In today’s world of social media, where virtually everyone has a platform to voice their opinion, debates over athletes’ skills and performance have become commonplace. With the reach of the internet and the speed of Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms, everyone, from fans to analysts to anonymous critics, has something to say. But amid this constant chatter, one key voice often goes unheard: that of the player doing the work every day. This is especially relevant for players who may not receive as much media attention but have consistently produced solid results throughout their careers.
One such example is a player who has quietly maintained a near-38% shooting average from three-point range. In an era where three-point shooting is a prized skill, a player with a nearly 38% average is undoubtedly valuable. And yet, the flood of opinions on social media can often overshadow the simple stats that showcase his steady performance. Fans and commentators tend to be quick to either idolize or criticize a player, often without understanding the full picture of his contributions.
The Power and Pitfalls of Social Media Opinions
Social media has undoubtedly democratized sports commentary, giving fans and enthusiasts a direct line to voice their thoughts and opinions. This access can be positive, building a stronger community of fans and allowing passionate individuals to share insights. However, it also has its downsides. Many fans may not fully grasp the rigorous demands of professional sports and the daily grind that athletes endure to maintain or improve their performance. Instead, single games or even single plays can spark a whirlwind of comments and criticism, often blown out of proportion.
For an NBA player with a career three-point shooting percentage of nearly 38%, maintaining that level of performance means investing countless hours in practice, conditioning, and mental preparation. It’s a mark of consistency and reliability. But because social media tends to prioritize the flashy over the steady, players like this can get overlooked. Rather than appreciating consistent contributions, fans and critics alike sometimes only see a “good game” as one where a player scores more than 20 points or hits a clutch buzzer-beater. This expectation can overshadow a reliable three-point shooter who consistently contributes to his team, even if he isn’t breaking records every night.
The Importance of Perspective in Evaluating Players
Understanding a player’s impact goes beyond just one or two statistics or highlights. A player shooting nearly 38% from three over their career is making a significant contribution, particularly in today’s NBA where floor spacing and perimeter shooting are critical. Consistent shooters force defenses to stay spread out, open up driving lanes, and contribute to a more dynamic offensive system. A reliable three-point shooter is a coach’s asset, even if that player isn’t always the first name fans mention.
Fans should consider the player’s whole career rather than a few games or isolated moments. For instance, a solid shooter with a 38% three-point average is far above the NBA average, which usually hovers around 35%. It’s the kind of percentage that can make a player a go-to option for three-point shots or a reliable bench contributor that teams can lean on for consistency. But these details can sometimes get lost in the social media echo chamber.
The Real Work Behind the Numbers
Players who achieve this kind of three-point consistency work incredibly hard to refine and maintain their skills. It’s not just about shooting in games; it’s about hours in the gym, developing muscle memory, and mental resilience to handle the pressure of shots in critical moments. Even a player who may not be on everyone’s radar goes through these same grueling routines. This dedication to craft can sometimes get buried in the noise, especially if the player is not seen as a star.
There’s also the mental strength required to stay consistent in a league with so much scrutiny. Social media often amplifies any mistakes a player makes, especially if they’re in high-profile games or playoff moments. But consistency — hitting threes at a steady clip year after year — is about more than the occasional highlight. It’s about resilience, focus, and an ongoing commitment to getting better each day, despite what any critics might say.
Shifting the Narrative to Appreciate Hard Work
As fans, appreciating a player’s full body of work rather than just the “wow” moments can lead to a deeper understanding of the game. While social media encourages hot takes and instant judgments, stepping back to consider a player’s overall impact can reveal the true value of their contributions. Players who shoot near 38% from beyond the arc, year after year, help their teams win in ways that go beyond the flashy highlight reel. They create space, provide scoring off the bench, and contribute to a winning culture.
By valuing consistency and respecting the work that goes into each game, fans can foster a more positive sports community. Celebrating the players who put in the effort every day, not just the ones who score big in one game, is essential to truly appreciating the game. And for the player, the knowledge that he’s doing his job effectively, regardless of social media’s perception, might just be the best reward of all.