I’ve seen plenty of NBA rule changes over the years, but these two are definitely worth the peep.
NBA brass just introduced two new rules for this 2025-26 NBA season, and both could have a real impact on how the game flows. Here’s the gist of it.
NBA Rule One: The New “Heave Rule”
First off, the “heave rule.” If you’ve ever watched NBA players hesitate on those desperation end-of-quarter shots, you know why this matters. Players usually avoid chucking it up from half-court because a miss drags down their shooting percentage.
I’ve heard players talk about it firsthand. Nobody really wants their stats wrecked over a prayer. But now, any attempt in the last three seconds of the first three quarters, launched from at least 36 feet and starting in the backcourt, won’t touch a player’s personal numbers.
Instead, it’s logged as a team shot attempt. In other words, those Hail Mary heaves are finally free. That means because of these new NBA rules, we might actually see players let it fly without hesitation.
Teams like GSW and Lakers could even draw up quick sets knowing there’s nothing to lose. From a fan’s perspective, it’s about to make buzzer moments way more fun.
Testing the Waters Before the NBA Rule Change
The NBA actually tested the “heave rule” during Summer League in Vegas and in some G-League runs in California and Utah. Players got a feel for it, and the response was positive enough that Adam Silver and the board of governors locked it in.
So, what exactly does this mean in real time? If the shot is at least 36 feet out, happens in the final three seconds of the first three quarters, and starts in the backcourt, it won’t hurt a player’s stats if they miss. Only the team takes the shot on record.
And trust me, that 4% success rate from last season for those deep heaves tells you why this was needed. Outside of Steph Curry, most players weren’t even trying. But now, with no penalty, we’ll probably see a lot more of them taking that chance.
That’s exactly what Adam Silver and the league might just want: more unforgettable swings and a better product on the court. And from where I sit, it’s hard not to be excited about it.
NBA Rule Two: The Coach’s Challenge Tweak
The second NBA new rule is more subtle but equally important. Starting this ongoing season, when a coach challenges an out-of-bounds call, the replay center official will decide, not the crew chief on the floor, if a foul should’ve been called in that sequence.
That may sound minor, but it should speed things up and give us sharper rulings. Since the refs on the court can stay focused on their original call, while the replay team handles the extra layer.
Now, I’ve been around long enough to know rule changes don’t always land well. Sometimes players, coaches, and fans push back hard. But this time? These little tweaks feel like genuine upgrades, more excitement at the end of quarters, and faster, cleaner reviews.
What Do I Think About the NBA’s New Rules?
Personally, I think these new NBA rules could affect the game more than we realize. The “heave rule” alone has the power to shift momentum in ways we haven’t seen before.
Imagine Steph Curry, Nikola Jokic, or even someone like Payton Pritchard draining a half-court shot at the buzzer without worrying about their percentages. The energy in the arena will swing instantly, and that can flip an entire game and the arena just as much.
On the other hand, the coach’s challenge tweak feels like the NBA is finally admitting reviews have been too messy. By letting the replay center take over proximate foul decisions, refs on the floor can stick to what’s in front of them.
We’ve seen big games slowed down by clunky reviews, and this could cut that down. If both changes work the way the league hopes, we’ll get faster games, more buzzer drama, and fewer headaches from the whistle. That’s good for players, coaches, and most importantly, us fans.
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