Full Breakdown
NBA's New Heave Rule and Cam Reddish's Move to Europe
9/11/2025, 3:20:52 PM
NBA's Heave Rule: A Game-Changer for End-of-Quarter Shots
The NBA has implemented a new rule allowing players to take deep shots at the end of quarters without negatively impacting their shooting percentages. This change, finalized during the league's board of governors meeting, permits shots taken from at least 36 feet away within the final three seconds of the first three quarters to be recorded as team attempts rather than individual ones. The league hopes this will encourage players to attempt more long-range shots, often referred to as "heaves," which have historically been avoided to protect personal statistics. Last season, players made approximately 4% of such shots, with notable performances from Golden State's Stephen Curry and Denver's Nikola Jokic.
Official Statements & Responses
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed optimism about the new rule, stating, “So, we want to fix it,” referring to the previous reluctance of players to take deep shots. The league has been exploring this change for several months, particularly after the disappointing performance of last season's All-Star mini-tournament, which aimed to increase competitiveness but failed to do so.
Criticism & Opposition
While the rule change is largely seen as positive, some analysts question whether it will genuinely lead to more exciting gameplay or simply inflate shooting statistics without altering player behavior significantly. Critics argue that the effectiveness of the rule will depend on how players adapt to this new framework during actual games.
Cam Reddish's Transition to European Basketball
In a separate but notable development, former NBA player Cam Reddish is reportedly nearing a contract with Lithuanian club BC Siauliai. After six seasons in the NBA, where he played for teams including the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers, Reddish aims to revitalize his career in Europe. His contract with BC Siauliai will include an exit clause, allowing him to return to the NBA or other top leagues if opportunities arise.
Reddish, the 10th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has faced challenges throughout his career, including injuries and inconsistent playing time. His average of 8.5 points and 2.7 rebounds per game reflects a struggle to find his footing in the league. The move to Europe is seen as a chance for Reddish to showcase his skills and potentially attract interest from higher-level teams in the future.
What's Next for Reddish and the NBA
As Reddish prepares for this new chapter, he will be under the guidance of Darius Songaila, a former NBA player and assistant coach, who has recently taken the helm at BC Siauliai. Meanwhile, the NBA continues to explore expansion opportunities in Europe, with plans for a new league that could launch as early as 2027. This initiative aims to connect the growing popularity of basketball in Europe with a more commercially viable product, reflecting the league's commitment to global growth.
Verbatim Quotes
- “So, we want to fix it.” — Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
- “I think our basketball people now are very engaged in how the competition will work,” — Adam Silver, on NBA Europe plans.
