NBA Implements New “High-Five Defense” Rule Ahead of 2024–25 Season
The NBA has introduced a significant rule change for the upcoming season, sparking widespread debate across the basketball community. The league announced that “high-five defense” will now be classified as a foul, with Houston Rockets guard Dillon Brooks’ physical defense against Stephen Curry in last season’s playoffs cited as a negative example that inspired the reform.
Major Rule Update
With the new campaign approaching, the NBA Referees Association has revised several officiating guidelines. The most notable change concerns how “high-five defense” will be called. Defenders are now prohibited from making contact with a shooter’s hand, arm, or wrist after a shot attempt, unless the contact is deemed incidental and extremely light.
In previous seasons, post-release contact often went unpunished, but the new rule sets a much stricter standard. This adjustment clearly benefits perimeter shooters and their teams, aiming to reduce missed calls and provide greater protection for offensive players.
Steve Kerr Voices Support
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has voiced strong support for the change, calling it one of the most important adjustments for the new season. He revealed that the rule was developed in collaboration between the Coaches Association and the league, designed to minimize officiating inconsistencies while safeguarding shooters.
Kerr emphasized that certain defensive tactics had previously exposed shooters to unnecessary injury risk. Asked whether the rule would specifically benefit Stephen Curry, Kerr admitted it would have a “positive impact” on his star guard’s game.
The NBA even highlighted Brooks’ hand contact with Curry as a negative case study during last year’s playoffs, showcasing precisely the type of defense the league wants to eliminate.
Offense-First Philosophy
The intention behind this rule change is clear: to further encourage offensive flow and scoring. This is not unprecedented. Dating back to the Michael Jordan era, the league has consistently implemented reforms—from banning hand-checking to redefining shooting fouls—to create a more offense-friendly, aesthetically appealing product.
However, critics argue that this evolution coincides with a noticeable decline in the depth and quality of young American talent, weakening the U.S.’s dominance in international basketball. Frequent adjustments are thus seen as part of the NBA’s effort to maintain entertainment value and protect its global commercial appeal.
Ratings Concerns and League Image
Data shows that last season’s NBA Finals suffered disappointing television ratings, with some games posting historic lows. This slump reflects a broader decline in overall NBA viewership. Many legends of the game have criticized modern basketball’s heavy reliance on three-point shooting, arguing that the lack of physicality and rim-attacking intensity has reduced the sport’s excitement and fan engagement.
Solutions under consideration include stricter player participation rules to combat excessive load management, ensuring stars play more frequently. The new foul rule, by reducing physical contact, also aims to limit injuries and extend the careers of marquee players.
Yet, some argue this comes at the cost of competitiveness. Draymond Green, among others, has voiced concerns that the modern NBA is losing its physical edge, with the league’s intensity and confrontational spirit gradually fading.
