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The NBA's Competition Committee are recommending three rule changes for the upcoming 2018-19 season, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Those include the reset of the shot clock to 14 seconds after an offensive rebound has been gathered, simplification of a clear-path foul rule and expanding the definition of a “hostile act” for purposes of triggering replay.
These suggestions are likely to be passed at the Board of Governors at a meeting from Sept. 20-21, as they will need the approval of two-thirds of the league (20 of the 30 NBA teams) in order to pass as new legislation.
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The 10-second shot-clock reduction during offensive rebounds is not only expected to create a faster pace to the game, but also make the game more competitive, as teams will no longer will be able to milk 24 seconds off the shot clock through an offensive rebound.
The definition of a clear path foul is currently a five-pronged approach which allows for certain ambiguity, making it tough for officials and viewers to determine when looking at a replay. As it stands, the definition is as follows, according to league rules.
- The ball and an offensive player were positioned between the tip-off-circle extended in the backcourt and the basket in the frontcourt,
- There was no defender between the ball and the basket,
- There was no defender ahead of the player being fouled with the opportunity to position himself between the ball and the basket,
- The defender who committed the foul against the player with the ball was not ahead of him at any time after he entered the frontcourt, and
- The foul denied the offensive team an opportunity to score
A “hostile act,” such as taunting, a hard foul before or after the whistle has blown, or any post-play antics deemed unsportsmanlike toward another player, coach, or official — is still rather murky, and clearing up its definition could help players and officials find common ground, allowing for better relationships heading into a brand new season.
