Fixing the NBA: Bringing Back the 90s Style of Play

The NBA has evolved into a three-point shooting contest, where perimeter shots dominate the game and traditional inside play has become nearly extinct. While some argue that this evolution is just the natural progression of basketball, others believe that the league has strayed too far from the physical, diverse style of play that made the 90s era so compelling. The game has lost much of its balance, making it less appealing to fans who enjoyed watching teams battle in the paint, execute post-ups, and mix in mid-range jumpers. To fix this, the NBA should implement rule changes that reduce the over-reliance on three-pointers and bring back a more physical, varied, and strategic brand of basketball.

Rule Changes to Reduce the Overuse of the Three-Point Shot

One of the most effective ways to limit excessive three-point shooting would be to adjust the three-point line itself. Instead of the current uniform arc, the league could extend the distance at the top of the key while keeping the shorter corner threes in place. This would discourage teams from pulling up for deep threes every possession while still allowing for proper spacing and ball movement.

Another major change should be the removal of the defensive three-second rule. Currently, this rule prevents big men from camping in the paint, which opens up driving lanes and makes defenses more vulnerable to kick-out threes. Without it, teams could keep a rim protector in place, making inside scoring more challenging and shifting the focus away from an endless cycle of dribble penetration and kick-outs.

Additionally, the NBA should bring back hand-checking, allowing defenders more freedom to challenge ball handlers. Right now, offensive players have too much of an advantage, especially on the perimeter, where even minor contact is whistled as a foul. Allowing a bit more physicality on defense would make it harder for guards and wings to get open three-point looks and would force teams to work harder to generate quality shots.

How Would Scoring Be Affected?

With these changes, the pace of play might slow slightly, and scoring could decrease from the record-high levels of today’s game. However, the drop wouldn’t be drastic—it would simply redistribute points in a way that encourages a greater variety of offensive strategies. Teams would be forced to look for high-percentage shots inside the arc instead of settling for long-distance jumpers. More mid-range shots would return, and skilled post players would once again be a focal point of offenses.

Fast-break points would still be important, as would transition threes, but the days of teams hoisting 50 three-pointers per game would likely come to an end. This could lead to a more dynamic, unpredictable style of play rather than the current situation, where most possessions result in either a three-point attempt or a drive to draw a foul.

Would Shooters Like Steph Curry Still Be Superstars?

While these rule changes would make it harder for teams to build an entire offense around three-pointers, elite shooters like Steph Curry would still thrive. A player of his caliber, with his incredible range, ball-handling, and finishing ability, would remain a star no matter how the rules evolve. However, teams wouldn’t be able to simply copy the Warriors’ approach and succeed by launching threes at will. Instead, the best shooters would need to be more selective and work harder to get open shots, making the game more dynamic and strategic.

The biggest change would come for role players who currently survive on a diet of open corner threes. In today’s NBA, teams surround star players with specialists who do little else but shoot threes. If defenses were allowed to be more physical and protect the paint more effectively, these one-dimensional shooters would struggle, and teams would need more well-rounded players who can drive, post up, and hit mid-range shots in addition to stretching the floor.

Would Traditional Post Players Make a Comeback?

Absolutely. One of the biggest casualties of the three-point revolution has been the traditional post player. With so much emphasis on spacing, most big men are now expected to either shoot threes or be lob threats rather than developing a true post-up game. However, if defenses were allowed to clog the paint more and hand-checking reduced easy perimeter looks, teams would once again turn to post play as a reliable offensive option.

Players like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokić already show how effective a dominant big man can be when given the chance to operate in the post. If the rules shifted in favor of physical play, even more teams would look to develop skilled big men who can score inside, pass out of double-teams, and control the tempo of the game. This change would create more diversity in playing styles, as some teams would lean into post-oriented offenses while others would still focus on perimeter play.

Would These Changes Trickle Down to the College Game?

Yes, without a doubt. The NBA dictates trends at all levels of basketball, and if the professional game shifted back toward more balance between inside and outside scoring, college teams would follow suit. Right now, college programs prioritize recruiting and developing players who fit the NBA’s three-point-heavy style. If the league started rewarding a more physical, versatile game, college teams would adapt their strategies to prepare players for that environment.

This could lead to a resurgence of dominant college big men, a greater emphasis on defensive toughness, and fewer games where both teams simply launch threes without much offensive creativity. The return of more diverse playing styles in college basketball would also make March Madness even more exciting, as teams with different philosophies would clash in unpredictable matchups.

Has the Current Free-Flowing Game Helped International Players?

One reason international players have found more success in recent years is the shift toward skill-based, perimeter-oriented play. Many European leagues have long emphasized shooting, spacing, and ball movement over isolation and brute force, which aligns with the modern NBA. As a result, international stars like Luka Dončić, Jokić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo have flourished in today’s game.

If the NBA were to revert to a more physical, 90s-style game, international players would still succeed, but the type of player who thrives might change. Instead of primarily favoring perimeter-oriented playmakers, the game might reward more physical, versatile forwards and centers who can withstand tough defense and excel in the post. However, since many international players grow up playing a well-rounded style that includes post play, mid-range scoring, and passing, they might still adjust better than many American-born players who have only trained to shoot threes.

Conclusion: A More Balanced, Watchable NBA

The NBA doesn’t need to completely abandon the three-pointer, but it does need to rebalance the game. By making adjustments to the three-point line, eliminating the defensive three-second rule, and allowing more physicality on defense, the league can create a more diverse and compelling product. Scoring would remain high, but teams would have to be more creative in how they generate points rather than simply relying on the three-ball.

Shooters like Steph Curry would still be elite, but one-dimensional three-point specialists might fade away. Meanwhile, traditional big men would have a greater role, making post play and mid-range shooting valuable once again. These changes would likely trickle down to the college level, improving the variety and competitiveness of both NCAA and NBA basketball.

While the modern NBA has produced some incredible moments, the game has become too predictable. A shift back toward a more physical, inside-out approach wouldn’t just bring back the feel of 90s basketball—it would make the NBA more exciting, strategic, and watchable for fans who long for a more balanced style of play.