As I’m sure you may have heard by now, there is a discussion brewing about potential changes to the NBA game. Various news outlets have reported that the NBA brass has discussed the idea of expanding the court length and adding a four point line. The NBA was quick to dismiss any such notion with league spokesperson Tim Frank releasing a statement saying “no one at the NBA, nor the competition committee, has had any serious conversations about increasing the size of the floor or adding a 4-point line.” Frank also dispelled any further rumors, saying executives were simply entertaining out of the box questions.
Whether they intended to our not, the NBA has set off a firestorm of debate over the potential rule changes. Like many sports enthusiasts, I too began to ponder what the game would be like should these changes go into effect. I’ve come to the conclusion that these changes could actually enhance the NBA as we know it. I know that any drastic changes to the games we love come at the chagrin to many of you, so take a second to hear me out.
The NBA game is one of heavy congestion, with the lane constantly clogged with massive bodies. Expanding the floor would allow for better spacing and allow more cuts and emphatic drives to the lane. A 4 point line would serve as a heightened sense of excitement for many fans. Many of the top shooters in the game, i.e. Stephen Curry and Jamal Crawford, can hit down a twenty four foot three’s with great consistency. They’ve proved themselves more than capable of hitting from much farther, so why not reward that incredible range with an extra point.
Unfortunately these plans are little more than talking points, as there are a plethora of objects that stand in the way from these ideals to become realities. For starters, the NBA would have to either expand arenas or get rid of its most profitable court side seats, something owners would surely object to. Coaches would also have to adjust their philosophies and never like things they don’t have control over. It will be interesting to see how the NBA addresses the surefire media storm that is bound to follow.
Nationals, Redskins, and Wizards oh my 