When the NBA introduced the three-point shot in 1979-80, many resented its inclusion into the game, viewing it as a gimmick.
Brought over from the ABA, which also thankfully introduced us to the slam dunk, the NBA widely ignored the shot was until the mid-1990's. Even then it wasn't seen as an integral part of the game as it is today. Only 10 of the top 50 three-point shooting seasons come before 2000. In fact, eight of the top 15 seasons for made threes came in just the last three seasons.
The three-point shot has not just revolutionized the game, but also it has become the game, despite Gregg Popovich's hatred.