Inside the World of 3×3 Basketball
Different Courts, Different Goals
NBA’s Stand on Big3’s Path
Real hoopers know that 3×3 basketball is not a new phenomenon, but the format is having a moment. Thanks to the Olympics‘ inclusion of the sport beginning with the 2020 Summer Games as well as Ice Cube’s Big3 league, the format is garnering attention around the world.
From @TheAthletic: Big3 founder Ice Cube is frustrated and wants answers about why the NBA isn’t investing in the 3-on-3 basketball league. https://t.co/22NWvC6ByW pic.twitter.com/PoR1PxmfHn
— The New York Times (@nytimes) August 18, 2023
You know from your experience playing at your local park about the advantages of 3×3 basketball. The game only requires six players as opposed to the ten needed to operate a traditional basketball game. According to the official Olympics website, the format originated in American cities during the late 1980s.
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Link in BIO! ✅#opapcyprus3x3 #3x3basketball #cyprus pic.twitter.com/mPg5BhdRDl— Cyprus 3×3 (@cyprus_3x3) August 22, 2023
Official 3×3 Basketball Rules Are Similar to Your Local Park Basketball Court
If you aren’t playing make-it, take-it in your 3×3 game, I lose all respect for you. But this is the one difference with the official rules that are used for the Olympic games.
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FULL VIDEO: https://t.co/7cBVWbz2eF#opapcyprus3x3 #3x3basketball pic.twitter.com/ovoWo2X74r— Cyprus 3×3 (@cyprus_3x3) August 16, 2023
Possession automatically switches after each made basket, as opposed to most parks around the United States operating by the rule that the team who makes a bucket keeps the ball. From there, things are mostly similar, including 21 points being the threshold for the game to end.
One other difference is the Olympic format utilizes a slightly smaller basketball since the size of the court is also diminished. Chances are, if you are playing 3×3 basketball in your hood, a traditional basketball is the choice.
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Aurelijus Pukelis got the #3x3WTDebrecen MVP award in a tournament where absolutely nobody could stop him 😤#3x3WT pic.twitter.com/u3ouTv8i0b
— FIBA3x3 (@FIBA3x3) August 28, 2023
Ice Cube Has (Metaphorically) Unfollowed the NBA
Today is NOT a good day when it comes to Ice Cube’s relationship with the NBA. The former rapper turned entrepreneur has slammed the NBA not only for not investing in the Big3 but has also accused the league of discouraging media outlets from covering the half-court games.
“My vision is, if the NBA was to ever come to their senses and work with us, (to) send players who might need to be a little more physical in the paint to come play in the Big3 in the summer,” Ice Cube said on August 18, 2023. “(They could) learn different all-around skills that they can take back to their teams in five-on-five play.”
Instead, the Big3 has focused on former basketball players who still have name recognition and are looking for a way to still be involved with basketball. Standout Big3 players have included former NBAers like Corey Maggette, Rashard Lewis, and Joe Johnson.
While Ice Cube and the NBA may not be besties, the league has still drawn praise from athletes. Kyrie Irving recently praised Ice Cube and the Big3 format in one of his Instagram Story posts.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu7-pPCMfon/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d8c71147-4d61-4aa7-9518-5e181673b54c
The NBA Is Right to Pass on the Big3
So, let’s regulate this Ice Cube-NBA beef. It pains me to say this, but I actually side with The Association on the topic.
I could see the NBA partnering with the Big3 if there was a similar format. Yet, given the halfcourt setting and revised rules, the league is better suited for players at the end of their career.
If the NBA was really going to drop the bag on helping the Big3, it would make more sense if it could be used as a developmental league for younger players. The NBA already has this, with the G League feeding players into the top league.
Ice Cube should still keep doing his thing, and a better collaboration angle would be to tap into the popularity of sports betting given the increased legalization in states across America. Cube can still mess around and get a triple-double any day in my book.
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Author: Sin City Sniper
Author: Sin City SniperBusting bookmakers and taking their money is his greatest joy in life. He’s been around the block more than once, knows the players both on and off the field of battle, and uses his experience to serve the bookies a heaping plate of humble pie washed down by a warm glass of their salty tears. You can find him in any number of Vegas books, sniping weak lines and getting paid to do it.
The opinions and view here expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Point Spreads or any of its affiliates. Point Spreads is not responsible and does not verify for accuracy any of the articles and content pieces included herein; moreover, besides being solely the opinion or views of the authors, these content pieces are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, anyone or anything.
