The NBA’s new rule emphasis could hurt Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and actually give defenses a chance
The NBA has a couple new points of emphasis every year when it comes to the officiating, and the top focus ahead of the 2026-27 season could have a big impact on some of the best players in the world. The NBA intends to give defenses more of a chance to actually play defense this […]
The NBA has introduced several new points of emphasis for the 2026-27 season, one of which could significantly impact top players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The league is focusing on outlawing off-arm push-offs for drivers and banning push-off screens, aiming to give defenses more opportunities to play defense. This move has been particularly effective for Gilgeous-Alexander, who has used it to create separation and fuel his rise to two-time MVP status.
The NBA's guidelines state that an offensive foul will be called if the contact is initiated by the offensive player, forceful, and hinders the primary defender's ability to defend the play. However, determining what constitutes "forceful" contact is unclear, which could lead to inconsistency in calls throughout the season. The change could make Gilgeous-Alexander's game more challenging, potentially affecting his MVP candidacy.
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