The NBA is set to introduce a modification to its rules for the next season. This change will involve categorizing unsuccessful shots launched from beyond half court at the close of a quarter as team attempts, instead of attributing them to individual players. As this adjustment means player stats won’t suffer, the league anticipates more of these long-distance, last-second efforts. This change brings a certain level of spectacle but has faced criticism. NBA veteran Richard Jefferson, who played for 17 years and secured a championship, criticized the rule change, calling it “cowardly.”
Made heaves will positively affect player percentages, while misses will be counted against the team’s total. Jefferson took issue with this specific point.
“This is cowardly!” Jefferson posted on social media. “You don’t want it to negatively impact your %, unless you make it. You want the benefits without any of the risks. PROFESSIONAL SPORTS 2025”
The NBA trialed this rule tweak during the Summer League games earlier this year, held in Las Vegas, Utah, and California.
Report: NBA to treat missed end-of-quarter heaves as team field goal attempts, aiming to boost buzzer-beating tries
Zachary Pereles
Certain players have contract clauses tied to their shooting percentages. This gives them less incentive to attempt low-percentage shots at the buzzer. Reducing the repercussions of a failed attempt could lead to more last-second heaves, increasing the chances of made shots and providing more exciting highlights.
The definition of a “heave” is important in the rulebook. The NBA specifies three conditions for shots that will be subject to the new rule. Any field goal attempt in the final three seconds of the first three quarters qualifies, provided it’s launched from beyond the outer edge of the extended center circle. Also, the play needs to have started in the team’s own backcourt.
The previous season saw 640 shots that would have qualified under these new rules. Only 25 of these shots were successful, giving a success rate of just 3.9%. Due to the inherently low percentage of these types of shots, numerous players often wait until the buzzer has sounded before attempting such a shot. Nikola Jokić attempted the most qualifying shots at 25, with Mikal Bridges following behind at 13. Stephen Curry led the way with four successful shots, while Jokić managed to make three.
