Duncan Robinson’s proposed NBA rule change to make the game more exciting

The NBA is evolving and the game is now markedly different to the basketball played by previous generations. Much of this is due to increase in three-point shooting but the modern emphasis on player metrics has also had a significant, if more subtle, impact.

Speaking on The Young Man and the Three podcast recently, Miami Heat star Duncan Robinson claimed that the focus on statistics has made players overly cautious. He cites the often-seen example of a player dribbling out the final second of a quarter, rather than attempt a dramatic half-court heave. Players are increasingly reluctant to take these low-percentage shots and Robinson has a solution that could turn the tide on this trend.

Robinson explained: “I think that last-second shots at the end of quarters should fall into a different field goal percentage category, statistical category.”

“There’s nothing I hate more than when guys will dribble out the quarter and launch a three-quarter shot knowing it doesn’t count, but they just shoot it,” he continued “We need to be encouraging guys launching those shots. They should not count towards your 3-point percentage, they should just be an entirely different category.”

He admitted that, for some players, those missed shots can have real consequences for them and their careers. Some have financial bonuses in their contracts that relate to their three-point shooting, and a couple of wild misses each game could have a significant impact. Likewise, selection for the All-Star Game is increasingly based on metrics like shot percentage.

Duncan appeared on the podcast alongside Cam Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets, who agreed that it would be good to see more of these long-distance shots in the game. The idea could help to add a bit more excitement to the game, but is a change really likely? It’s a long shot.

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