The game of basketball has changed a lot over the years. The three-point line was introduced in 1979, but it took a few decades for NBA offenses to start weaponizing the three-pointer. And Larry Bird’s criticism of how the shooting was practiced back then foreshadowed the change.
Larry Bird is regarded as one of the greatest shooters in history, and he led the Boston Celtics to 3 championships with his prowess. In his playing days, Bird was asked about shooting and how it needs to be practiced, and he had some interesting insight into that.
“When I was a young kid growing up, I can remember guys at a young age about 4, 5, 6, 7th grade, something like that. Everybody wanna make a half-court shot,” Larry Bird said. “And stand out there doing that and never get nothing accomplished.
“And the three-point line is the same way. Kids wanna become three-point shooters instead of the basic 15-footer or 10-foot shot. When I go out and shoot around by myself, anywhere before a game, in the summer. I always start about 15 foot away from the basket and work my way around the perimeter.”
If the situation was like this when Bird was younger, one can only imagine what he would have to say about the situation now. Young players are trying to shoot more three-pointers and from deeper than ever, influenced by stars like Stephen Curry. And with the mid-range game going out of the picture slowly, Bird’s criticism has manifested itself as the way the game is played today.
Stephen Curry Has Inspired Young Players To Work On The Shots Larry Bird Had An Issue With
What was wrong in one era can become gospel in another. While young players need to work on their fundamentals, the modern game rewards those that can shoot efficiently from long distances. As Scottie Barnes revealed, youngsters today want to be just like Stephen Curry and thus emulate the things he does.
Stephen Curry isn’t to blame for these things or anything like that, he makes it a point to help out as many youngsters with advice as he can. But it’s a sign of the way the game has changed. Regardless, it doesn’t make what Larry Bird said wrong, it’s important for young players to work on and have sound fundamentals.
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