The modern NBA has had a problem for years.
It has to do with the flow of games completely stopping due to fouls that are honestly ridiculous in nature.
Specifically, when a player leaps into a defender while shooting, and a foul is called on said defender.
It is not a natural basketball move and players can get countless free-throws because of what was basically a loophole in the rules.
That is changing this season as the NBA has revealed some rule changes.
The league sent out a series of tweets explaining all the new rules.
Overt, non-basketball moves used by offensive players to initiate contact with defenders will include when:
– The shooter launches or leans into a defender at an abnormal angle
– The offensive player abruptly veers off his path (sideways or backwards) into a defender(2/7)
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) August 8, 2021
Summer League is where the new rules will start to be enforced.
Eliminating Unnatural Plays
This news is ultimately good for fans and the NBA in general.
This play should result in a no-call, as the offensive player leans into the defensive player (at an abnormal angle), but the contact was marginal. If the offensive player had initiated more than marginal contact, an offensive foul would be the correct call. (4/7) pic.twitter.com/GUUL7C2ldY
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) August 8, 2021
The game should have more flow to it and a player won’t be punished for playing tough defense.
Not allowing players to kick their legs out to draw fouls is a great addition as well.
That is incredibly dangerous and anyone who has ever shot a basketball knows it is not a natural move to flail one’s arms and legs seeking contact.
However, the officials had to call such plays fouls until this point.
The key play in mind here is when a player jumps directly into a defender and just throws up a wild shot.
This rule change will now make it a point to just deal with tough defense and put up a natural shot.
That is what players should be doing anyway, but they were going to take advantage of the rules if fouls were called.
Not A Major Change
This change is notable, but will not drastically change the NBA game moving forward.
It is more about eliminating frustrating things from the game and improving the on-court product.
Fans want to see players shoot the ball without kicking their legs out or diving into defenders.
That slows down the game and is not a normal basketball move in any league, professional or recreational.
Any rule change in sports usually results in players complaining early on.
But since NBA players are both on offense and defense, everyone should like this new rule where they don’t get into foul trouble on questionable calls.
Defenders can also now leave their feet and play tougher defense, without having to worry about landing and being leapt into for a cheap foul.
These changes should have been made a long time ago, but late is better than never.
Hopefully, the officials don’t overcorrect too far the other way and miss obvious foul calls.
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