NBA Referees To Be Properly Trained To Officiate Non-Basketball Moves

The NBA will be implementing new rules to limit offensive players from manipulating their bodies to garner foul calls. According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, referees will be adequately trained to officiate a multitude of non-basketball movements.

Per the report, the league will be cracking down on players maneuvering their bodies into defenders at an abnormal angle. Moreover, they will be mitigating offensive players from flaring their legs out on shots in an atypical fashion, as well as prohibiting ball handlers from unexpectedly cutting off the path of defenders.

NBA referees will be trained to properly officiate the following actions used to draw fouls:

- Shooter launches/leans into defender at abnormal angle

- Shooter kicks leg at abnormal angle

- Offensive player abruptly veers off path (sideways/ backwards) into defender https://t.co/9OzldXvH6u

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2021

This news in light of a burgeoning number of players beginning to contort their bodies in order to draw fouls. Perhaps most salient is Trae Young and his proclivity to thrust himself backwards while having a defender on his rear. 

These novel rule changes will attempt to eradicate such movements and aim to bring more fluidity to the game; they will come into effect starting next season.

Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports