Richard Jefferson criticizes the NBA’s new rule on heaves as ‘soft’ for changing how desperation shots are recorded.
The NBA has shaken things up for the 2025–26 season with a rule tweak that alters the way statisticians track those thrilling last-second heaves. Previously, when a player fired a deep shot from 36 feet or beyond in the first three quarters, a miss would affect their individual stats. Now, such attempts will be deemed as team misses. The League made this move following successful trials in the G League and Summer League, aiming to encourage more players to unleash these exciting buzzer-beaters without fretting over their shooting percentages or contract negotiations.
For years, players have been cautious about attempting these long-range bombs due to concerns about how it might impact their shooting efficiency. Despite the low success rate of just 4% last season for such shots, they never fail to electrify the crowd when they find the net. Notable players like Steph Curry and Nikola Jokic have made a mark with these shots, with Jokic leading the pack with 22 attempts, the highest in the league. The alteration intends to liberate players to go for these audacious shots and entertain fans without the fear of tarnishing their shooting records.
The rule adjustment offers a refreshing perspective to the game, allowing players to showcase their skills and take risks without the fear of detrimental statistical repercussions. By shifting the burden of these long-range heaves from individual players to the team’s record, the NBA is promoting a more exciting and daring style of play. Players like Jokic, Curry, Mikal Bridges, and Anthony Edwards, who have embraced these shots, can now continue to do so without second-guessing themselves.
Jefferson’s criticism of the new rule sheds light on the debate surrounding the balance between individual statistics and the entertainment value of the game. While some may argue that this change waters down the significance of shooting efficiency, others see it as a way to inject more spontaneity and excitement into NBA matchups. The stats may not always reflect success, but the sheer thrill of witnessing these long-range heaves find the basket is undeniable.
With the NBA’s latest move, players are encouraged to push the boundaries of their shooting prowess and dazzle audiences with daring attempts from well beyond the arc. This shift in perspective could lead to more memorable moments on the court and further ignite the passion of fans worldwide.