Analysts Call Rule Change “Cowardly” and a Win for Stat-Padding
The NBA faces backlash over the new rule. The league announced that missed end-of-quarter heaves, half-court and beyond shots attempted as time expires will no longer count against a player’s individual field-goal percentage. Instead, only the team’s shooting stats will reflect the miss.
While the NBA claims the rule will encourage more buzzer-beating attempts, several analysts argue it undermines competition and rewards stat protection.
Jefferson Slams the Move as “Cowardly”
Former NBA forward and current analyst Richard Jefferson criticized the decision in blunt terms. Sharing his thoughts on X, Jefferson wrote:
“This is cowardly! We don’t want it to count towards your %… UNLESS YOU MAKE IT. You want the positive without the potential for negative. PROFESSIONAL SPORTS 2025.”
For Jefferson, the rule represents a shift away from accountability and risk-taking, two qualities he believes define professional athletes.
Lowe Calls Out “Stat-Driven Players”
Longtime NBA analyst Zach Lowe echoed Jefferson’s frustration, labeling the change a gift to players more focused on percentages than winning.
“I hate it. I hate it. We’re letting these chickensht players who won’t shoot heaves get off scot-free. I liked exposing those players and lionizing the Currys, Jokics, JR Smiths, and Pritchards of the world who wanted to win the game. Boo NBA. Boo chicken players,” Lowe said.
His comments highlight how certain stars like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic have built reputations by attempting daring shots, regardless of the statistical risks.
Why the NBA Made the Change
The rule, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, aims to remove the fear of hurting personal stats when attempting half-court heaves. In past seasons, players were often criticized for dribbling out the clock instead of taking a last-second chance. League officials believe this adjustment will lead to more thrilling end-of-quarter moments.
The Bigger Debate
NBA faces backlash and controversy, underscoring a long-standing tension in modern basketball: entertainment and competitiveness versus analytics and efficiency. Supporters argue the rule frees players to take risks that could swing games. Critics, however, believe it sends the wrong message, rewarding cautious play while diluting accountability.
Conclusion
The NBA’s new policy on end-of-quarter heaves may change how players approach buzzer-beater situations, but it has already divided analysts and fans alike. Whether it leads to more excitement or more criticism, the debate reveals how much the sport continues to balance numbers with the spirit of competition.
Analysts Call Rule Change “Cowardly” and a Win for Stat-Padding
The NBA faces backlash over the new rule. The league announced that missed end-of-quarter heaves, half-court and beyond shots attempted as time expires will no longer count against a player’s individual field-goal percentage. Instead, only the team’s shooting stats will reflect the miss.
While the NBA claims the rule will encourage more buzzer-beating attempts, several analysts argue it undermines competition and rewards stat protection.
Jefferson Slams the Move as “Cowardly”
Former NBA forward and current analyst Richard Jefferson criticized the decision in blunt terms. Sharing his thoughts on X, Jefferson wrote:
“This is cowardly! We don’t want it to count towards your %… UNLESS YOU MAKE IT. You want the positive without the potential for negative. PROFESSIONAL SPORTS 2025.”
For Jefferson, the rule represents a shift away from accountability and risk-taking, two qualities he believes define professional athletes.
Lowe Calls Out “Stat-Driven Players”
Longtime NBA analyst Zach Lowe echoed Jefferson’s frustration, labeling the change a gift to players more focused on percentages than winning.
“I hate it. I hate it. We’re letting these chickensht players who won’t shoot heaves get off scot-free. I liked exposing those players and lionizing the Currys, Jokics, JR Smiths, and Pritchards of the world who wanted to win the game. Boo NBA. Boo chicken players,” Lowe said.
His comments highlight how certain stars like Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic have built reputations by attempting daring shots, regardless of the statistical risks.
Why the NBA Made the Change
The rule, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, aims to remove the fear of hurting personal stats when attempting half-court heaves. In past seasons, players were often criticized for dribbling out the clock instead of taking a last-second chance. League officials believe this adjustment will lead to more thrilling end-of-quarter moments.
The Bigger Debate
NBA faces backlash and controversy, underscoring a long-standing tension in modern basketball: entertainment and competitiveness versus analytics and efficiency. Supporters argue the rule frees players to take risks that could swing games. Critics, however, believe it sends the wrong message, rewarding cautious play while diluting accountability.
Conclusion
The NBA’s new policy on end-of-quarter heaves may change how players approach buzzer-beater situations, but it has already divided analysts and fans alike. Whether it leads to more excitement or more criticism, the debate reveals how much the sport continues to balance numbers with the spirit of competition.
