OKLAHOMA CITY — NBA officials have opened preseason discussions over whether standing near Shai Gilgeous-Alexander constitutes marginal contact, after a summer rules seminar failed to establish how close a defender may get before everyone starts looking at the referee.
The league has reportedly tested several scenarios, including a hand on the shooting arm, a hand near the shooting arm, and a defender thinking about putting a hand near the shooting arm. Officials reached agreement on the first scenario, argued for 40 minutes about the second, and assessed two free throws on the third.
“We need a standard players can understand,” said one member of the committee, who then moved his chair six inches farther from the demonstration video.
Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning two-time MVP, remains capable of scoring without assistance from the whistle. That fact has complicated the review. In one drill, an official waited to see whether his shot went in before deciding what the defender had done.
The league stressed that its goal is consistency. To help, referees will receive a laminated card showing acceptable defensive positions around Gilgeous-Alexander. The first draft contained three positions. Two were crossed out, and the third appeared to be in the parking lot.
A final ruling is expected before opening night. Until then, defenders have been advised to keep their arms visible, maintain a respectful distance, and avoid making any sudden decisions about being in the game.
