Much has been said about the death of the mid-range shot, especially with the increasing emphasis on 3-pointers and high-percentage shots like the layup or dunk. However, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra believes playing and scoring from the mid-range game is still important in the league.

Speaking during the 10th anniversary of Coaching U, the two-time NBA champion coach explained that if teams field similar defensive packages — most of which are catered to stopping 3-pointers and drives to the hoop — then the mid-range area will be wide open more often than not. Spoelstra believes teams should realize this and take advantage of it.

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Spoelstra also observed that most NBA teams are not running post-up plays for their big men or guards who have it in their arsenal. Backcourt players, too, have failed to maximize the open spaces in the perimeter.

He noted that although this is the trend among teams, it doesn't mean that everyone should join the bandwagon. There's still a place for mid-range shots. Spoelstra furthered that if an NBA team has that player with the ability to knock down those type of shots, then he will certainly have a chance to thrive and become someone special in the league.