Rule changes and referee inconstancy are hurting the NBA
The pump and jump
This rule change isn’t the worst. It involves the offensive player giving a pump fake to the defender and getting his man to bite on the fake by leaving the ground. Once the defender is in the air, the offensive player jumps into the defender. The key being the offensive player must jump vertically into the defender. Meaning the offensive player can’t seek out the air-born defender for contact and the chance for a possible three-point play.
If the defender bites on a great pump fake, the offensive player should be rewarded. Dwayne Wade was really good at utilizing this rule to his advantage. This rule change has reigned since its inclusion in the game.
The Rip Through
This rule can be highly debatable. On the rip-through, an offensive player intentionally swings his arms into an aggressive defender and heaves the ball toward the basket in hopes of drawing a foul. The player has no intention of taking a legit shot. It’s all about the offensive player getting another foul on the defender.
Whenever a defender extends his arm, he’s gambling the offensive player doesn’t use this move. Defenders are taught they should be no further than an arm’s length away. Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, and James Harden are frequent users of this rule. (There can be a whole article on my thoughts on those two).
The Brake Check
A “Brake Check” is when the offensive player cuts off the defender. He then pauses with his dribble enough for the now trailing defender to bump into the offensive player. Once the offensive player feels the contact, he pulls up for a shot. Again, drawing a cheap foul from the defense with either a trip to the line or a possible three-point play.
This play teaches defenders that once they’re beaten, they should give up. Don’t follow for a possible rebound off a shot or follow if there’s a pass. Now when a defender gets beat, the best thing he can do is help the next man guarding the player who just beat him. A help the helper situation. Trae Young is a habitual user of this rule.