The NBA has introduced an exciting rule change that promises to add even more drama to the final seconds of each quarter. Dubbed the ‘heave rule,’ it aims to encourage players to take those long-distance, buzzer-beating shots without worrying about their individual shooting percentages.
Want to know what people are really saying? Don’t miss the buzz from Reddit at the end!
Why Players Avoided Deep Shots… Until Now
For years, NBA players have been hesitant to launch those desperation heaves from beyond the arc as the clock winds down. The reason? Protecting their individual shooting percentages, a key statistic that can significantly impact a player’s reputation and future contracts. Even the slightest dip in this number could raise eyebrows, making players think twice before attempting those low-percentage shots. However, the new ‘heave rule’ aims to change this mindset.
The NBA’s New ‘Heave Rule’ Explained
Under the new rule, any shot taken within the final three seconds of the first three quarters, launched from at least 36 feet away, and on a play that starts in the backcourt, will count as a team shot attempt but not an individual one. This means players can let it fly from deep without worrying about their personal shooting percentages taking a hit. The league hopes this will encourage more ‘miracle’ shots and add excitement to the end of each quarter.
Tracking the Miracle Shots of NBA Superstars
According to tracking data from SportRadar, players made about 4% of shots taken in the final three seconds of the first three quarters last season with the 36-foot minimum distance. Golden State’s Stephen Curry, known for his long-range prowess, made four such shots, while Denver’s Nikola Jokic, a skilled big man, managed to sink three. With the new rule in place, we can expect to see more of these jaw-dropping attempts from the league’s top stars.
Summer League Tests Pave Way for Rule Change
The ‘heave rule’ was put to the test during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, as well as the smaller leagues in Utah and California in July 2022. The trial run allowed the league to gauge the impact of the rule change and make any necessary adjustments before finalizing it at the board of governors meeting on Wednesday.
The Future of Last-Second Heaves in the NBA
With the ‘heave rule’ now in effect, fans can expect to see more players embracing the thrill of the last-second shot. No longer will they have to weigh the potential impact on their individual stats, allowing them to play with more freedom and creativity in those high-pressure moments. As the league continues to evolve, this rule change could pave the way for even more exciting finishes and unforgettable moments in the years to come.
Internet Reactions to the NBA’s New ‘Heave Rule’
The NBA’s introduction of the ‘heave rule’ has sparked lively discussions among fans on Reddit. Many users have expressed their support for the change, noting that it will encourage players to be more aggressive in taking those last-second desperation shots without worrying about their individual shooting percentages. As one commenter observed, “Kevin Durant comes to mind” as a player who may have been hesitant to attempt such long-range shots in the past due to concerns over his stats.
Interestingly, some Redditors have drawn parallels between the ‘heave rule’ and the treatment of quarterback kneels in the NFL. As one user pointed out, “They should do this for QBs kneeling to run out the clock.” Another commenter expressed their enjoyment in seeing “posts about people losing their matchup because of QB kneels,” suggesting that a similar rule change in the NFL could add more excitement to the end of games.
While some users seem enthusiastic about the new ‘heave rule,’ others have expressed a more cynical view. One commenter, for instance, described the change as “lame” and suggested that it is being implemented to “protect stat merchants” rather than to enhance the overall excitement of the game. This debate highlights the nuanced perspectives that exist within the NBA fan community regarding the impact of the rule change.