NBA Could Pass Rules Changes For 2018-19 Season: Resetting Shot Clock To 14 Seconds, Simplifying Foul Rule

On Thursday, it was announced that the NBA may pass a series of rule changes for the upcoming season.

NBA Expected to Introduce New Rules This Season

According to ESPN, these changes could include resetting the shot clock to 14 seconds (from the current 24) after offensive rebounds, simplifying the clear-path foul rule and altering the definition of “hostile acts.”

The NBA’s board of governors is reportedly expected to vote on these proposed rules in meetings scheduled for Sept. 20-21. Two thirds of board members need to vote yes in order for the changes to be approved.

The league said in a statement that it hopes resetting the shot clock after offensive rebounds “will increase shot attempts, especially at the end of close games.”

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FIBA — world basketball’s governing body — introduced this rule in 2014. According to ESPN, the NBA and WNBA summer leagues also have 14-second shot clocks.

The rule regarding so-called “hostile acts” could expand the meaning of this phrase to more quickly trigger instant replay. The NBA said hostile actions could go beyond being just between players and also now include altercations with coaches, game officials and fans.

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The clear path to the basket rule could be amended in order to end the requirement for plays to always begin in the backcourt, the league said. The NBA added that this would help referees so that they no longer have to “make a judgment call on whether a defender was ‘between’ the offensive player and the basket, or, if a defender is ahead of the player being fouled but not ‘between’ the offensive player and the basket, whether such defender had the opportunity to position himself between the ball and the basket.”