NBA to Implement G League’s Heaves Rule, Says Payton Pritchard
In a fresh twist to the NBA rulebook, the league is set to adopt the “heaves rule” from the G League, a move confirmed by Celtics guard Payton Pritchard. Designed to encourage players to take buzzer-beating shots from beyond half-court without worrying about their shooting percentage, the rule has received praise from players, coaches, and fans alike. Known for his long-range shooting and clutch moments, Pritchard is among the first NBA players to comment on the shift, expressing optimism about what it means for the game.
What Is the Heaves Rule?
The heaves rule addresses shots taken from beyond half-court with fewer than three seconds remaining in a quarter or game. Typically, these low-percentage attempts aren’t taken by players worried about damaging their shooting stats. Under the new rule, heaves attempted in these circumstances will not count against a player’s field-goal percentage, effectively encouraging more last-second shot attempts.
The heaves rule aims to eliminate the hesitancy players feel when deciding whether to take a long-distance shot. Rather than holding back and letting time expire, players will be more inclined to launch these thrilling shots—adding more excitement to the game’s closing moments. This adjustment, first tested in the G League, has been successful, and the NBA is confident it will bring positive changes to its own league.
Payton Pritchard’s Take on the Heaves Rule
As a fearless shooter known for his willingness to fire from deep, Pritchard believes the rule is a win for players and fans. “You want to give it everything on the court, and sometimes that means throwing up a deep shot just in case it goes in. With the heaves rule, you can take those shots without worrying about hurting your stats,” Pritchard said in a recent interview.
For a player like Pritchard, who regularly plays with high energy and takes advantage of quick scoring opportunities, the rule is ideal. Whether it’s an end-of-quarter heave or a last-second buzzer-beater, Pritchard can now take more chances without reservation. He’s excited about how this could boost confidence for shooters around the league, as players may now view these moments as real scoring opportunities instead of percentage risks.
A League-Wide Impact
The NBA’s move is part of a broader effort to encourage more spontaneous, dynamic play. By removing the statistical burden of low-percentage shots, the league hopes players will take advantage of last-second moments more often. This change could make the ends of quarters more exciting, keeping fans engaged and creating memorable highlights.
Coaches may even encourage heave attempts more frequently, knowing these shots can serve as momentum changers, especially in tight games. The rule could also add a layer of strategy, as teams look to maximize these extra opportunities at the end of each quarter.
A Fan-Friendly Rule
The heaves rule was warmly received in the G League, where players immediately embraced the freedom to take wild buzzer-beaters. Fans love these high-stakes shots, and the rule brings a sense of unpredictability and spectacle to end-of-quarter moments. The NBA’s decision to bring it to the big league reflects a growing focus on delivering a thrilling experience while minimizing the negative impact on individual stats.
Looking Ahead
Payton Pritchard’s enthusiasm for the heaves rule signals the positive reception it’s likely to receive from other NBA players as well. For Pritchard and his Celtics teammates, it’s a chance to showcase a little extra showmanship without sacrificing statistical considerations.
With the NBA season underway, the league and fans will be watching closely to see how often players like Pritchard take advantage of the new rule. For now, the rule stands as a small but meaningful change that could make for a big difference in the NBA’s ever-evolving approach to the game.
