Future of the NBA

[Steskiles@aol.com]

Another ESPN file:

The competition committee, which consists of one
representative from each of the 29 teams, will hear
suggestions ranging from illegal defense guidelines
and the moving of the 3-point line to more radical
ideas such as the altering of the 24-second clock.
"I'll be surprised if there aren't some changes made
to the game but I'll also be surprised if they are
very, very dramatic," Granik said.
Members of the subcommittee that will present the suggestions include NBA
vice president of operations Rod Thorn, coaches Mike Dunleavy of the Portland
Trail Blazers and Lenny Wilkens of the Atlanta Hawks, and executives Isiah
Thomas of the Toronto Raptors, Kevin McHale of the Minnesota Timberwolves
and Wayne Embry of the Cleveland Cavaliers. All are former players.
If the competition committee votes on any changes, those changes will
presented
to the Board of Governors for a vote within 30 days. Any rule changes would
be
in place for summer league play, which begins in July.
"They will consider a bunch of issues having to do with illegal defense
guidelines,
whether to move the 3-point line back to its original location," Granik said.
"Other things having to do with block-charge rules and where you can or can't
take a charge on the court (will be discussed)."
Granik said the ideas of shortening the 24-second clock -- which has been a
part of the NBA since 1954 -- and the 10-second rule at halfcourt have been
talked about but are unlikely.