Are New Rims Behind Jump in Scoring?
As you may have heard, NBA baskets are sporting new rims this season. Unlike the old rims that were only collapsible in the front, the new Spalding rims break away on the sides as well. The basket also features a new net system, one that is designed to prevent players from getting fingers or hands caught in the net.
The purpose behind using the new “Arena Pro 180 Goal” is to protect players from injury.
The result? It may be preventing injuries, but according to ESPN’s Marc Stein, it may also be contributing to higher scoring games so far this season.
To greet the new type of rims rolled in by the league last month, league-wide scoring has risen by nearly five points through the first seven days of the regular season compared to last season. Teams are averaging a hearty 99.96 points per game, up from 95.17 during the same span in 2008-09.
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Less clear, though, is what sort of impact on league-wide scoring, if any, can be traced to the new — and some say more forgiving — rims ushered in at the start of exhibition play in early October.
“I would liken these new rims to the ones found on the playgrounds that we grew up on,” Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier said. “If you miss on the back iron, it deadens the rebound. If you miss on the front rim, it gives the rebound spring and your chances of rolling the ball in are better.”
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Said Terry, who was shooting an uncharacteristic 35 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent on 3-pointers entering Tuesday’s game against Utah: “They stink. Why change something that works? Were the old rims [faulty]? It’s just like that [composite] ball they tried.”
While it almost definitely won’t play out like the “new ball” saga did a few years back, it’s worth keeping an eye on this as it unfolds over the course of the season.
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I agree with Bengston. Chain nets all the way. And pave the hardwood.
___ and call your own fouls too, problemo invisable`.
Right rotation, correct arching, good foot position ,good eye-ball-basket coordination.
No matter what the rim is made of…..
BALL DON’T LIE!!!
So players that were good until now will be from now on too.
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