Kobe Bryant on the rule change that transformed the NBA into a global league: 'Big players in Europe weren't post players'

Ahead of the 2001–02 season, the NBA added a defensive three-second violation and removed previous illegal defense rules prohibiting zone defenses.

The mandate drastically changed how the game was played in the league. Since a zone defense's goal is to clog driving lanes, it encouraged midrange or outside jumpers which were then considered low-quality shots.

Going global

While it made things difficult for American centers, it was a blessing for European bigs. According to Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant, this tweak turned the NBA into a global basketball league.

"I think what they've done has been very smart, in terms of how they've been able to make it such a global game," Bryant told the New Yorker in 2014. "I mean, that's really what's at the crux of it: a lot of big players in Europe weren't post-players."

"They were skill players. So once the NBA opened up the game and allowed the zone in, it made the game more appealing on a global scale."

Kobe cited Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol as great beneficiaries of this tweak. Many consider Dirk as one of the early stretch-fours in the NBA. Despite standing 7'0", the German preferred to camp in the perimeter and knock down shots.

At first, it seemed counterintuitive as most bigs feasted on the paint. But given his scoring prowess from midrange and beyond the arc, it made sense to let him operate from that distance.

Three-point circus

Apart from Nowitzki, other stretch bigs that changed the game include Kevin Garnett, Kevin Love, Chris Bosh, Robert Horry, and many more. All these players were critical parts of championship teams whether as stars or role players.

Nowadays almost all teams have bigs who are three-level scorers. Together with the rise of the shooting big was the emergence of Stephen Curry, who many say changed the game forever.

Spectators claim that Curry's shooting talents unlocked the power of real power of the three-point shot. The four NBA championships speak for themselves. It also inspired a generation of ballers who wanted to be like Steph. Instead of practicing layups or midrange, kids jacked up prayers from the logo.

There's no denying the impact of the two-time league MVP. However, the NBA's rule and the European bigs who remained true to their identity as shooters should be given proper credit. The game's evolution was the work of many moving parts and elements that beautifully moved in sync.