Michael Jordan once stated that he chose not to prioritize three-point shooting in order to prevent narrowing his skills. However, during Game 1 of the 1992 NBA Finals, he made six three-pointers in the first half and then shrugged at the broadcast table. His exceptional abilities demonstrated that he was capable of making shots from all parts of the basketball court. During the 1996 NBA Finals, he demonstrated his versatility by shooting 63.6% from three-point range.
Gilbert Arenas on Jordan’s Impact on the Three-Point Line
Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas recently talked about the major impact Jordan had on the game. In his “Gil’s Arena” podcast, Arenas disclosed that the NBA reduced the three-point line from 24 to 22 feet following Jordan’s retirement in 1994 in order to boost scoring. This adjustment enabled Reggie Miller and Steve Kerr to thrive. Miller achieved a personal best of 42.7% in 1996-97, while Kerr topped the league with 52.4% in 1994-95.
The Shortened Line’s Influence on Players
The short-term adjustment to the three-point line from 1994 to 1997 helped enhance the performance of a few players, such as Dennis Scott, who broke the NBA record by making 267 three-pointers in the 1995-96 season, and Glen Rice, who earned three All-Star selections. Jordan’s three-point shooting increased from 30.1% prior to retiring to 40.4% upon his comeback in 1995.
Jordan vs. LeBron Debate Ignites Again
Gilbert Arenas ignited a continuing argument about who is the best – Jordan or LeBron James. He claimed that Jordan’s impact still matters primarily due to parallels to LeBron. Arenas thinks the basketball world honors Jordan’s legacy to stop LeBron from surpassing it.
The Legacy Lives On
Although the debate over the greatest player may never be settled definitively, Michael Jordan’s influence in the game goes beyond just winning championships. His impact on the development of three-point shooting has influenced the current style of play, leaving a lasting impression on the sport.
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