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The good, bad, and unknown: recent and upcoming changes in the NBA

By Leocciano Callao

SAN ANTONIO,TX - APRIL 22 : Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors argues a call with official Tony Brothers In the second half of Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center on April 22 , 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO,TX - APRIL 22 : Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors argues a call with official Tony Brothers In the second half of Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center on April 22 , 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /
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The NBA is evolving in front of our very eyes. And whether we like these changes or not, there is no denying that the Adam Silver era is undeniably a turning point in more ways than one.

Some of these changes have already made their impact, some the opposite, while others were yet to find out. So let’s look at these recent and upcoming implementations by putting them into three categories; the good, the bad, and the unknown.

The good

Let’s start with the good news and the most recent change. On Tuesday, July 11, it was reported that the NBA would implement a flopping penalty. This issue should have been addressed ages ago, but better late than never. A flop can now result in a technical free throw for the opposing team.

In the same announcement, the NBA presented an extension of another recent change–the coach’s challenge. Implemented during the 2019-20 season, this new rule was a brilliant idea. With the new rules, a coach is rewarded a second challenge if the first one is successful.

Why these two are good is as clear as daylight, they protect the integrity of the game. It gives coaches and officials more control and amplifies the excitement of close games.

Another recent change that falls into this category is the Play-In tournament. The new step-ladder format between the seventh through tenth-seeded teams started in the NBA Bubble. It was an instant hit, and the NBA decided to stick with it post-pandemic.

Call it the wildcard round before the playoffs begin. It gives teams on the brink of elimination a chance to contend for a postseason run. We have already seen a lot of drama from it. The 2023 Playoffs became a giant advocate for the Play-In when the Lakers knocked out the Warriors, and the Heat went all the way to the NBA Finals. It’s a great way to keep fans on the edge of their seats.