Peja Stojakovic shares his main concern about today's NBA: too many players have the freedom to shoot at will

Peja Stojakovic, a former sharpshooter and NBA champion, doesn't mince words when discussing today's league. While the game has evolved with faster pace and innovative offense, Peja criticizes the fact that almost every player now has the so-called "green light" to shoot at any moment. This shift, he argues, compromises team discipline and dilutes the impact of true stars on the court. As the NBA advances deeper into 2025, the balance between empowering role players and maintaining strategic shot selection becomes a divisive topic among players, coaches, and fans alike.

Why Peja Stojakovic Thinks NBA Players Have Too Much Freedom To Shoot

During an appearance on the "NBA Mozzart" podcast, Stojakovic candidly expressed his concern about today's shot selection culture. Back in his prime, teams revolved around a couple of key players who took carefully orchestrated shots, supported by role players focused on specific tasks. Today, typical NBA lineups see every player encouraged to dribble, create, and shoot with high volume regardless of timing or game context.

• Players enjoy unprecedented offensive freedom, often shooting on instinct rather than strategy.
• The fast pace fuels more possessions, leading to increased shot attempts from all teammates.
• Role players are now expected to contribute offensively at all times to match the evolving style of play.

Peja admitted enjoying the creativity and athleticism displayed by current players but stressed that more discipline is desperately needed, especially during crucial moments of tight games.

Peja’s Take On The Balance Between Stars And Role Players In 2025 NBA

Stojakovic's playing days were defined by clear hierarchies: superstars led the team offensively while role players contributed selectively. Today, no player is truly restricted from shooting, which changes the dynamic dramatically.

• Offenses are designed to maximize pace and unpredictability.
• Role players accumulate high shot attempts which ease the burden on superstars.
• This is a tactical move to manage player fatigue in the physically demanding modern NBA season.

While this evolution democratizes offense, it can also make games feel disorganized, losing the narrative of stars taking control in crunch time. Stojakovic believes that there’s still value in structuring offenses around primary scorers and having role players understand their moments to shine. This trend reemerges especially during the playoffs, where pace slows and half-court sets reveal the best shooters and decision-makers.

How Modern Brands Reflect The NBA’s Player Shooting Revolution

The shift in playing style also reflects in basketball gear sponsorships and player branding. Companies like Nike, Adidas, and Jordan Brand have seen a surge in players who want gear tailored to their aggressive shooting styles. Meanwhile, emerging brands like Kyrie Irving Brand and Li-Ning focus on versatility and agility for shooters who operate all over the court.

• More players with 'green lights' means brands invest in tech that supports quicker shots and better handling.
• Performance footwear from Under Armour, Puma, Reebok, New Balance, and Champion cater to explosive movements required by today's multi-shooters.
• Player endorsements now emphasize individual style and shooting capability as core selling points.

Such gear innovations have paralleled the rise in three-point shooting volume and the demand for all-around offensive skills.

The Pros And Cons Of Everyone Having A Green Light To Shoot In 2025 NBA

The phenomenon of more players shooting isn't merely cosmetic; it ties directly into the strategies and entertainment value of the league.

• Pros: More unpredictable offense, less pressure on superstars, dynamic team scoring.
• Cons: Loss of traditional star-focused moments, shot selection often disregarded, potential drop in game-flow coherence.
• Potential impact on fan engagement, as some prefer watching star duels over chaotic shooting sprees.

As the league's style continues to evolve, it begs the question—will the NBA find the right balance between individual freedom and team discipline? Peja's old-school lens offers a critical perspective worth considering among modern basketball analysts and fans.

Further Insights: Shooting Skills And Player Roles In The Current NBA Landscape

For players and fans wanting to dive deeper, resources analyzing shooting prowess and draft prospects illuminate the ongoing transformations:

• Explore the exceptional shooting ability of stars like Trae Young here.
• Understand how emerging talents such as Cooper Flagg fit into this offense-driven era via the latest mock drafts.
• Delve into the unpredictable nature of playoff outcomes shaped by these evolving styles on Basketball Evolution.