Curry benefits as free throws could double? Kerr reveals major rule change: hand slap defense will now be considered a foul

On October 3rd Beijing time, during the Warriors’ training camp interview, Kerr disclosed a significant adjustment in refereeing for this season. What was previously allowed as “hand slap defense” will now be called a foul in the new season.

The NBA referees’ association recently updated the new season’s rule changes, stating: “After a player releases a shot, any defensive contact with the shooter’s palm, arm, or wrist, including repeated contact, will be called a foul or even a flagrant foul unless the movement is extremely slight,” said Monty McCutchen, the head of referee training. Curry was featured in the official examples shown.

Kerr mentioned that former NBA referee Joey Crawford appeared at the Warriors’ training site and, as part of the league’s program, explained referee rulings to the team. Kerr jokingly added that, out of “nostalgia,” Crawford still gave Draymond a few technical fouls just like in the old days.

However, the most important message from Crawford was informing players about the revised ruling on “hand slap defense” this season, which will now be considered a foul aimed at protecting shooters. Multiple media outlets shared Kerr’s comments, suggesting that Curry stands to benefit significantly. Some even predicted that Curry’s free throw attempts could potentially double in the new season.

Last season, Curry led the league with a free throw percentage of 93.3%, but he only averaged 4.3 free throw attempts per game.

It’s worth noting that Kerr has repeatedly complained about Curry not receiving the proper calls from referees. In one interview, he addressed the issue of “hand slap defense.” When asked about Curry facing physical contact after shooting threes, Kerr discussed in depth the rule he believes should be changed: “Every time Curry shoots, he gets bumped by defenders, but it’s mostly within the allowed rules. Currently, the league tacitly permits this.”

Will Curry be the big winner of this rule change in the new season? Let’s wait and see!