Duncan Robinson Calls For Stat Reform To Encourage Buzzer-Beater Attempts

In a league where analytics increasingly shape behavior, Miami Heat sharpshooter Duncan Robinson is challenging one of basketball’s quiet taboos: the reluctance to launch last-second heaves from beyond half-court.

Speaking on the Old Man and the Three podcast, Robinson proposed a rule change that could reshape how players approach buzzer-beater situations, and potentially unlock more thrilling moments for fans.

“Last-second shots at the end of quarters should fall under a different field-goal percentage,” Robinson said, pointing to a long-standing dilemma faced by shooters across the NBA.

Should last second shots at the end of quarters be counted in a different category? 👀 pic.twitter.com/86cPCfLpcm

— TheYoungManAndTheThree (@OldManAndThree) August 18, 2025

The issue is simple but significant. Players often hesitate to take low-percentage shots at the end of quarters, especially from beyond half-court, not because they lack the ability or courage, but because those misses count against their official shooting stats. In an era where efficiency metrics influence everything from All-Star selections to contract bonuses, even one or two missed heaves per season can make a difference.

Robinson, who has built his career on precision shooting, knows the stakes. He’s not alone in his thinking, either. Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson, who joined Robinson on the podcast, agreed that the NBA should consider tracking these long-range attempts separately.

“We should be encouraging those shots,” Robinson added. “They should not count toward your three-point or field-goal percentage. They should be their own category.”

The NBA already distinguishes “heaves” in advanced analytics, but Robinson’s proposal would formalize that distinction in official stat-keeping. It’s a subtle shift, but one that could have ripple effects across the league. If players felt free to take these shots without statistical penalty, fans might see more dramatic buzzer-beaters, and fewer awkward moments where players dribble out the clock to avoid a stat hit.

Robinson’s idea also taps into a broader conversation about how data shapes behavior. As the league continues to evolve, balancing statistical integrity with entertainment value remains a delicate dance. From the introduction of the three-point line in 1979 to recent tweaks like the “take foul” rule, the NBA has shown a willingness to adapt. Robinson’s proposal could be the next step in that evolution.