NBA commissioner Adam Silver is implementing changes, with more to come in the future. The question is: Why?
The NBA announced changes to its intentional foul policy on Tuesday, a move that analysts and fans had speculated would happen eventually. The rule change will effectively eliminate the “Hack-A-Shaq” strategy as we know it.
Under the new rule, the policy for fouls in the final two minutes of any quarter will now be the same as it was for the final two minutes of the fourth quarter in previous seasons. The league announced in a press release:
"“The current rule for away-from-the-play fouls applicable to the last two minutes of the fourth period (and last two minutes of any overtime)—pursuant to which the fouled team is awarded one free throw and retains possession of the ball—will be extended to the last two minutes of each period.”"
Along with the changes affecting the final two minutes of the period, any foul that occurs prior to an inbounds pass at any stage in a game will be handled the same way as intentional fouls in the last two minutes of a quarter.
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The league also announced:
"“(I)t will presumptively be considered a flagrant foul if a player jumps on an opponent’s back to commit a deliberate foul. Previously, these type of fouls were subject to being called flagrant but were not automatic.”"
Although the need to keep the game active and avoid long periods of stoppage is important, this rule change essentially rewards poor free throw shooters. Think back to the 2016 playoffs.
Next: Why Reward Poor Free Throw Shooters?