The NBA has evolved pretty dramatically over the last couple of decades, for better and for worse. One way in which most would agree the league has devolved is in how easy it’s been for players to draw fouls.
Indeed, it’s been almost impossible in recent years for defenders to get close to their assignment without being called for a foul. As a result, ball-handlers such as James Harden, Trae Young, and countless others have used this strictness on defenders to their advantage.
Harden, while a skilled player in many ways, is also known for being an expert in drawing fouls. It’s a big part of his offensive attack, and he’s not the only one to treat drawing fouls like an art.
As a result, complaints have come up over the years from fellow players, coaches, and fans, stating that the strictness on defenders has taken the purity out of the game.
No longer though.
It appears that the NBA is now taking steps to bring the league back to a more physical place. Fouls are still fouls, but it seems as though offensive players will no longer be able to so easily manipulate artificial “fake” fouls out of the thin air.
Most people will likely see this change as an improvement for the NBA, and we look forward to seeing how it changes the dynamic of players’ approaches on the floor.
