A former NBA champion recently made a bold statement, claiming that LeBron James, not Steph Curry, was the player who “ruined” the NBA. This remark, which quickly sparked a wave of debate,

suggests that James’ influence on the game led to a shift in playing styles, particularly when it comes to the dominance of the three-point shot. The player in question expressed that LeBron’s focus on

driving to the basket and changing the way offenses were structured had a profound impact on the NBA. However, the most controversial part of his statement was the claim that James was responsible

for making the mid-range two-point shot a rarity in modern basketball. He argued that the rise of the three-point shot and the emphasis on “going for the dunk or the three”

resulted in the two-pointer being “gone” from today’s game, something that has fundamentally altered the way basketball is played.

The former champion’s comments raise an interesting point about the evolution of basketball over the past two decades. LeBron James has undeniably had a tremendous influence on the sport,

not only as a player but also as a trendsetter. His ability to dominate the game in multiple facets, particularly with his unique combination of size, speed, and basketball IQ, changed the expectations

for how a player should play the game. LeBron, for much of his career, has favored a style of play that prioritizes attacking the basket, using his strength and agility to finish at the rim or draw fouls.

This style, combined with his ability to pass and create opportunities for teammates, encouraged a shift towards more aggressive, perimeter-oriented offenses. As a result, the mid-range shot, once a staple in every player’s arsenal, became less important as teams began to focus on maximizing efficiency, often through either long-range shots or attacking the basket.

However, it’s important to note that LeBron’s influence isn’t solely to blame for the disappearance of the mid-range game. While his driving ability and court vision certainly played a role in changing the landscape of the NBA, the broader trend towards the three-point shot is more closely linked to the overall evolution of the game, with Steph Curry being a key figure in that shift. Curry’s unparalleled shooting range and his ability to make the three-pointer a focal point of the Golden State Warriors’ offense revolutionized how the game is played, pushing teams across the league to prioritize three-point shooting. His success helped validate the strategy of focusing on long-range shots, which led to an increased reliance on the three-point line by teams in both the regular season and playoffs. So, while LeBron’s style of play influenced the shift towards the rim, it was Curry’s shooting brilliance that truly popularized the three-point revolution.

The former champion’s comments also bring to light the contrasting styles between LeBron and Curry. LeBron has often been seen as the epitome of power, combining athleticism and skill in a way that allows him to dominate inside, whereas Curry’s style is centered around finesse, particularly through his shooting. The rise of both players has significantly shaped how teams approach offense in the modern NBA. LeBron’s era, which emphasized versatility, fast breaks, and a balance between inside and outside scoring, laid the foundation for the current landscape, but it was Curry’s extraordinary shooting that ultimately took the game in a new direction. The critique that LeBron “ruined” the game by making the mid-range shot obsolete overlooks the fact that it was a combination of factors, including both players’ unique impacts, that led to the current style of play.

In the end, the claim that LeBron James was responsible for “ruining” the NBA by making the mid-range shot less relevant is a subjective opinion that misses the bigger picture of how the game has evolved. The rise of the three-point shot and the increased emphasis on efficiency are the results of many factors, including changing rules, player skill development, and the strategies employed by various teams and coaches. While it is true that the game has changed dramatically from previous generations, it’s also important to recognize that these shifts are part of the natural progression of basketball. LeBron’s impact on the game cannot be denied, but it is equally true that the game continues to evolve with players like Curry, who have redefined what is possible on the court. Whether one views these changes as positive or negative, they are a reflection of how the NBA has adapted to new challenges, technology, and player capabilities.

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