The majority of hoops players follow the rules. They were altered by Wilt Chamberlain, one of the most powerful players in history.
Changes in rules prompted by Chamberlain
Wilt’s supremacy during his legendary basketball career compelled the NBA to alter its rules in an effort to level the playing field for other players. To stop Chamberlain and other players from tampering with the ball in the cylinder above the rim, offensive goaltending was implemented. Less than ten years after they had extended the lane space in an attempt to counter George Mikan’s inside domination, the league did the same. However, Wilt elevated it to a new plane.
The NBA expanded the lane from six feet to twelve feet in 1951. The NBA concluded the lane wasn’t wide enough when Chamberlain entered his sixth NBA season, thirteen years later, having averaged 41.7 points and 25.3 rebounds in his five previous seasons. So they enlarged it to sixteen feet to aid in the containment of Wilt. Tex Winter, the creator of the triangle offense, saw personally the even more remarkable rule modifications he forced during his time in college.
This was likewise illegal in 1956. However, Wilt discovered new strategies to hold onto his power. He was never allowed to catch out-of-bounds over the backboard lobs, and his career free throw percentage was only 51.1%. However, he continues to be one of the best players in basketball history and the most commanding physical presence the sport has ever seen. There was no way to amend that with new rules.
