The first week of the NBA season saw the emergence of the first 50-point scorer. Paolo Banchero dropped 50 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists against the Indiana Pacers, becoming the youngest forward to achieve this feat since LeBron James in 2006. While Banchero’s performance showcased his burgeoning star power, it also highlighted a trend that’s shaping the early season: a significant increase in free throws.
Free Throw Rate Skyrockets
Despite an off night from beyond the arc (3-for-9 from three), Banchero relentlessly attacked the basket, drawing fouls and converting at the free-throw line. He attempted 22 free throws, a significant number, but not unusual in this young season.
The Pacers-Magic game saw a combined 68 free throw attempts. Just days earlier, the 76ers and Raptors combined for a staggering 99 free throws, the highest since 2017, even without Joel Embiid, who averages over 10 free throw attempts per game.
This trend is league-wide. The Hawks and Hornets had 69 free throw attempts in a game that lasted over two and a half hours. The Grizzlies and Jazz combined for 77 free throws in their season opener. Nuggets found themselves in the penalty early in both the second and fourth quarters against the Clippers.
Statistics confirm this observation. Compared to the first five days of last season, the league’s free throw rate has increased by 22.7%. Even compared to the entire 2023-24 season, the rate is up by 21.8%.
Searching for Balance
This surge in free throws isn’t due to increased physicality. In fact, teams are attempting more three-pointers than last season. The most common offensive possessions seem to be either a three-point attempt or a trip to the free -throw line.
This contradicts the league’s emphasis on allowing more physicality and reducing fouls, a point of emphasis last season and reiterated in this season’s preseason referee meetings.
The “Straight Line Path” Interpretation
One contributing factor might be the league’s new interpretation of the “straight line path” rule, which governs defensive positioning. Early season officiating seems to be interpreting contact more strictly, leading to more fouls, even in non- shooting situations.
Coaches and analysts have noted this trend. Hawks coach Quin Snyder compared it to the start of the 2018-19 season, when the league emphasized freedom of movement, particularly in pick-and-roll situations.
A Potential Solution?
Recognizing the issue, the NBA is experimenting with a “one free throw rule” in the G League. Except for the last two minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime, all fouls result in a single free throw, with the point value determined by the type of foul. This could potentially address the excessive free throws while still maintaining game flow and integrity.
The NBA is clearly navigating a delicate balance. While they want to encourage offensive freedom and protect players, an overabundance of free throws can disrupt the rhythm and excitement of the game. It remains to be seen how officiating will evolve as the season progresses and whether the league will consider implementing more drastic measures to address the issue.
