Simple solution to the intentional fouling rule

[JCSunsfan]

I know the NBA is struggling with this. But changing the rule simply hides bad free throw shooters.

My solution. In the last two minutes, after a certain number of fouls (say two) against the same person, teams have the option of shooting the free throws or taking the ball in from out of bounds.

That would take all the motivation out of continually fouling the same person over and over again.

 

[Catlover]

Why not just go back to the way it used to be? Intentional fouls weren't allowed. When they did occur, it was one free throw and possession of the ball. I don't have a problem with fouling Jordan or Drummond or whoever but at least make it be a basketball play. This jumping on a player's back or grabbing someone 20 feet from the action is lame.

Or for a little fun, why not get creative in the rule? Allow them to continue the intentional hacking but any time it's ruled intentional, flip the lane positions (offense gets the 2 lower lanes).

 

[Mainstreet]

Both options are good. I wouldn't might if a team (player) had the option of FTs or possession of the ball with no attachments. This would be very close to what JCSunsfan is saying.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Why not just go back to the way it used to be? Intentional fouls weren't allowed. When they did occur, it was one free throw and possession of the ball. I don't have a problem with fouling Jordan or Drummond or whoever but at least make it be a basketball play. This jumping on a player's back or grabbing someone 20 feet from the action is lame.

Or for a little fun, why not get creative in the rule? Allow them to continue the intentional hacking but any time it's ruled intentional, flip the lane positions (offense gets the 2 lower lanes).

I just think its too much of a judgement call. You have to try to figure out the intent of the player committing the foul.

The simplest solution is having the option of the free throws or possession. It would make for shorter games at the end. It would end intentional fouling almost altogether. If you don't want to change the game too much, make the option available only in the last two minutes.

 

[Catlover]

I just think its too much of a judgement call. You have to try to figure out the intent of the player committing the foul.

The simplest solution is having the option of the free throws or possession. It would make for shorter games at the end. It would end intentional fouling almost altogether. If you don't want to change the game too much, make the option available only in the last two minutes.

It is a judgement call and that was at least part of why they changed it initially. But just about everything is a judgement call and IMO it's a pretty easy judgement to make. The reason they've elected to not change it back in the past and the reason they might not go the way you want them to is that they believe it opens the door for more nail-biter finishes. If you can opt to take it out each time there is no benefit for intentionally fouling other than to maybe give your guys a little extra rest.

 

[AZCrazy]

I know the NBA is struggling with this. But changing the rule simply hides bad free throw shooters.

My solution. In the last two minutes, after a certain number of fouls (say two) against the same person, teams have the option of shooting the free throws or taking the ball in from out of bounds.

That would take all the motivation out of continually fouling the same person over and over again.

It would be equivalent to an NFL team having the option to decline a penalty if it is better for them to do so. I like it.