Anthony Edwards' Blunt Take on Three Pointers, NBA's Declining Popularity

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Feb 13, 2025 6:00 AM ET

One talking point the NBA can't seem to shake is that the league's popularity is waning. There have been several hot takes about why that is from the proliferation of three-point shots, the game becoming "soft," or perhaps something more nuanced like the fracturing of the broadcast market with games shown across several streaming platforms, making it difficult for fans to watch their favorite team.

Leave it to Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards to figuratively shrug his shoulders when asked to diagnose what's been plaguing the league.

“What they want us to do? It's four people in the paint. If they leaving us open for the three ball, I think that's just taking what the game give you,” said Edwards.

The declining NBA viewership has been a hot topic throughout this season. In his Complex cover story interview, Anthony Edwards responds to the critics and weighs in on the league’s three-pointer problem. pic.twitter.com/YhT3pL6aQj
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) February 12, 2025

“You got Wemby. You got these boys. They tall. They big. They blocking shots, man. We not forcing our way to the paint every time. So, everybody can think what they want to think, but I just feel like the game changes. Guys want to shoot threes and guys are good at it.

"The viewership is down. I don't know what they got to do, lower the rim or something?”

Edwards is averaging a career-high 10.0 three-point attempts per game, but he's also taken a big step forward in his three-point proficiency, making 42.4% of those shots.

The 23-year-old star has received criticism from NBA analyst Charles Barkley for his sharp increase in three-point shots this season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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