NBA Opening Day is just around the corner on October 20, with the Bucks kicking off their season a day later on October 21. But before the ball even tips, the league dropped its points of emphasis for officiating, complete with narrated videos and breakdowns by Jeff Zillgitt over at NBA.com. These aren’t just minor tweaks, folks, some of these new rules are going to shake things up from day one.
Offensive Off-Arms Are Getting a Workout (From Refs, Not Players)
First up, remember all those offensive players using their off arm to create space? Well, the league is cracking down hard. The new point of emphasis is all about limiting that pushing off. Defenders might actually stand a chance now, which is exactly what teams like the Bucks, with Taylor Jenkins pushing for defensive aptitude, are hoping for. This could bring back some of those “dawg days” fans love to see. But Jeff Zillgitt from NBA.com pointed out there’s still a fine line, a bit of leeway for players to “firm up or feel for” the defender. So, it’s not a complete ban, but definitely a much tighter leash.
Illegal Screens? Say Goodbye to Two-Handers
Then we’ve got screens. Get ready for some strictly legal screening, because two-handed screens are officially out. The league is emphasizing that screeners better do so legally, and that means without two hands. This is huge, especially when you look at guys like Jericho Sims. Last year, he racked up 28 offensive fouls, tying Victor Wembanyama for the 10th most in the entire league! And Rohan Katti from the Gyro Step podcast broke it down: most of Sims’ fouls were from illegal screens, not like Giannis barreling through guys to the hoop. So, screeners, time to hit the lab and clean up those reps. Seriously.
The Flopping Rule That Might Be Impossible to Call
And finally, the one that has everyone scratching their heads: flopping. Now, if a player is called for flopping, it’s a non-unsportsmanlike technical foul, and the other team gets a free throw. Sounds good, right? But here’s the kicker: for such a foul to actually be called, it has to meet the ‘STEM’ criteria: Secondary, Theatrical, Exaggerated Movement. Head snaps? Those are just embellishments, drawing attention to something illegal, so they are still permissible. Honestly? Call me a defeatist, but how on earth is a referee supposed to process all four of those criteria in the heat of an instant? This one feels like it’s destined to be called a bunch early in the season and then fade away, just like past points of emphasis.
So, as the NBA season tips off on October 20, with the Bucks getting their start on October 21, keep an eye on how these new points of emphasis play out. Will defenders actually get a fair shake? Will screeners clean up their act? And will that flopping rule actually stick? It’s going to be fascinating to watch the refs try to enforce these from day one.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Brew Hoop.
Leave a Reply