Andrea Bargnani claims today's NBA embraces the three-pointer, a skill he was once ridiculed for

Andrea Bargnani, the 2006 No. 1 overall draft pick, was ahead of his time with a shooting style that today's NBA not only accepts but celebrates. Once mocked for his reliance on perimeter shooting as a seven-footer, Bargnani now sees the league's three-point obsession as a validation of the skills he pioneered. The game has evolved beyond post-heavy sets to a fast-paced, space-oriented landscape where stretch bigs like him would thrive.

Andrea Bargnani On How Today’s NBA Rewards Perimeter Shooting Skills

Back in his playing days, Bargnani faced criticism for his tendency to “pick and pop,” a move that was considered unconventional for a player his size. During an exclusive interview with Basketball Network, he noted the stark transformation of the league: “The game is much faster. There are no true centers for most teams anymore, except the likes of Nikola Jokic.”

He went on to describe the NBA's unprecedented growth in three-pointers, which now border on “out of control.” This fast evolution pleases Bargnani, a natural shooter, who admires the deep shooting ability now common in the league: “Guys are practicing shots from the logo and 12 meters. It’s exciting, especially in the playoffs.”

• Average three-point attempts per game increased from 16.9 in Bargnani’s rookie year to 37.6 recently.
• Overall scoring has jumped from 98.7 points per game to nearly 114.
• Stretch bigs with shooting range have become basketball essentials.

Bargnani's Shooting Style: Misunderstood Then, Essential Now

Despite being a perimeter threat, Bargnani never took more than 4.1 three-point attempts per game during his career. Comparatively modest in today’s NBA, his emphasis on jumpers marked a sharp contrast with the traditional back-to-the-basket big men of the past.

Now, with brands like Nike, Adidas, and Jordan Brand outfitting players who thrive on shooting, Bargnani’s approach fits perfectly into today’s dynamic offenses. The shift rewards perimeter shooting and pace, shedding a spotlight on the kind of player Bargnani once was.

Why Bargnani and Chris Bosh Could Dominate Today's NBA Frontcourt

When the Toronto Raptors selected Bargnani first overall in 2006, they already had Chris Bosh, another outside shooting big man. This duo was criticized at the time for lacking traditional post-presence, but Bargnani believes that playing together in today's NBA would be "super modern" and incredibly effective.

Reflecting on their four seasons together, which included two playoff appearances, Bargnani emphasizes:

• The advantage of two versatile shooting bigs to space the floor.
• How modern NBA offenses rely on pick-and-pop actions, perfect for stretch forwards.
• The importance of surrounding such skill sets with players proficient in defense and rebounding.

Of course, defensive shortcomings and rebounding limitations that plagued Bargnani remain a concern. With Rim protectors and glass cleaners in the modern game, teams can mask these gaps better than in his era.

Modern NBA Teams Need To Master Spacing And Versatility

The NBA in 2025 centers on speed, shooting, and switching defense strategies. Understanding these trends is critical for any team aiming to compete at the highest level. Resources like Basketball Evolution’s guide to NBA defenses and scoring strategies behind successful playoff games are invaluable for insights.

• Guarding multiple pick-and-roll actions with fast switching.
• Utilizing deep shooters to force defenses to extend.
• Creating mismatches by deploying multi-positional players.

Brands like Puma, Reebok, New Balance, Anta, and Peak support this evolution by promoting gear fitted to the athleticism and style of today’s players.

How The Three-Point Revolution Changed NBA Scoring And Strategy

The impact of three-point shooting is more than just a numbers game; it’s reshaped every team’s offensive scheme. The league average of attempts has more than doubled, pushing the pace and offensive efficiency to new heights, as demonstrated in games we recently analyzed like the Celtics vs Knicks Game 1 and Timberwolves vs Warriors series.

This revolution also drives betting and predictions, as seen in top NBA betting trends and DraftKings NBA picks, further highlighting the influence of three-point shooting on the game’s outcome.

• Increase in pace correlates with more three-point attempts per game.
• Teams prioritize shooters who can pull defenders far from the basket.
• Playoff success hinges on deep shooting efficiency and defensive versatility.

Andrea Bargnani’s professional journey reminds us that innovation in playing style often precedes league-wide acceptance. Although he didn’t fully reap the benefits in his era, the NBA of today validates his approach. The steps forward by players, teams, and even sporting brands like Kiss My Airs and Jordan Brand show how integral shooting from distance has become at every level of basketball.