The Dallas Mavericks are one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the NBA, converting at just a 33.2% clip from deep which ranks 24th in the league. Following another abysmal 3-point shooting performance from the Mavs on Tuesday, during which the team shot 9-for-46 (19.2%) from deep, owner Mark Cuban offered an explanation for their struggles.
So I was curious to compare 3PT shooting this yr vs last. https://t.co/PDyio40VdT For the top 20 3PAs, last yr for the season, 38.6%, this yr 35%. Crazy thing, this yr 11 of the 20 are < 35%, last yr only 2 were. And only ONE is above 40% this yr vs 4 last yr.
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) December 8, 2021
Cuban decided to conduct some research of his own, and per his results, 3-point shooting is down across the league as a whole this year. The cause of this decline in productivity from deep? Well, Cuban alleges that the change in basketball is the culprit.
Even crazier, if you go to the top 50 in 3PA, last year only ONE player shot under 34%, this year 17 players are shooting under 34%. It's not how the game is being called. I think we are still adjusting to the new ball.
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) December 8, 2021
Cuban believes that players are still adjusting to the new basketball being used in the NBA this season. The NBA switched providers of its basketballs ahead of the 2021-22 season, the first time the league has done so in 37 years. Formerly produced by Spalding, the basketballs in play this year are developed by Wilson.
While a basketball is still a basketball, and some players, like Kevin Durant, haven't felt much of a difference, others have previously stated similar concerns as Cuban. Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker commented on the feel of the basketball earlier this year, as did Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George.
No. The seams are completely different. How it breaks in is different and more. Each manufacturer takes their own approach.
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) December 8, 2021
Cuban pointed out to a curious fan that the ball is actually quite different. The seams are “completely different” according to the Mavs owner, which can make a noticeable difference for shooters.
The Mavs lost to the Brooklyn Nets 102-99 on Tuesday. The team missed a total of 35 3-pointers in the loss. Luka Doncic was 3-for-11 from deep, while Kristaps Porzingis shot 1-of-5 and Reggie Bullock went 0-for-6. Perhaps Cuban feels the Mavs would have walked away with a win had the Spalding balls still been in play.
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