The National Basketball Association (NBA) has been around for close to a century, and in that time, the sport has seen many changes and innovations. One of the most prominent changes in recent years has been the raising of the rim. This adjustment has had a profound impact on the game, and has been widely welcomed by players and fans alike. In this article, we will take a look at when the NBA raised the rim, and why it was necessary.
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History of the NBA Rim
The NBA has been using the same model of basketball rim since the 1960s. This rim, which is known as the “standard” rim, is 10 feet high and 18 inches in diameter. This height was chosen as a way of accommodating the average player’s reach, while still providing a level of difficulty that would challenge even the most skilled players.
The standard rim has been in place for over half a century, and is the same height used in college, high school and amateur basketball leagues across the country. As the NBA evolved and the average player height increased, however, it became apparent that the standard rim was no longer providing sufficient challenge.
Raising The Rim
In the summer of 2014, the NBA announced that they would be raising the rim to a height of 11 feet. This new height would be the first significant change to the rim since the 1960s. The move was met with mixed reactions from players and fans alike, with some believing that the change was overdue and would help to level the playing field, while others felt that the move would make the game too easy and take away from the competitive spirit of the league.
The move to raise the rim was intended to address the issue of player size. In the modern NBA, the average player is 6’7”, which is several inches taller than the average height in the 1960s. This means that many players are now able to reach the rim with relative ease, and dunking is becoming increasingly commonplace. The new rim height was designed to provide a greater challenge to these players, as well as to give smaller players a better chance of scoring.
Impact of The Change
The change to the rim height has had a significant impact on the game of basketball since it was implemented in 2014. The most obvious effect has been a rise in the number of dunks and alley-oops in the NBA. Players have been able to use the extra height of the rim to their advantage, allowing them to perform more spectacular dunks and alley-oops than ever before.
The raised rim has also had a more subtle impact on the game, as it has forced players to be more creative with their shots. As the rim is now higher, players must be more accurate with their shots, as there is less room for error. This has resulted in a higher level of skill being displayed on the court, as players must now use more finesse when shooting the ball.
Conclusion
The NBA’s decision to raise the rim in 2014 has had a major impact on the game of basketball. The change has allowed for more spectacular dunks and alley-oops, as well as forcing players to become more creative and accurate with their shots. The move has been widely welcomed by players and fans alike, and is sure to be a lasting change in the NBA for years to come.