NBA players will be able to take two steps before they have to stop, pass or shoot this season.
The NBA has put into writing a rule allowing players on the move to gather the ball, after driving or catching it, and then take two steps. Throughout NBA history, the rulebook said players could take one step.
The new rule reads, in part: "A player who receives the ball while he is progressing or upon completion of a dribble, may take two steps in coming to a stop, passing or shooting the ball."
It is believed to be the first time any league, at any level anywhere in the world, has explicitly allowed two steps.
In March, NBA vice president of referee operations Joe Borgia told TrueHoop's Henry Abbott that referees had long been instructed to ignore the rulebook on this point and allow two steps.
So what does this mean? I don't have a clue. I'm guessing traveling will still be a subjective call largely influenced by the caliber of player with the ball. In other words, if LeBron James and Lester Hudson make the same questionable move, Hudson gets whistled for a violation while James is celebrated for a fantastic move.
Speaking of rules, NBA.com has a cool video rulebook feature which gives examples of every foul and infraction. There are four examples of illegal screens, none of which show Kendrick Perkins. Go figure...
Since it's a dry news day, let's celebrate the weekend with some pictures of cheerleaders from our favorite Russian hoop team - Red Army (courtesy of Uncoached).
