Adam Silver says new Hack-A-Shaq rule could be in place by July
The Hack-A-Shaq rule could be drastically changed this summer.
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2 min read
Intentional fouling poor free-throw shooters has become a frequently used strategy by coaches. The strategy not only slows the game's pace down to a screeching halt, it extends the length of the game. The NBA is the fastest sport among the four major leagues, yet the Hack-A-Shaq rule makes games seem like they sometimes drag on. However, that might be changing next season.
Speaking with reporters on Thursday, Silver said that the NBA is going to address the intentional fouling rule this summer.
From SI's Deante Prince:
Unprompted, Silver funneled the topic into a discussion about keeping NBA games shorter and staying within two-and-a-half hours. Silver had a stat cued up on the subject, stating that it takes only three or more Hack-a-Shaq fouls to add 11 minutes to an NBA game. The NBA plans to combat this issue as soon as possible, and have a new rule in place before the start of the 2016–17 season.
“It's not unanimous, but there is clearly an emerging consensus, both among the members of the competition committee and the owners, who we made a presentation to at last week's meetings, that we need to address the situation,” Silver said. “I think, as Kiki [VanDeWeghe] said, exactly what the new rule should be is still open for debate. At least I'm hoping that between now and when the owners next meet in July we can create and form a consensus as to what a change in the rule should be.”
The NBA has the data on its side, and has clearly given plenty of consideration to the rule change. Silver still needs to sell NBA owners, however, and a rule change requires two-thirds of teams to vote in favor of whatever alternative is presented.
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But the numbers swayed Silver to the other side. At this year's All-Star break, Hack-a-Shaq fouls were being committed at four times the rate the NBA saw in 2014–15. That number ironed out to a two-and-a-half increase at season's end. That pales in comparison to the jump during last season's NBA playoffs, which experienced 10 times more Hack-a-Shaq fouls than the postseason before it.
The Hack-A-Shaq rule really only impacts a few players like Andre Drummond, DeAndre Jordan and Dwight Howard, but this is a good example of how adaptable the NBA is as a league. Instead of sticking to the rules, the NBA is open to changing how the game is played if it creates a better product.
As Silver says, just because there is an "emerging consensus" doesn't mean the rule will get changed. He has to have the support of the owners. But this is a positive sign that te intentional fouling rule will likely be changed next season.
