About Floor Spacing
Floor spacing is the fundamental organizing principle of modern NBA offenses. When all five players on the court can shoot the three-pointer, defenses cannot collapse into the paint, opening driving lanes and creating higher-quality shots for everyone.
The concept of "gravity" measures how much a shooter warps the defense simply by being on the court. Elite shooters like Stephen Curry generate value even when they do not shoot because defenders must respect their range, creating opportunities for teammates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is floor spacing in basketball?
Floor spacing refers to how players position themselves on the court to maximize offensive efficiency. Good spacing spreads defenders out, creating driving lanes and open shots. Three-point shooting is the primary tool for creating spacing.
How does gravity affect teammates?
A player with high gravity (like a 40%+ three-point shooter) forces defenders to closely guard them even far from the basket. This creates space for teammates to drive, cut, and find open shots closer to the rim.
Why has three-point shooting become so important?
Analytics showed that three-pointers, even at lower percentages, generate more points per attempt than mid-range twos. A 35% three-point shooter produces 1.05 points per attempt, equivalent to a 52.5% two-point shooter.