Return of the NBA's mid-range jumper: What is the betting impact?

In the NFL this season, teams running the ball effectively are having a lot of success. NFL rules favor the offense and the passing offense. In the NBA, some teams are trying to shift back to the mid-range game. The NBA has seen a seismic shift to 3-point shooting over the last few years. It's now seeing some team shift the other way and put more emphasis on the middle-distance game, as in the MLB.

The trend to prioritize 3-point shooting is not a secret. 39.9% of field-goal attempts were 3s in 2021-22. Teams that play good defense usually make the playoffs and have the best chance of playing for a championship.

In college basketball and the NBA, mid-range jumpers are looked down on. All 2-point shots are worth the same value, but a shot attempt at the rim is much easier to make than a jump shot.

The NBA is seeing a shift in the league and teams are focusing more on shooting 3-pointers. The mid-range jumper is making a comeback. Forcing teams to defend the mid range takes them out of their normal defense. The top eight teams in FG% between 10-16 feet made the playoffs last season. Five of the top six teams from that distance made it to the postseason.

The analysis might be a year or two early, but it does seem as though changes will be coming. We've seen decreases each year in terms of mid-range jumpers, and I can't help but wonder if that stops this season.

The NBA's mid-range jumper is returning.

The NBA's 3P% has been stable year-over-year for a while. Last season, the Heat led the NBA at 37.9%. That was the lowest mark to lead the league since the 1998-99 season. With successful teams like the Suns and Bucks taking more mid-range shots, others around the League will start to take notice. The pace will slow down as it takes time to create a midrange jump shot.