Despite being one of the most popular and well-known shots in basketball, the three-pointer is often a point of contention when it comes to the game’s scoring system. Whether or not it should be included in a player’s field goal percentage (FG%) is a debate that has been raging for years. The answer to this question is a bit complicated and depends on who you ask.
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What is Field Goal Percentage?
Field goal percentage is a statistic used to measure a player’s shooting accuracy. It is calculated by dividing the number of field goal attempts by the number of successful field goals made. This statistic is often used to evaluate a player’s shooting ability, as it gives a clearer picture of their efficiency than points per game or shooting percentage.
How Do Three-Pointers Factor Into FG%?
The inclusion of three-pointers in FG% is highly debated among basketball fans and analysts alike. While some argue that it should be included as a valid field goal attempt, others argue that it should be excluded as it is a more difficult shot and should be treated as a separate statistic.
Why Some Believe Three-Pointers Should Be Included
There are several reasons why some believe three-pointers should be included in FG%. For one, it is a more difficult shot than a two-pointer, so including it in FG% gives players credit for making shots that are more difficult. Secondly, three-pointers are a major part of the game and can often decide the outcome of a game. By including them in FG%, players are rewarded for the shots that can truly make a difference.
Why Some Believe Three-Pointers Should Not Be Included
On the other hand, there are some who believe that three-pointers should not be included in FG%. The main argument against including three-pointers in FG% is that it skews the statistic, as players who only take two-pointers will have a lower FG% than players who take three-pointers. Another argument is that three-pointers are a separate skill from two-pointers and should be treated as such.
What the NBA Says
The NBA has yet to make an official decision on whether or not three-pointers should be included in FG%. However, the league does provide a separate statistic for three-pointers (3PT%) that measures a player’s accuracy from beyond the arc. This statistic is calculated in the same way as FG%, but only takes three-pointers into account.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the inclusion of three-pointers in FG% is a highly debated topic and there is no clear answer as to whether or not it should be included. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you believe best reflects a player’s shooting ability. However, the NBA does provide a separate statistic for three-pointers that can be used to measure a player’s accuracy from beyond the arc.