NBA not changing controversial foul rule, other considerations made

For now, plays like this one will still be called fouls:

While the NBA announced a series of changes to the pace of play Wednesday, the NBA’s Competition Committee did not recommend a change to the Board of Governors regarding the controversial, often criticized shooting fouls where the offensive player seemingly makes the contact first.

The plays were made famous by James Harden and other players, like Chris Paul, caught on throughout the season.  The NBA could always stress to call the play a handchecking foul, but that doesn’t seem to be coming for now, according to the Associated Press.

Here are other notable issues, courtesy of the AP, the NBA is considering or not considering amending in the future.  

Expansion

NBA commissioner Adam Silver told reporters at a press conference in Las Vegas on Wednesday that the league is not considering expansion or relocation of teams right now.  If the NBA ever expands, Seattle figures to be in the mix, but Silver said Las Vegas will also get consideration. The NBA hosts its Summer League there and both the NHL and the NFL will be in Vegas in the future. The NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights begin playing next season.

One-and-Done

Silver has been a vocal supporter of getting rid of the “one-and-done” rule, which requires prospects to be at least 19 before joining the NBA, leading them to play a year in college. Silver stuck to those claims Wednesday, saying the league will take a “complete, holistic” look at the process.

“I don’t believe the system is working for anyone,” Silver said.

Playoff seeding

The balance between the Western and Eastern Conferences seems to heavily favorite the West, but there are no changes coming to the NBA playoff format. Others have argued, including Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, for the NBA to have the teams with the 16 best records to make the playoffs, eliminating the need for conferences. 

But Silver said the issue was heavily explored two years ago and there were travel and logistic issues made it difficult. He added, though, they would take another look at the subject.