For those of us who've been around a few years, you might remember that a two point basket was once signaled by a horizontal arm with two fingers extended and a made free throw was signaled by the same signal but with only one finger. The difference was directly discernable from the context of the signal.
However, when the 3-pointer was introduced a new signal was needed. The difference between two fingers and three fingers was too subtle from long distances. A very clear signal was needed.
B.S. mode on...
Why not borrow one from football. Of course in football, that signal is worth either 1, 2, 3, or 6 depending on the reason. Two are from having a player possess the ball beyond the goal line (2 and 6). Two are from propelling the ball through a goal (1 and 3). The extra point is akin to a FT while the field goal is akin to a....field goal.
Still we have to consider the signal which precedes this one, the half raised single arm with 3 fingers extended. That one is actually worth 0. Using this as a reference point, rasing the arms the rest of the way is work 3 points. So, a full arm is worth two points. One and a half arms are worth 3.
B.S. mode off...
Thanks you for allowing my little trip through fantasy land.