NBA releases new ‘Paul George’ rules to make baselines safer

By Bryan Rose | Aug 26, 2014

Apr 19, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) goes after a loose ball that lands in a row of photographers against the Atlanta Hawks in game one during the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

The NBA probably felt that there was enough room between photographers and the baseline on a basketball court coming into the season.

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Of course, that was before Indiana Pacers start Paul George suffered a season-ending injury during a Team USA scrimmage and while he didn’t fall on a photographer, the NBA wants to take no chances.

That’s why the league has issued new rules for the 2014-15 season and beyond which will make the area near the basket safer for players who often find themselves tumbling into the mess behind the basket stanchion.

"The new regulations, calling for an extra foot of open space on both sides of the basket stanchion, were sent to teams Tuesday by league president of operations Rod Thorn in a memo that was obtained by The Associated Press.The “escape lanes,” the unoccupied area on either side of the stanchion to the closest photographer spot, will increase to 4 feet. Only 20 camera positions, 10 on each baseline, will remain, down from 40 during the 2010-11 regular season."

Essentially the ‘Paul George rule’, the new regulations will be a welcome change for those on the court and provide an even safer environment.

President of league operations Rod Thorn said the NBA was already planning to make the changes before the Paul George injury, though, the timing certainly seems a little suspect if that’s the case. Regardless, it’s a good move and one that will be appreciated by franchises who can’t help but gasp for breath when a player falls into the collection of photographer’s behind the basket.