The three-point revolution has transformed the NBA, encouraging players across all positions to embrace the long ball as a key weapon. However, only some players benefit from this approach, with some stars taking an excessive number of threes at the expense of their efficiency and versatility.
While the three-point shot can be a game-changer, over-reliance on it can limit a player’s impact in other areas, especially for those with skills better suited to attacking the basket or dominating in the post. Here’s a look at 10 NBA stars who might benefit from rethinking their approach to shooting from beyond the arc because, quite frankly, they have fallen too in love with the three.
1. Luka Doncic
3-Point Stats: 3.2 3PM – 9.9 3PM, 32.4% 3-PT FG
Luka Doncic is one of the most gifted offensive players in the NBA, but his reliance on the step-back three has become a double-edged sword. Shooting just 32.4% on nearly 10 attempts per game, Luka often settles for contested long-range shots instead of leveraging his incredible court vision and ability to dominate in the paint.
While these step-backs have given us memorable highlights, they also contribute to inefficient stretches in critical moments. Given his size and strength, attacking the rim or creating mid-range opportunities could provide a more consistent offensive impact.
For the Dallas Mavericks, Luka’s high volume of threes can stall the offense, especially when defenses key in on his tendencies. With talent such as Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson around him, focusing on drawing fouls and finding open teammates through penetration could make Luka and the Mavericks far more dangerous than their 11-8 record suggests.
2. Victor Wembanyama
3-Point Stats: 3.2 3PM – 9.3 3PM, 34.5% 3-PT FG
Victor Wembanyama’s 7’4” frame and agility are a nightmare for defenders, but his 34.5% three-point shooting on over nine attempts per game raises questions about his shot selection. As a second-year player and budding superstar, Wembanyama should focus more on exploiting mismatches in the post and using his length to dominate closer to the basket. While his shooting touch is promising, settling for perimeter shots wastes opportunities to capitalize on his unique physical gifts.
The San Antonio Spurs have placed Wembanyama in a developmental role where he has the freedom to explore his offensive game, but a more balanced approach could benefit the team in the long run. Mixing in more cuts, offensive rebounds, and post-ups would make him an even bigger threat. Looking at his shot chart, the Frenchman likes deep threes a little too much as well, and he isn’t doing himself justice considering his incredible height.
3. Devin Booker
3-Point Stats: 2.6 3PM – 7.5 3PM, 34.4% 3-PT FG
Devin Booker is one of the NBA’s most skilled scorers, but his 34.4% three-point shooting on 7.5 attempts per game shows room for refinement. While Booker’s shooting mechanics are sound, he often settles for contested threes instead of leaning on his mid-range prowess, where he is nearly automatic. His ability to create space and score from anywhere on the court makes him difficult to guard, but over-relying on the three-point line diminishes the effectiveness of his most efficient areas.
With Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal as teammates, Booker should focus on exploiting mismatches and facilitating a more diverse offensive attack. Driving to the hoop or working in the mid-post would keep defenses guessing and open up better looks for his teammates. A smarter shot selection could elevate both his efficiency and the Suns’ offensive flow, and he should probably choose to take more shots on the wing from three because there isn’t enough volume there compared to the sides.
4. Jaylen Brown
3-Point Stats: 2.5 3PM – 7.5 3PM, 33.3% 3-PT FG
Jaylen Brown’s athleticism and slashing ability make him a tough cover, but his 33.3% three-point shooting on 7.5 attempts per game suggests he’s settling too often. Brown’s reliance on three-point shooting sometimes takes him out of his comfort zone, particularly when he’s more effective attacking the rim or pulling up from mid-range. With his elite first step and strength, he has the tools to overpower defenders inside rather than settling for jumpers.
For the Boston Celtics, Brown’s tendency to settle can lead to stagnant offensive stretches. With Jayson Tatum as the primary scorer, Brown could be more impactful by focusing on cutting, finishing through contact, and drawing fouls. These changes would boost his efficiency and give the Celtics a more dynamic offensive balance.
5. Trae Young
3-Point Stats: 2.8 3PM – 8.3 3PM, 33.3% 3-PT FG
Trae Young is known for his deep-range shooting, but his 33.3% accuracy on 8.3 attempts per game reveals inefficiency that can be costly. While his confidence is admirable, he often takes unnecessarily difficult shots, which puts pressure on his teammates to recover defensively after misses. Trae’s playmaking and floater game are among the best in the league, making it puzzling when he opts for low-percentage shots instead of utilizing his strengths in the pick-and-roll.
The Atlanta Hawks thrive when Trae orchestrates the offense by finding shooters or attacking the paint to collapse defenses. By prioritizing better shot selection and deferring some three-point attempts to open teammates, Young could significantly enhance his impact and it might help if he cut down on very deep threes as well.
6. James Harden
3-Point Stats: 2.5 3PM – 7.9 3PM, 32.0% 3-PT FG
James Harden’s three-point shooting has been a hallmark of his game, but at 32% on nearly eight attempts per game, his current efficiency is far from elite. Harden often settles for threes instead of using his crafty handles and strength to drive to the basket. While his step-back three remains iconic, defenses have adapted, making it harder for him to create the same high-percentage looks as in years past.
For the injury-plagued Clippers this season, Harden’s passing and ability to get into the paint remain invaluable. By reducing his reliance on perimeter shots and focusing more on playmaking and attacking, Harden can elevate his role as a facilitator while maintaining offensive pressure on opposing defenses.
7. Jalen Green
3-Point Stats: 2.5 3PM – 8.2 3PM, 30.3% 3-PT FG
Jalen Green’s 30.3% three-point shooting on 8.2 attempts per game illustrates inefficiency that hinders his growth as a scorer. Green’s athleticism and ability to finish in traffic make him one of the league’s most explosive young talents, but his tendency to take rushed or contested threes often wastes his offensive potential.
The Houston Rockets would benefit from Green focusing on his slashing game and working off-ball to generate cleaner looks. By embracing his strengths as a rim attacker and mid-range shooter, he could become a more well-rounded scorer because he is taking too many three-pointers off the dribble and isn’t open much from the corners.
8. Tyrese Haliburton
3-Point Stats: 2.8 3PM – 8.6 3PM, 32.9% 3-PT FG
Tyrese Haliburton’s 32.9% three-point shooting on 8.6 attempts per game contrasts with his exceptional court vision and efficiency as a playmaker. Haliburton often takes early-shot-clock threes or deep attempts that don’t align with his usual high-IQ style of play.
For the Indiana Pacers, Haliburton’s ability to penetrate defenses and create opportunities for teammates is more valuable than high-volume three-point shooting. Make no mistake, Haliburton is an above-average shooter, but his shots aren’t falling with regularity this season because he isn’t taking the best threes.
9. Fred VanVleet
3-Point Stats: 2.3 3PM – 7.2 3PM, 32.3% 3-PT FG
Fred VanVleet’s 32.3% three-point shooting on 7.2 attempts per game reflects a volume that doesn’t match his efficiency. As a small guard, VanVleet often takes threes to create separation, but he could benefit from a more balanced offensive approach that incorporates driving and drawing fouls.
With the Houston Rockets, VanVleet’s leadership role could be better served by focusing on facilitating and taking smarter shots. By cutting down on contested threes and shots off the dribble, he could help the team establish a more efficient flow.
10. Jalen Suggs
3-Point Stats: 2.1 3PM – 6.8 3PM, 31.1% 3-PT FG
Jalen Suggs shoots 31.1% from three on 6.8 attempts per game (and a career 33.0%), a volume that doesn’t align with his strengths. Suggs is a physical guard who excels at attacking the basket and playing through contact, yet he often settles for threes that defenses are willing to give him.
The Orlando Magic would benefit from Suggs focusing on driving, facilitating, and leveraging his athleticism to create higher-percentage looks. With his defensive intensity and potential as a slasher, he can still be a game-changer without forcing three-point attempts.
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