NBA Plans 2025-26 Rule Change on End-Period Heaves

The NBA will implement a new rule starting with the 2025-26 season, where unsuccessful end-of-period heaves will count as missed field-goal attempts for the team but not against the individual player's shooting percentage. This change aims to encourage more long-range shots at the end of quarters, as players previously avoided such attempts to protect their personal field goal percentages. The rule was tested during the Summer League and has support from the NBA Competition Committee. Fans are anticipating more exciting full-court heaves without players worrying about stat penalties, though some critics argue the change may allow players to pad their stats artificially. Notable players known for long-range shooting, like Steph Curry and Nikola Jokic, are expected to be unaffected in their approach but may see an increase in these types of attempts. Overall, the league hopes this adjustment will enhance game excitement and player freedom in end-of-period situations.