Quick lesson on "rimology" - field goal accuracy and the breakaway rim

My recent article on Tommy Heinsohn's take on the low field goal percentages of the 50's and 60's, including the following tweet:

This isn't a perfect comparison.

But I wondered after reading your article, how many readers realize this approach (basketball is a math problem, pace is important, put up as many shots as possible without overly worrying about quality) aptly describes the modern game?
— Genuine Samo (@Samothecat) January 5, 2022

Another tweet proposed that the breakaway rims may have a positive effect on accuracy. I decided to research that idea a bit.

Either way, players today hit some ridiculous shots. Can't argue with that.

One other thought that I'd love to see someone go in-depth on: the breakaway rim didn't come in until the late '70s/early '80s.

As an expert in brickology, I can tell you, more forgiving rims are nice.
— Mike (@finedayforabeer) January 4, 2022

The first breakaway rim was introduced to the NBA in the 1981-82 season. This original version was made to prevent injuries to players and backboards and only broke when force was applied to the front of the hoop. The stats show a very-slight increase in field goal percentage from the 1980-81 season (.486 - no breakaway) to the 1981-82 season (.491 - breakaway introduced)

Here'a quick look at the 2009-10 season when the 180-degree breakaway rim was introduced and compare it with the 2008-09 season prior to the innovation whereby the rim broke away from the front and sides. Same deal. Field goal accuracy went from .459 (pre-180-degree-breakaway) to .461 in 2009-10 after the change was made.

So the end result is that field goal accuracy has risen significantly from the late 50's to today in the NBA, and the breakaway rim may have had a slight positive effect, but in the end, other factors, whatever they are, may have played a larger role.

Class dismissed!

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