NBA: Is The Small-Ball Era In The Association Here to Stay?
By Jordan Yant
Apr 25, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) shoots over Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Conclusion
It is a simple fact; trends in the NBA don’t always have staying power. As rules change and as the talent pool evolves so does the game. One facet that seems to have staying power is the analytics advantages of small ball.
In a modern NBA, one that embraces analytics, the simple theory of small ball has a ton of advantages. Sometimes it boils down to simple math: three points are worth more than two. In the current NBA, perimeter hand-checking is out and zone-like paint protection is in. So, why wouldn’t teams try to shoot more 3-pointers?
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That means that it is most often easier to produce an open shot from beyond the arc than from in the paint-or to produce opportunities at the rim by spreading the floor and driving to the basket.
Is small ball simply a ploy or fad that will fade out? Not a chance. With the revolution of the 21st century big man “big-ball” has simply just evolved. Will the style the Warriors played translate to success for other teams? Most assuredly not.
It will never be the blueprint to success for every team. There are so many variables involved in the success of many styles of play.
The ability to adapt is what truly will help foster success for NBA teams. The ability of any team to be able to play multiple styles, to become a swiss army knife like threat, ultimately leads to a chance at championship greatness.
Small ball is a microcosm of an ever-changing NBA. In fact, the NBA could become so cyclical to a point where big men prowess is restored. Though I doubt big men will ever devolve back to their old school ways.
Small-ball is a direct result of diversity with the talent pool of today’s NBA stars, it is not the end all be all for every team. Nor should it be. Variety is the spice of life and in a exciting modern day NBA, variety should be praised.
Size still matters and it always will. That won’t stop teams from pushing the envelope to try new things to win. Though, small-ball has a time and place, it is not the sole direction the league is heading.