Heave Ho! NBA Introduces New 'Heave Rule'; Plans Expansion Talks, All-Star Format Changes

Last Updated:September 11, 2025, 14:19 IST

The NBA approved the Heave Rule, protecting player stats on long end-of-quarter shots. Adam Silver discussed All-Star Game changes, expansion talks, and NBA Cup semifinal updates.

Players will be encouraged to throw up the last-second heaves in a worry-free manner now (X)

NBA players will no longer have to hesitate before tossing up a desperate heave at the end of quarters.

The NBA has officially approved a rule change that ensures such attempts won’t count against an individual’s shooting percentage.

The decision was finalized at the Board of Governors meeting on Wednesday after being successfully tested during the Summer League in Las Vegas and smaller competitions in Utah and California earlier this year.

How the “Heave Rule" Works

From now on, any shot launched in the final three seconds of the first three quarters from at least 36 feet away — on plays starting in the backcourt — will be counted only as a team attempt, not an individual one.

The adjustment is aimed at encouraging players to take those ultra-deep shots without fear of harming their personal statistics.

Many players in recent years have chosen to dribble out the clock or avoid heaves entirely, preferring to protect their shooting averages rather than risk a low-percentage miss. The league hopes the new rule will change that behavior.

According to SportRadar data, players last season made just 4% of such shots. Golden State’s Stephen Curry connected on four of them, while Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic hit three.

All-Star Format Still to Be Decided

Alongside the rule change, Commissioner Adam Silver addressed questions about the format of the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, which is expected to feature a U.S. vs. the World setup.

The league is still finalizing details, with Silver saying he hopes everything will be settled by the start of the regular season.

“People have great memories of All-Star games. It’s part of the fabric of this league, the excitement that comes from it and the engagement from our players," Silver said. “So, we want to fix it."

Expansion on the Horizon?

Silver also revealed updates on the NBA’s expansion talks both abroad and at home.

In Europe, the NBA is in ongoing discussions with FIBA about a potential league backed by both organizations. Silver explained that officials are working on how to adapt NBA systems such as salary caps and revenue sharing into a European framework.

Domestically, expansion remains under consideration. While there is no set timetable, Seattle and Las Vegas continue to be seen as leading candidates for future teams.

NBA Cup Semifinal Change

The NBA Cup, currently using a Final Four setup in Las Vegas for its semifinals and final, will undergo a significant change starting in the 2026–27 season.

From that season onward:

• Semifinals will be played at the home court of the higher-seeded team in each conference.
• The final will remain at a neutral site.

Coach’s Challenge Adjustment

The Board of Governors also approved a tweak to the coach’s challenge system.

Starting this season, when a team challenges an out-of-bounds call, the replay center official — not the on-court crew chief — will decide whether a proximate foul should have been called.

The league says this change will help speed up reviews.

(with AP inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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