The 2024 Paris Olympics wrapped up recently, with the United States leading the medal count and tying for the most gold medals at 40.
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The U.S. men’s basketball team clinched their gold medal by overcoming the host nation, France, in a thrilling match. The journey to victory wasn’t straightforward, primarily due to the different gameplay style found in international basketball.
International rules, governed by FIBA, significantly diverge from the NBA format. Some members of Team USA, including Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vučević, felt the adjustment affected their performance. Vučević shared his thoughts with Meridian Sport, suggesting that the NBA could benefit from adopting FIBA rules.
Nikola Vucevic says FIBA would be more difficult if they played by NBA rules:
“First, the 3-point line in the NBA is half a meter farther, which is not small in basketball. The 3 seconds in defense is also a big deal… If they played by NBA rules, the U.S. would be even… pic.twitter.com/USZWoU33TI
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 25, 2024
Vučević stated, “If NBA rules were applied, it would be much harder for FIBA teams. The NBA’s three-point line is further away, and the three-second defensive rule makes a big difference.” He also highlighted the offensive challenges, noting, “Defensively, I can cover space much better here.” In his view, if the rules were swapped, Team USA would have an even greater edge.
Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images
Key differences between the NBA and FIBA include four 10-minute quarters and a three-point line that sits at 6.75 meters in FIBA compared to the NBA’s 7.24 meters. FIBA teams foul out after five fouls, and players can play the ball once it hits the rim. One of the most notable distinctions is the absence of the three-second rule in the paint internationally.
While there are pros and cons to FIBA rules, a significant overhaul in the NBA’s regulations seems unlikely. Vučević, originally from Switzerland, has spent most of his career in the U.S. after playing in high school in California, and he was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2011.
As he gears up for his 14th NBA season—his fourth with the Bulls—expectations for Chicago are tempered, with many predicting them to struggle in the Eastern Conference.
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