For this solution to work, you'd have to believe that a linear relationship exists between a shooter's distance from the bucket and his field-goal percentage. If the trifecta is intended to reward lower-percentage shots, then we should move it back to areas with a lower percentage. This raises some interesting questions. While these may be hard to implement in reality, the possibilities for our discussion are limited only by your imagination as fans. A shot that began as a novelty now serves as an integral part of coaches' playbooks and many players' careers.
People play to their scoring system.
Somewhere out there, some youngster is working on his 10-point shot. Email Jonathan Sills, and we'll print the best letters next month. All rights reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.