In the early 1990s, the NBA was characterized by a vastly different style of play than what we see today. The game was driven by mid-range jumpers, dominant post moves, and an emphasis on team play. Michael Jordan, often regarded as the greatest basketball player in history, embodied this era with his versatile scoring ability, which spanned aggressive drives to the basket and signature fade a ways. However, newly surfaced footage from the 1992 NBA All-Star Weekend brings a timely warning from Jordan into focus—his caution against over-relying on the three-point shot, a trend that has since reshaped the NBA over the years.
The 1992 Footage: Jordan’s Concerns About the Three-Point Shot
Captured during a 1992 NBA All-Star Weekend event, the footage shows Jordan openly discussing the future of basketball and the increasing role of the three-point shot. Back then, the three-pointer was still a relatively minor part of the game. Jordan expressed concern that both teams and players were placing too much emphasis on the long-range shot. He acknowledged the value of the three-point shot but stressed that players and teams should not depend on it exclusively.
Jordan emphasized that true success in the NBA requires a well-rounded skill set. While the three-pointer could be an effective weapon, a player should also be able to score from various areas of the court—whether that involved driving to the basket, hitting mid-range jumpers, or dominating in the post. His message was clear relying too heavily on one aspect of the game, especially one as inconsistent as the three-point shot, could stifle a player’s growth and hinder their ability to perform consistently.
This perspective was deeply rooted in the fundamental principles that defined Jordan’s game. His career was built on a blend of exceptional athleticism, basketball IQ, and adaptability, but always with an emphasis on versatility. Jordan believed that mastering multiple facets of the game was the key to sustaining success, regardless of how the game evolved or how defenses adjusted.
The Rise of the 3-Point Revolution
Fast forward to today, and the NBA has undergone a dramatic transformation. The three-point shot is now a central component of the game, with teams like the Golden State Warriors at the forefront, turning long-range shooting into their primary offensive strategy. The current NBA is defined by high-volume three-point shooting, with stars like Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard leading the charge, hitting deep threes with unmatched precision. This shift has fundamentally altered how teams approach both offense and defense, prioritizing spacing, pace, and perimeter shooting.
Given the prominence of the three-point shot in today’s NBA, Jordan’s warning about over-reliance on it seems incredibly prescient. While the three-pointer is undeniably important, many teams now depend heavily on it, which has raised concerns about the lack of balance in offensive strategies. The current trend of three-point dominance has also led to questions about whether the game has become too one-dimensional, with the mid-range game and post play being sidelined in favor of high-volume three-point shooting.
Why Michael Jordan’s Advice Still Matters
Despite the widespread success of three-point shooting, Jordan’s perspective remains highly relevant today for several reasons:
Defensive Adaptations: As teams embrace the three-point shot, defenses have adjusted to counteract its effectiveness. The rise of the “three-and-D” player—those capable of defending the perimeter and contributing offensively with three-pointers—has become a cornerstone of modern defense. When teams lean too heavily on three-pointers, they risk becoming predictable, making it easier for opponents to defend them, particularly on off nights when shots aren’t falling. Jordan’s approach to versatility—being able to score in different ways—helps players and teams adapt to evolving defensive schemes.
Decline of the Mid-Range Game: The mid-range jumper, once a staple for nearly every elite player, has largely fallen out of favor in the modern game. However, a well-rounded offensive game that includes mid-range shooting remains crucial, particularly in clutch moments. Michael Jordan’s career was a testament to the effectiveness of the mid-range shot, with his fade away jumper being one of the most unstoppable shots in NBA history.
Versatility is Key: The most successful players today, much like Jordan in his prime, are those who can score in multiple ways. Players such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard are all adept at hitting threes but also excel in other areas, such as driving to the basket, scoring mid-range, and facilitating for teammates. Versatility allows them to adapt to different situations, much as Jordan did during his career with the Chicago Bulls.
Sustainability of Play-styles: A common critique of the three-point revolution is its volatility. While three-point-heavy teams can explode offensively on some nights, they can also experience extended slumps when shots don’t fall. Jordan’s emphasis on fundamentals and diverse skills offers a more sustainable approach, focusing on efficiency and execution in all areas of the game rather than relying on a single, unpredictable offensive weapon.
Michael Jordan’s Legacy of Balance in the NBA
Jordan’s caution against an over-dependence on the three-point shot wasn’t just a critique of the NBA’s evolution it was a call for balance and a reminder of the elements that make basketball great. His career stands as proof that a player can dominate without becoming overly reliant on one aspect of the game. Jordan’s mastery of scoring, defense, play-making, and leadership earned him five NBA championships and six Finals MVPs, all thanks to his ability to adapt to any given scenario. In today’s NBA, the three-point shot will certainly remain crucial. But Jordan’s message endures, basketball is at its best when players possess a diverse skill set, and those who can do more than just shoot from beyond the arc ones who will endure. The current generation of players, despite their excellence in three-point shooting, should take heed of Jordan’s focus on fundamentals. Whether it’s a mid-range jumper, a post move, or a driving layup, these elements are still essential to creating a well-rounded game. Ultimately, versatility—rather than reliance on any one style of play—will continue to define greatness in the NBA, just as it did for Michael Jordan.
