The NBA G League is experimenting in 2019/20 with a new rule that will result in players taking just one foul shot every time they’re sent to the line, reports ESPN’s Zach Lowe. As Lowe details, that single free throw would be worth either one, two, or three points, depending on the nature of the foul.
For instance, if a shooter is fouled while attempting a three-pointer, he’d only get one free throw try — it would be worth three points if he makes it, and zero if he misses. A standard foul would result in one foul shot that would be worth two points if it’s converted. And-one attempts following made field goals would be unaffected.
The idea – which has been discussed by the NBA’s competition committee at recent meetings, according to Lowe – is intended to improve the flow of games and to speed them up a little. G League head of basketball operations Brad Walker estimates that the change will trim about six to eight minutes off each NBAGL game, says Lowe. The average game took about 2:05 last season, so the new rule could help push that average under the two-hour mark.
The new rules won’t apply during the final two minutes of regulation or in overtime, Lowe notes. The G League will use traditional free throw rules during those stretches, and has considered extending the window for the traditional rules to the last five minutes of games, or even to the entire fourth quarter, since there are concerns the new rules would further incentivize intentional late-game fouling.
Deviating from “historical statistical standards” is also a concern for those opposed to the change, according to Lowe, but the NBAGL will evaluate the new rule over the course of the 2019/20 campaign and decide whether to keep it or scrap it going forward.
Don’t like it
It’s a dumb idea, just like what the NFL did with extra points.
Adding the two point conversion?
If they’re not going to use the rule in the last two minutes or in overtime, it’s useless as a game-shortening tactic…
I like the idea for inside shots. Don’t like it for 3s. I would say all fouls should result in one shot worth 2 points, regardless of location.
But really instead of all of this they could just call fewer fouls? That seems like the more obvious and more exciting solution. Let defenses breathe.
Yeah if the idea is to simplify things, the ft should always be worth 2, regardless of where it occurred. Awarding a 3 PT fg attempt with a 15 ft, uncontested shot is a bad idea..since most players can still shoot a higher % from the line than behind the arc. Probably cause more Kobe-type flailing by shooters too, hoping to get a call.
I think every player in the league can shoot a better percentage from free throw than 3. If you can’t shoot over 30% from the free throw line I doubt you’d be able to shoot over 30% from 3 lol
Let shooters shoot without a hand shoving their rump! Defenses should be made to be more feet and less hands.
Im all for speeding up the game but not like this.
Dumb idea
Basketball games are barely 2 hours as is, this is just trying to force MLBs problem into a league where it really doesn’t exist.
If a player gets fouled while shooting a 3, misses the shot but goes to the ft line for the 1 shot, does his attempted 3 go into the stats as a 3fga?
If fouled, the play does not count as a field goal attempt, whether it’s a three or a two. So if he misses, it’s not in the stats. If he makes it then he’s awarded the field goal and the make, and the attempt. Stat wise.
You know what, after thinking it through, I get what you’re saying. How are they going to say one for one at the free throw line and then three points in his point total? I guess it makes sense if you know the new rule. In any case it’s sort of confusing. But I still think if he’s fouled on a 3, and it does not go in, no field goal attempt.
I think to keep things Kosher stats wise, they may have to give the man fouled from 3 line on a miss 3 for 3 from Free throw line and count as 3 attempts, 3 makes…..S Free throw stats will get really important for Fantasy guys…..
Stupid idea, why people wanna change the most exciting game in the world… Let it be as it is, you can’t make it better, only worse.
I don’t like gimmicks, and I don’t think the NBA needs to shorten games or improve pace of play. It’s fine as it is, and the pace is excellent. This isn’t baseball. However, I wouldn’t mind the NBA adopting a 1+1 free throw rule, similar to the NCAA.
I thought this was a ridiculous rule when they used it in my grandson’s 13u AAU tournament to try and keep games on schedule – can’t imagine what the pros will think.
If they want to cut the game’s time, why not eliminate two “television timeouts” or shorten the halftime by 5 minutes?
Maybe stop the huddles before every free throw, the handshakes in between shots on 2-shot fouls, all the complaining/discussions after every call, make players get up after they fall down or get knocked down instead of them sitting up and then waiting for all their teammates to run over and pull them up…
Why do people constantly want to shorten entertainment? If the game is too long for you, then leave early. The outcome of the game does not require your watching it. I wish people would stop trying to fix things that are not broken.
There is so much garbage in the world, I enjoy my time forgetting about it and sitting down and watching a sporting event. I really don’t want that diversion to end more quickly.
I like the idea but they need to focus on shortening the end part of games. I consider them barely watchable due to delays. And there’s too much yakety-yak. Anyway.
It does take too long to shoot 3 FTs. They could def reduce that to 1 FT for 3 pts. Good idea.
Less beneficial for 2 FTs.
The points gained for 1×3 over time will equal the points gained for 3×1. No need for this concern.
As always, make your shot!
I wouldn’t mind if the FT had to be shot from more than 15 ft.
Also boxing out at the 3pt line should be illegal. It just allows for injurous Zaza-type foot-fouling.
Ridiculous. Rules have to be consistent – having two completely different free throw dynamics based on time left on the clock is just mad.
There’s an old saying about frying a fish that is relevant here – it essentially says, put it in the pan and don’t F with it. Same goes for game rules – stop messing around.