I realize the answer to this question will be somewhat subjective. That said…how much would a reduction in rim diameter to 17" from 18" make to scoring? Would NCAA scoring be impacted the same as it would be for the NBA? Has such a change ever been considered?
There would be a significant change in scoring, if the rims weren’t reduced at college and also high school level, for one simple reason; the NBA players would now have to re-learn how to shoot free throws.
This is also probably the main reason the WNBA doesn’t lower its rims from 10 feet in order to make the game more exciting for the fans.
I doubt that it has been considered at any level, for the reason that it would have to be implemented at all levels, and the cost would be too great for quite a few high schools and colleges.
In addition, consider how bad many college teams are NOW at shooting (both field goals and free throws). Narrowing the rim, even by a skosh, could really be disastrous.
A little under 6% reduction of rim diameter would result in at least that much reduction in FG%, which I think would be significant. Considering the bitching and moaning going on now about the lack of scoring in men’s NCAA basketball, there is no way this idea would get a second thought.
What problem is this solving?
I agree this wouldn’t only create problems and would likely decreases scoring a lot in the lower levels and moderately (over time) in the NBA. It would represent about 11% less basket area, which is fairly significant.
What you would see over time is that the game would get closer to the basket as it was before, with a greater emphasis on posting up. The current trend of ball dominate wing players and the elevation of threes and free throws would probably cool somewhat.