The NBA has officially introduced a new rule to the game: half-court heaves at the end of quarters will no longer count against a player’s shooting percentage. This adjustment by Adam Silver is designed to encourage players to take more last-second desperation attempts without being worried that it might impact their statistics.
For years, many stars avoided these long shots, choosing instead to hold the ball and protect their efficiency ratings, even when a low-percentage attempt might have given their team a slim chance at extra points. While some may be opposed to this rule change, the adjustment could certainly bring some excitement in the upcoming season.
But with this rule in place, which stars would benefit most? Which players love taking heaves or have the best probability to make them? Let's find out.
1. Nikola Jokic
Heaves Attempted In 2024-25: 22
Heaves Made In 2024-25: 2
No star attempted (and made) more half-court heaves last season than Nikola Jokic, and the three-time MVP’s willingness to take those shots perfectly captures his unselfish style of play. Jokic isn’t worried about protecting his efficiency since he simply wants to give his team every possible chance at points.
With the new rule in place, Jokic can now attempt even more of these low-percentage prayers without fear of stat sheet penalties, making him an even more dangerous weapon at the end of quarters.
2. Stephen Curry
Heaves Attempted In 2024-25: 6
Heaves Made In 2024-25: 1
If there’s anyone who fans want to see let it fly from half-court, it’s Stephen Curry. Already the most prolific long-range shooter in NBA history, Curry casually sinks half-court shots during warmups and practice, but he’s often hesitant to launch them in games due to the impact on his percentages.
Now, with that burden removed, Curry has every incentive to put on a show and potentially add even more jaw-dropping shooting highlights. Will Curry make more than one half-court heave next season? Most likely.
3. Trae Young
Heaves Attempted In 2024-25: 6
Heaves Made In 2024-25: 1
Trae Young’s deep shooting range is one of the defining traits of his game, and the new rule makes him an ideal candidate to benefit. While he only attempted six heaves last season, Young has the confidence and flair to embrace these shots more freely, and we can't wait to see it.
As one of the league’s most dangerous long-range shooters (especially at volume), every end-of-quarter possession now has the chance to become a Trae Young spectacle. He already made one last season, so we can see even more makes from an incredible range.
4. Damian Lillard
Heaves Attempted In 2024-25: 4
Heaves Made In 2024-25: 0
Could there be any half-court heave conversation without Damian Lillard? Lillard is one of the greatest deep-shot makers in NBA history, and as he recovers from an unfortunate Achilles injury, we expect this rule change to help him when he comes back.
We won't see Lillard taking any heaves next season, but we look forward to seeing him take and make these shots when he makes his much-anticipated return as a Portland Trail Blazer. In case you forgot, we added an example of how casually Dame can nail these long-range bombs.
5. Tyrese Haliburton
Heaves Attempted In 2024-25: 9
Heaves Made In 2024-25: 0
Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch ability and deep shooting skills make him an easy name to appear on this list, even if he missed all nine of his half-court heaves last year (only one in the last three seasons). We certainly won't forget the game-winners he hit in the postseason to lead the Pacers to the NBA Finals and push the Thunder to seven games, so he earns a spot on this list.
The All-Star guard has the creativity to get these shots off in unique ways, and the new rule removes the risk that might have slightly discouraged him before. Haliburton’s combination of shooting skill and confidence could make him one of the best players to benefit from the rule change once he is back from an Achilles tear.
6. Payton Pritchard
Heaves Attempted In 2024-25: 8
Heaves Made In 2024-25: 0
Payton Pritchard's willingness to launch from anywhere makes him a natural fit for the rule change. He attempted eight heaves last season without converting, yet his fearless style means that he absolutely won’t stop continuing to try.
Remember the long-range bomb he hit in the 2024 Finals? The point guard can make these shots for the Celtics. Finally being able to shoot freely at the horn could help him carve out even more momentum-shifting moments.
7. Mikal Bridges
Heaves Attempted In 2024-25: 12
Heaves Made In 2024-25: 0
Mikal Bridges is one of the NBA’s ironmen since he is always willing to play heavy minutes, which explains why he attempted 12 heaves last season. Though none of them went in, Bridges’ reliability and confidence mean he’ll keep taking them, and we did find one that he made as a member of the Brooklyn Nets a year ago.
The current New York Knicks star is always looking for ways to impact the game, and with this rule change, he’ll have even more reason to be aggressive when the clock winds down. Perhaps the Knicks won't have to rely so much on Jalen Brunson when the clock winds down at the end of quarters.
8. Anthony Edwards
Heaves Attempted In 2024-25: 10
Heaves Made In 2024-25: 0
Anthony Edwards went 0-for-10 on half-court heaves last season, but that doesn’t mean he won’t benefit from the rule change. Edwards has a ton of confidence (hence the 10 attempts), and that suggests he’ll be more aggressive with these attempts moving forward.
For a player who already feeds off momentum and energy, finally being unshackled from efficiency concerns could lead to some thrilling late-quarter shots. Not to mention, Edwards has the athleticism, speed, and strength to get to any spot on the floor to let loose.
9. Coby White
Heaves Attempted In 2024-25: 8
Heaves Made In 2024-25: 0
Coby White's willingness to attempt eight half-court heaves shows his confidence in his shot. Though he didn’t connect on any, White’s steady improvement as a shooter suggests it’s only a matter of time before he hits one in a big moment.
With the pressure of efficiency removed, White can now continue to take these shots without hesitation, and we have full faith he can keep letting loose from way beyond. Any player who takes eight attempts believes he can make them.
10. Josh Giddey
Heaves Attempted In 2024-25: 1
Heaves Made In 2024-25: 1
Josh Giddey is the rare player on this list who actually converted a half-court heave last season, going 1-for-1, in an iconic victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. While long-range shooting isn’t the strongest part of his game, his success shows he’s willing to take chances in the right moments.
The recently-extended guard can certainly cash in on desperation shots, which could give Chicago a sneaky boost in tight games. Out of all the heaves made last season, Giddey's is certainly the one we remember most.
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