Nick Wright, co-host of First Things First on FS1, has proposed a bold solution to address the NBA’s declining ratings: make dunks worth three points. Wright shared his thoughts on Colin Cowherd’s podcast, suggesting that the league’s shift towards a three-point-heavy strategy has made the game less exciting for casual fans.
Wright argues that the NBA’s popularity has always been rooted in spectacular plays, like dunks and high-flying athleticism. However, the recent emphasis on three-point shooting has led to a more uniform and less dynamic viewing experience.
“Every game looks the same. Every possession looks the same,” Wright explained. “There’s no different styles… And we’re minimizing athleticism.”
To counteract this, Wright proposes a dramatic change: making dunks worth three points. This would incentivize players to focus on high-flying, crowd-pleasing plays, potentially bringing back the excitement that has been lost. LeBron James and Lakers coach JJ Redick have also commented on the issue, with James noting the excessive number of three-point attempts and Redick pointing to negative discourse from national partners as contributing factors.
Wright’s idea has sparked a lively debate among fans and analysts. Some believe that altering the scoring system could indeed reinvigorate the game and attract more viewers, while others argue that the current product is more skilled and talented than ever before. Redick defended the league’s current style, suggesting that the narrative around the game needs to change rather than the rules themselves.
As the NBA continues to grapple with declining ratings, Wright’s proposal offers a fresh perspective on how to balance analytics-driven strategy with entertainment value.
