My Response to Op-ed:

In his op-ed posted by the Wall Street Journal, Ben Cohan argues that the NBA's over-reliance on 3-point shooting has made the game less interesting for fans by reducing variety and devaluing mid-range jumpers and inside scoring. While I agree that the 3-point shot has changed the game in significant ways, I also tend to believe that it has also made basketball more exciting and enjoyable to watch.

One of the reasons why the 3-point shot has made basketball more exciting is that it has opened up the game overall and made it more fast-paced. With teams taking more 3-point shots on nightly basis, there are more opportunities for long rebounds and fast breaks, which can lead to spectacular plays and highlight-reel dunks. The 3-point shot has also made the game more strategic, as teams have to defend against shooters from beyond the arc and adjust their game plans accordingly. Another benefit of the 3-point shot is that it has made basketball more accessible to players of all sizes and skill levels. In the past, taller players with post-up skills had a clear advantage, as they could dominate the paint and score at will. However, with the rise of the 3-point shot, smaller and more agile players have become just as valuable, as they can shoot from outside and create space for themselves and their teammates. This has led to a more diverse and inclusive game, where players of all sizes and skill levels can contribute and succeed.

Moreover, the 3-point shot has also made basketball more global, as it has become a popular style of play in many countries around the world. With the rise of international players in the NBA, the game has become more diverse and multicultural, with players from different backgrounds and playing styles competing against each other. This has created a more global fan base for the NBA, as fans from all over the world can relate to and appreciate the game. While it is true that the over-reliance on 3-point shooting can lead to a lack of variety in the game and make it less enjoyable for some fans, I believe that this is not a problem with the 3-point shot itself, but rather with the way it is used by some teams. Coaches and players need to be creative and find ways to incorporate the 3-point shot into their game plans without sacrificing other aspects of the game, such as mid-range jumpers and inside scoring. By doing so, they can create a more balanced and exciting game that appeals to a wider range of fans.

In conclusion, while Ben Cohan makes a valid point about the over-reliance on 3-point shooting in the NBA, I believe that the rise of the 3-point shot has made basketball more exciting, accessible, and global. By embracing the 3-point shot and using it in a strategic and creative way, coaches and players can create a more balanced and enjoyable game that appeals to both traditional and modern fans of basketball.