The NBA wants to punish dangerous close-outs by changing the rules.Actions that accept injuries to throwers should in future be punishable as flagrant or technical fouls.Excessive provocation of free-throwing during the jump throw could also be stopped in the coming season.
In the 2016 playoffs, Kawhi Leonard was injured when he landed on the foot of the approaching Warriors Center Zaza Pachulia.The failure of the superstar in the final of the Western Conference left San Antonio Spur without a chance against the later champion from Golden State.
“We are 100 percent concerned about the safety of the players,”said NBA Vice President Joe Borgia, who is in charge of the referees.Markieff Morris of the Washington Wizards had also injured himself in a similar situation.A landing on Al Horford’s foot marked the end of Game 1 of the second playoff round against the Boston Celtics.
A further rule change could have a negative effect on distance protectors.They should only be awarded free throws if they are clearly fouled after the start of the throwing movement.The league wants to counteract the trend towards more and more deliberately provoked throwing fouls.