5 NBA Players that ignited a Rule Change(s)

Cleveland Cavaliers v Los Angeles Lakers
One person wasn't enough to guard Shaq

Some Honorable Mentions

Darryl Dawkins

Philadelphia 76ers Darryl Dawkins, 1980 Finals
Philadelphia 76ers Darryl Dawkins, 1980 Finals

Darryl Dawkins is known to be one of the most powerful dunkers in NBA history. He was known to break several backboards with his powerful dunks. This made the NBA change the material of the backboards to ones that don't shatter.

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

Derrick Harper

Los Angeles Lakers
Derrick Harper playing for the Mavs

Derrick Harper was a really good defender and contained All-Stars all his life. He had this smart way of defending. He would hand check the player with the ball to anticipate his movements.

The NBA eventually intervened and made a Rule Change

Rule Change 8: Hand Checking is illegal and the defender should be away from the offensive player when he's guarding him.


Did you know about these rule changes? Sound off your opinions in the comments section below!

Pacers Fan? Check out the latest Indiana Pacers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

Quick Links

Edited by Alan John
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications