DavidS, that was a really good post but you forgot to mention one thing that has helped lead to a gradual shooting decline among all peremiter players and if you look at the stats they will prove it. The introduction of the three point line.
Absolutely. You are right. I call that the advent of the "specialist" instead of the guy that can *just shoot* from anywhere. By the way, I might be one of the few people that want the NBA to move the 3 pt line back to it's original location (24 ft, me thinks). That way, only the real skilled shooters will be taking that shot. Plus it gives team with centers (hint, hint) more room to move.
Could you imagine how many times a game Jim Jackson would step out of bounds if there was less room on the sides?