NBA enforces new rule on time between player introductions and tip-offs – NBA News
In an attempt to reduce the time wasted before tip-off during NBA games, the league has decided to set a time limit of 90 seconds in between player introductions and tip-off, after which the players must be ready and in their positions for tip-off. This would mean that pre-game player routines, which have become very famous over the past few years, would either have to be shortened or eliminated completely and handshakes with opponents as well as interaction with the crowd would have to be reduced by the players.
The new guidelines will be enforced from next season onwards, and will attempt to curtail the handshakes and greetings that are exchanged between teams, as well as player routines like the LeBron James chalk throwing routine, to get the play started as early as possible. It usually takes around five minutes for players to be ready for tip-off after their names have been called, during which they huddle together as a team, greet opponents and embrace the crowd. With the 90 second limitation, many of these routines might have to go.
"There's a 90-second countdown, it is placed on the clock. At 30 seconds, there's a warning horn and alert by the refs. At the end, teams need to be ready to tip off or face a delay-of-game warning,” said NBA spokesman Tim Frank.
Players around the league have already started reacting to the new rule, with many objecting to it and unable to understand the reason for limiting the showmanship of the players, which plays a big part in developing their fan following.
"I personally don't like it. Every player in this league has routines they do with their teammates, rituals they do before the game and before they walk on the floor. To cut that down really don't make no sense,” said Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant during an interview with the Oklahoman.
Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat is one of the most active players before tip-off, trying to get the fans going and interacting with them before the start of the game. He was also not happy with the new rule but said he would stick with it.
“I'm always going to make sure I show love to the fans. There's so many rules, I can't keep up. There's no reason to make a big stink. It's their league, it's their rules,” said Wade.
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