Idea for Discussion: Allowing Teams to Decline Fouls

[meangreenmachine]

What if the NBA allowed teams to choose to decline fouls (I.E., like football)? What are some of the ramifications and is this the best way to end Hack-a-Shaq?

[furball]

That's actually the only reasonable way to stop the Hack a Guy (not that I think they should "fix" it).  Let the fouled team chose free throws or taking the ball out.  But then they have to revert back to the old system for the last 2 minutes to give teams a chance at the end of games. 

[alldaboston]

It could also lead to late game strategy. Like, say you get fouled and with the bonus, you get 2 free throws.  but you need a 3 to tie the game. So the coach could decide to decline the foul, and take his chances on the 3.

[TheSundanceKid]

Just something like the advantage rule would work. If there is a clear advantage to not calling the foul then and there, continue play and assign the foul after the play is done

[Big333223]

I've always thought this was a sensible fix and something that made sense in general. A team can decline foul shots but the foul will still be assessed to the player in violation. It's so easy and sensible, it'll never happen.

[saltlover]

What about an end of game scenario, where teams foul to extend games?  Should the team that is leading be able to decline the foul? It would greatly speed up the end of games, but limit the ability to come from behind late.  Also, you'd likely see some very hard fouls from trailing teams trying to steal the ball, since they have nothing to lose if a foul is called, but everything to gain if they're successful or the refs let contact go.

I'd propose that teams can decline free throws on off-ball fouls, but the shot clock resets and the player committing the fouls is still charged with one.  But if you foul the player with the ball, there are still free throws if you're in the bonus.  If you can touch the ball, you need to be able to make your foul shots.

[dannyboy35]

They should keep hack a Shaq. If you can't make a free throw too bad. What I do think they should do is eliminate fouling out entirely. Still have teams go in the bonus but then you wouldn't have refs swallowing their whistles when Lebron reached in and fouks 3 times early in the game.

[Eja117]

Teams with terrible free throw shooters or terrible coaches shouldn't be rewarded. I know some people feel really bad for DeAndre Jordan and feel terrible that for some reason Doc gives him the ball or keeps him in the game in critical scenarios at the end of the game but I don't feel bad for the Clippers at all.

[mef730]

Teams with terrible free throw shooters or terrible coaches shouldn't be rewarded. I know some people feel really bad for DeAndre Jordan and feel terrible that for some reason Doc gives him the ball or keeps him in the game in critical scenarios at the end of the game but I don't feel bad for the Clippers at all.

I agree. My first choice is to keep the system the way it is.

Otherwise, I see two feasible alternatives: the scenario mentioned above, or a situation where the team that got fouled gets to choose who shoots.

Mike

[LatterDayCelticsfan]

Teams with terrible free throw shooters or terrible coaches shouldn't be rewarded. I know some people feel really bad for DeAndre Jordan and feel terrible that for some reason Doc gives him the ball or keeps him in the game in critical scenarios at the end of the game but I don't feel bad for the Clippers at all.

Perhaps Doc realizes its better to know your carp ft shooter is likely going to the line every single possession because the opponents won't even try winning possession back without conceding a field goal attempt.

[Big333223]

Teams with terrible free throw shooters or terrible coaches shouldn't be rewarded. I know some people feel really bad for DeAndre Jordan and feel terrible that for some reason Doc gives him the ball or keeps him in the game in critical scenarios at the end of the game but I don't feel bad for the Clippers at all.

The problem with this thinking is that it ignores the purpose of the foul shots. The reason teams are awarded free throws is to punish the team that comitted a violation. If a team comitts a violation but the other team can't make free throws, then the other team doesn't get punished for breaking the rule. To me, that means the punishment has to change.

[LilRip]

I agree but something needs to be added:

If in penalty situation, allow the fouled team to choose between free throws or side out UNLESS the player with possession of the ball is fouled. In which case, the player must shoot free throws.

Seems like a neat solution, no?

[danglertx]

Teams with terrible free throw shooters or terrible coaches shouldn't be rewarded. I know some people feel really bad for DeAndre Jordan and feel terrible that for some reason Doc gives him the ball or keeps him in the game in critical scenarios at the end of the game but I don't feel bad for the Clippers at all.

The problem with this thinking is that it ignores the purpose of the foul shots. The reason teams are awarded free throws is to punish the team that comitted a violation. If a team comitts a violation but the other team can't make free throws, then the other team doesn't get punished for breaking the rule. To me, that means the punishment has to change.

Or, you need to not play players that can't hit free throws. 

[Ilikesports17]

Teams with terrible free throw shooters or terrible coaches shouldn't be rewarded. I know some people feel really bad for DeAndre Jordan and feel terrible that for some reason Doc gives him the ball or keeps him in the game in critical scenarios at the end of the game but I don't feel bad for the Clippers at all.

The problem with this thinking is that it ignores the purpose of the foul shots. The reason teams are awarded free throws is to punish the team that comitted a violation. If a team comitts a violation but the other team can't make free throws, then the other team doesn't get punished for breaking the rule. To me, that means the punishment has to change.

Eh.

Nothing is stopping the other team from making the free throws. They just suck at it. Tactical fouls exist in every sport. In football you will often see an intentional holding or a pass interference. In soccer guys commit fouls a lot on counter attacks and stuff. Its part of the game at this point.

[Eja117]

Teams with terrible free throw shooters or terrible coaches shouldn't be rewarded. I know some people feel really bad for DeAndre Jordan and feel terrible that for some reason Doc gives him the ball or keeps him in the game in critical scenarios at the end of the game but I don't feel bad for the Clippers at all.

Perhaps Doc realizes its better to know your carp ft shooter is likely going to the line every single possession because the opponents won't even try winning possession back without conceding a field goal attempt.

Then there's no problem