The Bay Area has been under continuous changes since the Golden State Warriors won the 2022 NBA championship. The Warriors, who finished last season as the 10th seed, will have a tougher time competing this year due to the improved Western Conference. Insider Mark Cuban recently shed light on the significant changes the league has undergone in the past decade.
On a recent episode of the “Roommates Show,” Mark Cuban talked about how much the league has changed over the past decade. He said, “Back then, there was always one dude who could not shoot on the court. He was like the defensive specialist.”
He added, “That one guy that was the dog that couldn’t shoot, you don’t really see that so much anymore.” Cuban’s statement underscores how modern NBA play is more dynamic and fast-paced, with a value on ball movement and long-range shooting. Prior to the rise of three-point shooting, teams used defensive footwork and seamless transitions to score.
Steph Curry doubles the rate of 3-pointers in the NBA
The Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry is well-known for his good defense, though he isn’t considered an elite defender. What sets him apart is his impressive 42.6% career three-point shooting. Even LeBron James previously admitted how much Curry’s shooting skills changed his game on the court.
Before 2011, such a skilled shooter who was also a capable defender was rare, making today’s basketball more competitive. Mark Cuban said, “Guys are a lot more skilled. More guys got handles; it’s just that the skill level has just reached a whole nother level that you didn’t see in 2011.”
In the 80s and 90s, coaches shunned when they saw “reckless” play. But today’s NBA is different, with a new wave of elite 3-point shooters like Steph Curry, who has been a major force in this exciting shift.
