Report: NBA discussing rule change so players couldn't use unnatural motions on jump shots to draw fouls
A new NBA rule change could cut down on James Harden's free-throw attempts. The NBA's competition committee is reportedly discussing a rule that would prevent players from using unnatural motions on jump shots to draw fouls, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Wojnarowski says the league wants to prevent players like Harden and Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young from leaning into fouls.
Sources: NBA’s Competition Committee met Monday to further explore rules changes to restrict unnatural motions on jump shots players use to draw fouls. NBA wants to limit players - including stars like Trae Young, James Harden - from leaning backwards and sideways to draw fouls.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 14, 2021
The rule change could go into effect during the offseason. The competition committee must first recommend the change to the Board of Governors, who will then vote on the issue. The competition committee will speak to team general managers about the potential changes in the new rule, according to Wojnarowski.
James Harden is the poster child for rule change
While the competition committee won't single out Harden, his style of play is clearly being targeted with the potential rule change.
There are star players with greater usage and exposure who many people identify with this issue, but the league and teams generally see this as a universal problem throughout rosters that gives offenses too great of an advantage.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 14, 2021
Harden has a reputation for drawing questionable fouls. Harden ranked 23rd in free-throw attempts during the 2020-21 NBA season, though played in only 44 games. Prior to this season, Harden led the league in free-throw attempts for six straight seasons.
Young, the other player Wojnarowski mentioned, ranked third in free-throw attempts during the 2020-21 season with 546.
Last season, Harden led the NBA with 800 free-throw attempts. Giannis Antetokounmpo ranked second on that list with 629 free-throw attempts.
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