Hey there fellow basketball fan! I‘m Terry and today I want to provide you with an extensive explainer on the crucial modern basketball role of the "3 and D" player. Stick with me through this deep dive analysis and you‘ll leave an expert on what makes the league‘s top 3 and D aces so impactful!
To start simple, a 3 and D player specializes in shooting 3-pointers ("3") and playing tenacious perimeter defense ("D"). But there‘s so much more to these swiss-army knife role players who contending teams rely on!
The Statistical Evolution of the 3 and D Role
Let‘s analyze how this archetype has risen to prominence, starting with the numbers. In the 1980s, only a few teams shot over 10 threes per game. Last season, even lowly Oklahoma City launched over 37 triples a night!
The graph below charts the dramatic increase in 3-point attempts league-wide over the past several decades:
More 3s being jacked requires guys with the skills to hit them. Spacing the floor is now crucial to pulling defenders away from the paint.
On defense, the illegal defense rules in the 90s allowed players to camp out and protect the rim. Today‘s switch-heavy schemes demand agility to contain dribble penetration out on the perimeter.
As the NBA has evolved, the 3 and D archetype has emerged. Let‘s explore the traits and impact of the key roles:
Wings – The Ideal 2-Way Build
For decades, large wings or forwards who could shoot and guard multiple positions have been highly sought after. Legends like Larry Bird, Scottie Pippen and Kawhi Leonard thrive at both ends.
The best modern 3 and D wings like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby have the measurements of around 6‘7" in height and over 7-foot wingspans. This allows them to get shots off and discourage passing lanes on D.
Athleticism and coordination are required to stick close to quicker guards off the dribble while having the strength to handle bullish power forwards in the post. Their versatility unlocks fierce defensive schemes.
Offensively, they practice meticulous mechanics to launch 3s off screens and movement. Check out the shooting prowess of elite wings:
| Player | 3P% (2021-22) | 3PM | 3PA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Wiggins | 39.3% | 1.5 | 3.9 |
| Khris Middleton | 37.3% | 2.2 | 5.8 |
| OG Anunoby | 36.3% | 2.0 | 5.5 |
To quantify defensive impact, Defensive Rating and Defensive Win Shares help capture a player‘s contribution to stopping the opponent from scoring:
| Player | DRtg | DWS |
|---|---|---|
| Mikal Bridges | 107 | 4.4 |
| Herbert Jones | 106 | 3.5 |
| OG Anunoby | 109 | 2.1 |
As you can see, the measurements and stats back up why rangy, athletic wings who shoot and lock down are so important in today‘s game.
Guards – Quick Trigger from Deep
In the backcourt, 3 and D guards apply relentless pressure on opposing ball-handlers while spacing the floor on offense.
Guys like Gary Payton II, Alex Caruso and Delon Wright have size around 6‘5" with 6‘8" wingspans to envelop opposing point guards. Their lateral agility and instincts to anticipate dribble moves allow them to cut off penetration.
Off the catch, their lightning-quick triggers keep defenses honest. Check out some top 3 and D guards:
| Player | 3P% (2021-22) | 3PM | 3PA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fred VanVleet | 37.7% | 3.2 | 8.3 |
| Gary Payton II | 35.8% | 1.0 | 2.9 |
| Alex Caruso | 34.0% | 1.1 | 3.2 |
Payton II and Caruso in particular shoot a lower volume, but their gravity still provides major spacing as defenses respect their splash ability.
Let‘s look at some advanced metrics reflecting their defensive prowess:
| Player | DRtg | DWS | STL% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jrue Holiday | 109 | 4.4 | 2.7% |
| Delon Wright | 113 | 1.7 | 3.3% |
| Matisse Thybulle | 107 | 2.5 | 3.5% |
With Defensive Ratings better than 110 (elite), substantial Defensive Win Shares, and gaudy steal percentages, these guys prove being a 3 and D pest is about more than just height!
Bigs – Unicorns Who Stretch and Protect the Rim
Lastly, let‘s discuss big men who bring rare 3 and D skills to the 5 position. Traditional centers focused on post play and interior defense. Modern unicorns like Brook Lopez excel patrolling the paint while drilling 3s.
Floor-spacing 5s draw slow-footed bigs away from the hoop to open driving avenues for creators. Check out some of today‘s elite:
| Player | 3P% (2021-22) | 3PM | 3PA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karl-Anthony Towns | 41.0% | 2.1 | 5.2 |
| Brook Lopez | 34.5% | 1.7 | 4.9 |
| Myles Turner | 33.3% | 1.5 | 4.4 |
While also pulling down rebounds and blocking shots, these percentages are awesome for near 7-footers!
Rim protection is equally crucial. Here are blocks and Defensive Win Shares for premier defending bigs:
| Player | BLK/G | DWS |
|---|---|---|
| Rudy Gobert | 2.1 | 5.3 |
| Jarrett Allen | 1.3 | 5.2 |
| Mitchell Robinson | 1.7 | 3.4 |
The stats back up the eye test – these rejectors strike fear while securing the paint!
As you can see now, placing 3 and D talents at all five positions unlocks today‘s most formidable defensive lineups. Bigs who stretch and swat simultaneously are giants in every sense.
Playoff Performances that Made 3 and D Heroes
While casual fans overlook 3 and D guys for flashier players, their playoff heroics capture the limelight. Let‘s relive some of their greatest games:
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Robert Horry: With their dynasty on the ropes down 0-2 in the 2002 WCF, Horry‘s jumper at the buzzer saved the Lakers in Game 4. His 21 points on a bum ankle were instrumental in turning the series. Vintage 3 and D impact!
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P.J. Tucker: Tucker was heroic in the 2021 NBA Finals, scoring critical 4th quarter buckets to secure the Bucks championship. His refusal to back down defending bigger players embodied 3 and D grit.
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Klay Thompson: In Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals with the Warriors dynasty on the line, Thompson valiantly scored 30 points on bum knee before an ACL tear ended his night. His courageous 3 and D performance was iconic.
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Shane Battier: With LeBron struggling in Game 7 of the 2013 Finals, Battier scored 18 off 6 3-pointers to pick up the slack, securing the Heat‘s repeat title. A prototypical 3 and D masterclass.
These moments etched these role players into playoff lore for their selfless contributions.
Basketball Junkies Continuously Improving Their Craft
What truly makes 3 and D players special is their understated craftsmanship. Take shooting. While casual fans see simple spot-up shooting, true 3 and D aces obsessively sharpen subtleties like balance, footwork, release point and other mechanics to perfect their stroke.
Defensively, film study allows them to scout tendencies of players they‘ll match up with. They understand positioning, distance/spacing, and possession-by-possession focus points to hone their skills.
Veterans like Trevor Ariza, P.J. Tucker, and Andre Iguodala constantly work to expand their range and quickness during the offseason – allowing them to contribute into their late 30s.
Young players like OG Anunoby, Gary Payton II and Miles Bridges display a veteran-like attention to detail under acclaimed player development coaches.
This artisanal approach to improving areas like communication, effort, and BBIQ goes under the radar. But it reveals why 3 and D players thrive.
Closing Thoughts
And there you have it, my friend! Now you‘re an expert on all things 3 and D. You understand how this archetype has become a vital cog to team success in today‘s NBA.
These role players may never lead the league in points or highlights. But trust me, their coaches and teammates understand full well the immense value provided on both ends of the court.
Hope you enjoyed my in-depth explainer. Let me know if you want to learn more about any other NBA topics in the future! This is Terry signing off.
