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So that players won't fear tossing up halfcourt shots before the buzzer sounds to signify the end of a quarter, NBA teams have pitched the idea of not counting such shots against their attempts.
Per Zach Lowe of ESPN, teams have entertained the thought of a rule change. Though it may seem crazy at first, Lowe reveals that teams have actually pitched the idea.
“I think the league should change the rule where any heave past halfcourt doesn’t count to your field-goal percentage. I would support. I know teams have pitched that as a rule change. That’s not just pie-in-the-sky blogger guys talking. Teams have actually pitched that.”
Lowe added to his case, comparing it to a shooting foul.
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“It’s like a shooting foul, almost. If you make it, it counts. And if you miss it, we erase it from the record like it never happened.”
A careful observation of some games would reveal that several players opt to let the clock expire than toss up a prayer from halfcourt. It varies from player to player, of course. Some who have practiced halfcourt heaves would confidently throw one up. Some, particularly big men, wouldn't even dare to shoot. Nevertheless, if you watch enough NBA, one would notice a lot of players hesitant to take the shot.
A conversion from halfcourt, especially when a team is trying to catch up, has the capacity to build all sorts of momentum. On the flip side of the coin, it would artificially boost up players' shooting percentages. Whether the idea gains enough traction for it be approved or not, it's still an interesting idea to toy with.
