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The NBA has implemented several changes from time to time to help improve the enjoyability of the game. While that has been achieved to a certain level, perhaps it is time to consider bringing back some features ahead of the 2021-22 season.
There has been a seismic shift in how the game is played, which is now more intense and fast-paced. Although these changes have come up gradually, the game today is a lot different from how it started.
The NBA has decided to implement a new rule ahead of the 2021-22 season aimed at limiting non-basketball moves used in drawing fouls. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, initiating contact on a shot will now be seen as an offensive foul. Referees will be taught how to identify these moves and make the appropriate calls.
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While that is a welcome development to reduce the unfair advantage given to offensive players, there are a few more rules the NBA needs to consider bringing back to strike a greater balance in the game.
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On that note, here are five things that would make sense to be brought back to the NBA:
#5 NBA Finals logo
Aside from the atmosphere in the arenas, the NBA Finals look like just another matchup in the league. The last time the NBA Finals logo was seen on the court was in 2014.
The argument for the NBA limiting logos on the floor was that it reduced the risk of injuries to players.
Although there was no official statement from the NBA stating that that was the reason, it seemed the most likely reason for the logos getting done away with. Michael Carter-Williams slipped on an Allen Iverson logo that was placed on the court to commemorate his retirement.
While that is a valid argument, the cursive 'The Finals' logo doesn't look like it could cause much harm. So re-introducing it should be considered, as it gives the NBA Finals a special feel.
#4 Hand-checking
From 1994, several rule modifications were implemented to gradually limit the use of hand-checking. Come 2004, hand-checking was officially banned in the NBA, providing a situation where offensive players have more leeway to drive without too many restrictions.
For those not familiar with the term, hand-checking is a defensive maneuver used by defenders in the NBA to limit the ball handler's movement. Defenders were allowed to extend an arm and initiate contact with the ball-handler.
The NBA has moved from a big man's game to a more guard-dominant affair. Guards now have a plethora of ways to score, especially considering the fact that driving through the lane has become easier, reason why modern basketball is said to have gotten 'soft'.
The NBA has opted for a more entertaining game, which is why perimeter defending is a lot more difficult.
#3 East vs West in the All-Star game
The NBA changed things around during the 2018 All-Star game, adopting a team captain style as opposed to an East vs West matchup. While it has been an entertaining run, perhaps it is time to consider returning to an All-Star battle between the two conferences.
Although it is not an entirely competitive event, seeing which conference has the better stars will be way more entertaining. However, the one thing that needs to stay is for each player to represent their teams rather than the East and West jerseys.
#2 Five-game series in the NBA playoffs first round
The number of games a player has to play to clinch the NBA title is gruesome. Coming off 82 regular-season games and playing through another seven in each series during the postseason undoubtedly takes a toll on players.
With the introduction of the play-in tournament, players will now have one or two more games added to their already tasking schedule. To make things easier, the NBA can go back to a best-of-five format in the first round, which was the case before the 2003 season.
Not only will it create a more intense contest, but players will also have an opportunity to keep themselves fresh ahead of stiffer competition.
#1 The NBA needs to go back to handing out the regular-season MVP award during the playoffs rather than hosting an award show
The NBA wastes much time before handing out the regular-season MVP trophy. Moreover, they opted to host full-fledged award shows dating back to 2017. By doing so, the NBA deprives fans of classic narratives.
Several players have had a 'revenge series', as they felt they were more deserving of the regular-season MVP award. The Hakeem Olajuwon-David Robinson duel was fueled after Robinson was handed the MVP trophy at the start of the Spurs vs Rockets 1995 NBA playoff series.
Major broadcast networks dwelled on the payback narrative as the reason Olajuwon exploded in that series.
Fans should also be allowed to celebrate with their star player when he is bestowed with such honor. Nikola Jokic was presented his award in front of his home fans during a pre-game ceremony in the NBA conference semi-finals. However, it was only because the NBA was unable to host an award show due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
