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Tasmania JackJumpers championship-winning coach Scott Roth has slammed the NBL\u2019s radical proposed rule changes, warning the league risks turning basketball into a \u201cfarce\u201d as it explores introducing four-point shots and three-point dunks.<\/p>\n
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n The NBL is preparing for its biggest season yet after a wildly successful NBL26 campaign filled with highlights, drama and highly competitive basketball featuring some of the best players in the world.<\/p>\n Now, the league is exploring potential new ways to attract fans, with some bold ideas on the table, including a four-point shot from half-court and even a three-point dunk.<\/p>\n However, Roth has strongly pushed back against the proposals, arguing basketball does not need radical changes to make it more entertaining.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t want to turn the game into a farce,\u201d Roth told ABC Sport<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a very pure game, and very simple, and to create other things would be a mistake.<\/p>\n \u201cThe game was invented correctly and to muck with it, I think is a disservice to the game.\u201d<\/p>\n The potential changes were revealed in a report by CODE Sports<\/a>, which detailed that the NBL had been looking to trial several innovative rules, including the four-point shot, three-point dunk and player-only time-outs.<\/p>\n The changes were initially set to be unveiled on a trial basis at this year\u2019s NBL Blitz in Bendigo, with the annual pre-season tournament providing an ideal testing ground before the regular season gets underway.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Former NBL import emerges as potential final piece in championship puzzle<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n While the proposed rule changes were backed by Basketball Australia, they still require approval from FIBA. The NBL ultimately did not have enough time to receive that approval ahead of the Blitz, meaning they will not be introduced at this year\u2019s tournament.<\/p>\n The discussions come as the WNBL prepares to trial its own potential rule changes during September\u2019s WNBL27 Townsville Tip-Off, as the league looks at different ways to attract new audiences and add another element to the game.<\/p>\n Six rules are reportedly under consideration, including one free throw for maximum points, rolling substitutions, player-only time-outs, increased-points power plays, immediate inbound passes in the backcourt and allowing a designated player a sixth foul.<\/p>\n One player who has experienced the player-only time-out rule first-hand in New Zealand\u2019s Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa is Adelaide Lightning recruit Jess McDowell-White.<\/p>\n \u201cIt [the player-only time-out] is a great way to allow players to take charge on the floor, execute on the fly and in late clock situations it\u2019s beneficial as you can advance the ball,\u201d McDowell-White said to ESPN.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m excited for the WNBL to trial it as it gives players the opportunity to lead and can change late game\/clock decisions as coaches don\u2019t have to use their time-outs.\u201d<\/p>\n Five-time WNBL champion and current Bendigo Spirit forward Kelsey Griffin has also thrown her support behind the potential rule changes.<\/p>\n \u201cI know in the States they do time-outs players can call, but usually you go to the bench, or a reset time-out now in the WNBA, so I think it\u2019s good to look at that and have players have the autonomy to call that time-out,\u201d Griffin said.<\/p>\n