Throughout the 2024-25 NBA season, there’s been a lot of chatter from fans and media about the ever-increasing number of 3-point attempts. You know the type; those nostalgic fans lamenting that the artistry of basketball is fading, echoing the sentiment that today’s game has lost its flair. But here’s the thing: not all 3-pointers are created equal. In fact, a newfound approach is carving out a unique niche in the game and challenging the narrative that imagination is fading in the sport we love.
This dynamic was on full display during the thrilling finals of the 2025 NBA All-Star Game tournament. Picture this: Steph Curry, the maestro of the 3-point line, dribbles left around a defender, and out of nowhere, he launches a jaw-dropping one-legged 3-pointer from the top of the key, channeling the finesse of a paint floater. It’s as if time momentarily stands still, and then—swish. Moments like these remind us why we tune into the All-Star festivities: to witness the world’s top players pull off jaw-dropping maneuvers that we only dream about.
But here’s the kicker—this season, the one-legged 3 has transitioned from a flashy exhibition shot into a legitimate offensive weapon. Take LeBron James, for instance; he’s already taken six of these one-legged attempts, sinking four of them. And then there’s Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-3 wonder of the San Antonio Spurs, who’s not far behind with three successful tries out of seven attempts. This trend isn’t exclusive to the megastars either. Last month, Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells—who, let’s face it, many of us didn’t see coming—nailed one over the towering Wembanyama himself.
Now, don’t get it twisted—the one-legged 3-pointer isn’t a brand new creation. Curry actually hit one during a game way back in 2013. Since then, it’s made guest appearances in the games of players like Klay Thompson and Pero Antić, but it’s never truly become their go-to. In fact, back in 2019, James Harden teased us with a one-legged 3-pointer during the summer workouts, but despite the buzz, it never became a mainstay in his game. A health check shot, like when Kevin Durant turned heads with one against the Hawks during a blistering 55-point game, that’s more where it sat.
Fast forward to today, and we’re witnessing players like Trae Young adapt to this shot as a reliable resource on the court. “I started taking that shot because I didn’t want to get my shot blocked when I came off a screen,” said Young. At 6’1”, he’s often at a height disadvantage against defenders boasting longer wingspans. Recently, after getting his shot swatted by T.J. McConnell, Young had that lightbulb moment: he embraced the one-legged 3, making a quick decision that lets him ball with creativity and confidence. That fraction of a second, it’s everything in this game.
Interestingly, Wembanyama’s perspective is a bit different. As one of the NBA’s tallest players, his approach to the one-legged 3 doesn’t stem from a fear of being blocked, but rather a feeling. He articulated his thought process during an interview: “It’s actually easier to shoot 3s that way… you don’t have to use any force, and you can really focus on the target.” Now, that may sound like a simple idea, but think about how much technical skill goes into shooting a basketball. Wembanyama was just being himself, and it left defenders scratching their heads.
And then there’s LaMelo Ball, who’s turned the one-legged three into a canvas for his basketball artistry. According to an analysis by Todd Whitehead, Ball had already attempted 53 of these shots this season—yes, you read that right! The beauty lies in his unique style; when he’s bringing the heat on offense, it often resembles Dirk Nowitzki’s signature mid-range fadeaway more than what you see from younger players. He expertly crafts a barrier between him and his defenders, making it all even more difficult to contest.
This season has seen teams taking a staggering 42% of their shots from beyond the arc, setting a record for the highest frequency in NBA history. This trend isn’t coincidental; it’s a strategic evolution that coaches have adopted, encouraging players to shoot more from downtown rather than relying heavily on traditional post plays. Stretch bigs are now a staple, players are stationed further from the basket, and perimeter shooting has become the new norm.
But every wave of change has its pioneers, right? In many ways, Harden was a trendsetter for the step-back 3-pointer. Now, we see adaptations like the side-step 3, catching and releasing without dipping the ball. The one-legged 3 is simply the next chapter in this ongoing story of basketball evolution, and if history tells us anything, it certainly won’t be the last we see of creative shot-making.
As fans, we might sometimes feel a little wistful about the evolution of the game, but it’s exhilarating to witness players pushing the boundaries of skill. The one-legged 3 is a testament to that evolution, a shot born from necessity that’s rapidly becoming entrenched in the game’s fabric—an emblem of creativity and adaptability in this modern era of basketball. Let’s sit back and see where this journey takes us next.
Image Source: Fabrizio Andrea Bertani / Shutterstock
