NBA Introduces ‘One Free Throw Rule’ for Summer League

The NBA will test a new rule in this year’s Summer League events in Salt Lake City, Northern California, and Las Vegas. Known as the “one free throw rule,” this change is intended to accelerate gameplay.

This rule, already used in the G League since the 2019-20 season, requires only one free throw attempt for fouls that would normally award one, two, or three shots. The single attempt would be worth the combined points of the replaced free throws. Regular free-throw rules remain for the final two minutes of the fourth quarter and during overtime.

The Summer League has historically served as a trial ground for potential rule changes in the NBA. Past examples include the introduction of the coach’s challenge and the adjustment of the shot clock to 14 seconds following offensive rebounds. Another rule tested in the Summer League, now in the NBA, is the one-shot penalty for a defender’s foul intended to stop a fast break.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has also experimented with game length. In the past, 11-minute quarters were tested in a preseason game, and 10-minute quarters were used in exhibitions during the 2020 “bubble.” The G League consistently uses 10-minute quarters.

This year’s Summer League will commence on July 9, offering another opportunity to examine potential innovations in the sport.