NBA to test the “One Free Throw Rule”: the experiment begins in Summer League
Fewer free throws, the same number of points. The NBA is testing a rule already used in the G League in an effort to speed up the game. Here’s how it works
The NBA is set to experiment with one of its most significant recent rule changes. During the upcoming Summer League events – the California Classic, Salt Lake City Summer League, and Las Vegas Summer League – the league will test the so-called One Free Throw Rule, a change designed to increase the pace of play and reduce stoppages at the free-throw line.
The concept is simple but revolutionary. Any foul that would normally result in one, two, or three free throws under the current rules will instead lead to a single trip to the line. The scoring value remains unchanged: that lone free throw will be worth the total number of points that would have been available under the traditional format. In other words, if a player is fouled on a two-point attempt, they’ll shoot one free throw worth two points. If the foul occurs on a three-point attempt, that single free throw will be worth three points.
The rule will not apply throughout the entire game. During the final two minutes of the fourth quarter and throughout overtime, the standard free-throw rules will remain in effect to preserve competitive balance in the game’s most critical moments.
The idea isn’t entirely new. The G League has used the rule since the 2019-20 season to improve game flow, and the results appear to have convinced the NBA to test it at a higher level. It’s no coincidence that the Summer League has long served as the league’s testing ground for rule changes. The coach’s challenge, the 14-second reset following an offensive rebound, and the single free throw for transition take fouls all debuted in this setting before eventually making their way to the NBA.
Among the players who could benefit from a permanent adoption of the rule are Giannis Antetokounmpo and Paolo Banchero, while players such as James Harden and Luka Doncic would likely see their expected points decline. Still, some fans have voiced concerns, arguing that the new rule could disproportionately benefit poor free-throw shooters.
Alongside the One Free Throw Rule, the NBA will also test a basketball equipped with an integrated sensor designed to collect data that can assist officials, such as determining which player last touched the ball before it went out of bounds. According to the league, the sensor does not affect the ball’s weight, feel, or playability.
For now, it remains unclear whether the rule will eventually be implemented during the NBA regular season, but the Summer League trial will provide valuable insight into how it performs in a live game environment.