understanding of the evolution of the game. He transitioned to a general sports columnist before retiring in 2012, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to his opinions on basketball. While he may not be a fan of the current emphasis on three-point shooting, Ryan’s perspective offers insight into the changing landscape of the NBA. His desire for a more balanced approach to shot selection reflects a sentiment shared by some fans of the game.
