NBA Board of Governors Approves 2018-19 Rules Changes

The NBA Board of Governors has unanimously approved three rule changes for the upcoming, 2018-19 season. Shot clock resets, clear-path fouls, and the definition of “hostile act” are all changing.

The highlights:

• The 24-second clock will reset to 14 (instead of 24) after offensive rebounds, fouls by defenders on rebounding opportunities, and defenders knocking the ball out of bounds on rebounding attempts. In all three situations, the offensive team retains possession of the ball.
• There’s now a stronger definition of “clear path to the hoop” in transition plays. Clear Path will occur when “the ball is ahead of the tip of the circle in the backcourt; no defender is ahead of the offensive player with the transition scoring opportunity; the player with the transition scoring opportunity is in control of the ball (or a pass has been thrown to him); and...the foul deprives his team of an opportunity to score.”
• More than just fights and physical contact can be reviewed as “hostile acts” against fellow players, coaches, referees, or fans. The terms of “hostile act” were not defined in the league press release.