The NBA is putting a sharper focus on flopping, offensive push-offs, dangerous closeouts and free-throw delays for the 2026-27 season, with players, coaches and referees all facing new points of emphasis.
Key Takeaways
- The NBA is taking a harder stance on flopping, targeting secondary, theatrical and exaggerated movements.
- Offensive players will face closer scrutiny for using their off arm to forcefully create separation.
- Referees will pay more attention to two-handed screens, straight-line pathways and dangerous closeouts.
- Players will be expected to line up for free throws without unnecessary delays.
NBA Targets Flopping in 2026-27
Flopping remains firmly in the NBA's sights, with the league determined to reduce exaggerated movements designed to influence officials. Players can be penalized for flopping during games with a non-unsportsmanlike technical foul, which also gives the opposing team a free throw. If an in-game flop is missed, the league can review the play and issue a warning, followed by escalating fines and eventually a one-game suspension.
However, NBA senior vice president and head of referee development and training Monty McCutchen stressed that not every attempt to draw attention to contact qualifies as a flop. The league's focus is on movements that are secondary, theatrical and exaggerated. A head snap by itself, for example, does not automatically constitute a flopping violation.
The distinction is important: players can still embellish contact to draw attention to an illegal play, but deliberately creating the perception of contact or an incident that did not happen can be penalized. NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations James Jones said the league will take a particularly firm approach to flopping because it does not represent the type of competition the NBA wants to present to fans.
Offensive Push-Offs Face More Scrutiny
The NBA is also turning its attention to how offensive players use their off arm to create space. The league has noticed an increase in off-arm push-offs, particularly in situations where offensive players are trying to gain separation from defenders in space.
The goal is not to eliminate every use of the off arm. Players are still allowed to use it to firm up or feel for a defender while creating reasonable separation. The line is crossed when that arm is used forcefully.
"Firming and feeling" will remain legal offensive moves, according to McCutchen, while forceful push-offs and full extension of the off arm are illegal. The NBA believes tightening consistency in these situations can help preserve freedom of movement for both offensive and defensive players without preventing talented scorers from creating space.
Two-Handed Screens Also in the Spotlight
Screens are another area the NBA wants to clean up. McCutchen noted that there are more than 200 screens in a typical NBA game, making screening technique a significant part of how teams create advantages. The league will specifically target two-handed screens and situations where offensive players use excessive force to create space toward mid-court or the sideline.
These screens can create advantages for ball handlers or open up passing lanes, including pocket passes that lead to favourable positions on the floor. The message to referees is clear: the NBA wants greater consistency when calling these situations during the 2026-27 season.
Straight-Line Pathways and Dangerous Closeouts
The NBA will continue monitoring straight-line pathways, freedom of movement and closeouts, all of which have been recurring areas of emphasis. The league wants to maintain a balance between allowing physical, effective defence and protecting offensive players' freedom of movement.
Defenders are entitled to occupy their straight-line space, while offensive players cannot use force to knock defenders off their paths. Closeouts will receive particular attention when they have the potential to put shooters at risk of injury. At the same time, the league clarified that a shooter falling into a sitting position while protecting themselves from a dangerous closeout will not automatically be considered a flop.
NBA Wants Faster Free-Throw Restarts
The league is also looking to prevent teams from using free throws to buy extra time for decision-making on the bench. One scenario involves a coach considering whether to challenge a shooting foul while waiting for a staff member to review the play on a tablet.
Players have sometimes delayed taking their positions along the rebounding lane, giving the bench additional time to decide whether to challenge the call. Under the new emphasis, referees will be instructed to administer free throws in a timely and orderly fashion, while players are expected to take their positions without unnecessary delays. Officials can issue delay-of-game violations when players deliberately hold up the process.
NBA Wants More Competition Without Losing the Flow
The new points of emphasis form part of a broader effort by the NBA to improve how the game is played and presented. Jones said the league's recent changes, including measures addressing tanking, are designed to encourage teams to compete throughout the season. With every team incentivized to play and try to win every game, the league expects an increased level of competition. That makes consistency in officiating even more important.
For the 2026-27 NBA season, the message is straightforward: compete hard, defend legally, avoid theatrical flops, keep offensive push-offs under control and don't waste time at the free-throw line. NBA staff will visit every team to show players and coaches videos of the situations being targeted and give them opportunities to ask questions before the new season gets underway.
