NBA Summer League Tests New Rule with “One Free Throw” Experiment

The NBA is implementing a major change during this year’s Summer League. The “one free throw rule” will be tested at events in Salt Lake City, Northern California, and Las Vegas throughout the month. This rule, already used by the G League since the 2019-20 season, aims to accelerate the pace of play.

According to the new rule, a single free-throw attempt will replace what would typically be one, two, or three free throws awarded for fouls. This attempt will carry the same total point value as the traditional free throws. However, the rule won’t apply to the entire game. In the final two minutes of fourth quarters and during overtime, regular free-throw rules will be in effect.

While it is uncertain if the NBA will adopt the one-free-throw rule in regular games, the Summer League often tests potential changes. Past trials in this league have included the coach’s challenge and modifying the shot clock reset to 14 seconds after offensive rebounds. The NBA adopted these changes following successful trials.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has shown interest in other format changes. The G League’s use of 10-minute quarters is one such example, as Silver has expressed support for shorter quarters in the NBA. In the past, the NBA tested 11-minute quarters in preseason games and 10-minute quarters in exhibition games before the “bubble” in 2020.

The Summer League kicks off on July 9, serving as a venue to experiment with new rules and changes that could impact the future of the NBA.