Anyone watching the USA and LaCry James!

[90sman]

Maybe it is because I am old and like to yell at people to get off my lawn, so take things for what they are worth. Generally, the rules have changed so much that making comparisons between eras is very difficult. The top stars in any era (dating back to the 1960's) would be top stars no matter when they are playing. There is also a huge difference in that the league has trended toward placating individuals and is less of a team approach (which is why I find the NBA boring). There is also a difference between "skills" and "players" (as there is in any sport). Lots of people have skills, very few people are players. If NBA dudes are so much bigger, faster, and stronger than why does it rarely translate to improved metrics over a long period of time? Below is some FG % data I found from basketball-reference.com and summarized by decades.

2020 - 2024 = 46.9%
2010 - 2020 = 45.5%
2000 - 2010 = 45.1%
1990 - 2000 = 46.0%
1980 - 1990 = 48.5%
1970 - 1980 = 46.3%
1960 - 1970 = 43.9%

So, despite all the "skills" and supposedly being much better shooters, the FG percentage as a league so far in the 2020s is no better than it was in the 1970s.

Just my perspective.

Did you account for the variance in shot selection (3 pt vs 2 pt shots) between these different eras?

 

[PvilleHuskerTim]

Did you account for the variance in shot selection (3 pt vs 2 pt shots) between these different eras?

No. I am sure there are many more 3pt shots taken in the 2 1/2 decades of the 2000s, but it doesn't seem like there has been a vast difference in overall percentage. For what it's worth, the 3 point FG percentage is below.

2020 - 2024 = 36.2%
2010 - 2020 = 35.6%
2000 - 2010 = 35.6%
1990 - 2000 = 34.4%
1980 - 1990 = 28.3%

I'm sure there are statisticians on the board, but if I viewed things correctly for every 1,000 3pt shots taken the 2020s would make only 6 more shots over the 2010s and 2000s. That doesn't seem like a lot to me.