The NBA has never been afraid to make rule changes to improve the game, as each year it seems the league alters a rule that was previously an issue. However, that doesn’t mean that the rulebook is perfect, as even players have suggestions of rules they’d like to change.
At NBA All-Star weekend, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum was asked about whether he had one rule he’d like to add or subtract, and the veteran had a clear answer.
“If you get a tech for overreacting to a call, and you were right, like they go back and look, coaches do the challenge, and they overturn the call, that tech should be rescinded, you should get your money back,” Tatum said.
Jayson Tatum if he could change any NBA rule: if you get a tech and the call you complained about is incorrect, you get your $ back.
⚡️ @FDSportsbook pic.twitter.com/FyQBRriWgm
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) February 17, 2024
The league has adopted the challenge system in recent years, allowing coaches to force referees to take a second look at a foul call. However, any technical foul given as a result of a bad call is considered separate, and Tatum believes those should be tied together.
The key component for technical fouls is that every player gets fined for each tech they receive. Therefore, if they got a tech while arguing a foul that wasn’t a correct call, Tatum believes those fines are undeserved and the player should get his money back.
It’s yet to be determined whether Adam Silver considers Tatum’s suggestion, but the Celtics star has at least put it out into the world.
