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Mapping the NBA

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Douglar

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https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/how-mapping-shots-in-the-nba-changed-it-forever/

We know who took each shot and whether it went in or not. And we can smooth out these dots statistically and map out the overall field-goal percentage of the NBA as a collective.

SPRAWLBALL_Fig_013_kg_edit.png

SPRAWLBALL_Fig_014.png
 
The graphic is evidence that supports the idea the three point line should be moved away from the basket by a foot or two and the corner 3 eliminated entirely. Game is a bit unbalanced at present.

Another key piece of evidence needed is the offensive rebounding percentage from shots taken at each area of the floor. Offensive rebounds are objectively worth points, and if shots from one area of the floor have higher OReb percentages than other then that has to be factored in. Not sure there's data for that -- if not, that will be the next set of data to collect.

There's also the question of fouls and free throws. Shots attempted, statistically, do not count fouls. In reality a foul in the act of shooting is by definition a shot attempt, and different percentages of fouls called by area of the floor (plus the issue of 2 or 3 shots) also would affect the results.
 
The graphic is evidence that supports the idea the three point line should be moved away from the basket by a foot or two and the corner 3 eliminated entirely. Game is a bit unbalanced at present.

Another key piece of evidence needed is the offensive rebounding percentage from shots taken at each area of the floor. Offensive rebounds are objectively worth points, and if shots from one area of the floor have higher OReb percentages than other then that has to be factored in. Not sure there's data for that -- if not, that will be the next set of data to collect.

There's also the question of fouls and free throws. Shots attempted, statistically, do not count fouls. In reality a foul in the act of shooting is by definition a shot attempt, and different percentages of fouls called by area of the floor (plus the issue of 2 or 3 shots) also would affect the results.

Good points. I think the league SHOULD do something to incentivize the post game and reduce the number of threes getting jacked up. Not even sure Jabbar or Bob Lanier would average more than 15 ppg in today’s NBA! They would never get the ball!
 
Loved the idea of allowing goaltending the 3pt shot.

Yeah that would basically add a whole new exciting athletic component to the NBA game, totally fresh and would give a reason to put freak athletes back in the paint.
 
Yeah that would basically add a whole new exciting athletic component to the NBA game, totally fresh and would give a reason to put freak athletes back in the paint.

It would end 3 point shooting.

Madness.
 
The Bucks are good but I don't know if they're good enough to beat the Raptors or Philly. Middleton is not a legit/good enough #2 option imo.
 
Middleton is a good example of the new NBA in that he is not super athletic or multi-talented but he is a GREAT shooter, tall enough to get his shot off easily, very clutch, and very crafty. Those qualities will get you far in the modern NBA. Last two playoffs he is shooting almost 58% from 3 on six attempts per game. He would have been good with Lebron
 

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