Extending the Possible - The Introduction of the 4-point line in the NBA

Since 1951, the NBA has undergone many era-defining changes. Through the evolution of its players, we have seen greatly different play styles ranging from the overly physical approach of the '80s and '90s to the rise of small ball. Remarkably, since the introduction of the 3-point line in 1979, no significant change has been made to the NBA that has made such a notable difference in how the game of basketball is played. So what's next? Well, with the likes of Steph Curry, Trae Young and Damian Lillard extending the limits of shooting ability with every passing season, something new is on the horizon; the introduction of the 4-point line.

Since it's an introduction in 2018, the discussion over the addition of a 4-point line in the NBA is something that has been highly controversial. It is no question that the 3-point shot is at the centre of every NBA coaches gameplan in 2021 and is a tool that, if used effectively, can be the very difference between winning and losing an NBA Championship. In 2010, the New York Knicks averaged the highest number of 3-pointers per game at 9.3 per game whilst in 2020, that title now belongs to the Utah Jazz who average over 16.6 three-pointers per game. This shows the unquestionable growth and effect that the 3-pointer has had on the modern game and I believe that the introduction of the 4-point line is just the next step in this evolution. 

For any basketball fan, you will of course seen the viral videos of players such as Steph Curry and LeBron James shooting consistently from centre court. Not only is this impressive to watch but also provides a lot of tactical advantage. So shouldn't this be rewarded? If history is anything to go by and if the 3-point trend continues, players will be shooting from their own parking lot without as much as a raised eyebrow from a passing fan. Furthermore, as this shooting feat is accomplished but so little players in the NBA, the 4-pointer would be a genuinely game-changing alteration that would reinvigorate the NBA fan base. The 2020 NBA Finals became the lowest viewed series in history with just 5.94 million people tuning in. Now, most of this may have been due to the appearance and effect of Covid-19 but in my opinion, this would have been the perfect opportunity to implement the 4-point line. The playing situation in Orlando was an opportunity for the NBA to take a risk. Introducing the 4-point line would complement the 3-point fad that all basketball players seem to experience right now and effectively change the way players compete on both sides of the basketball.

It's not all great though. As much as this introduction could save modern basketball, it could also kill it. There are many NBA legends and coaches that feel that the implementation of the 3-point line is something that has stained the purity of the sport, so the creation of a 4-point line isn't really going to help change their feelings. In their mind, this rule change would promote an ugly style of play, in which teams feel forced to launch basketballs from 40+ feet just for the chance of an extra point. Yes, it would be great to see Steph Curry rewarded for his almost inhuman shooting ability but then again there are also 349 players who wouldn't be able to consistently profit from this change. 

So to conclude, this change has it's positives and negatives, but in my opinion, it's all for the good of the sport. The 4-point line would be the first significant change to NBA hardwood in over 40 years and will give a new challenge to NBA players and coaches alike, who must adapt in order to stay relevant or die at the bottom of their respective conference.