Tasmania JackJumpers championship-winning coach Scott Roth has slammed the NBL’s radical proposed rule changes, warning the league risks turning basketball into a “farce” as it explores introducing four-point shots and three-point dunks.

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The NBL is preparing for its biggest season yet after a wildly successful NBL26 campaign filled with highlights, drama and highly competitive basketball featuring some of the best players in the world.

Now, the league is exploring potential new ways to attract fans, with some bold ideas on the table, including a four-point shot from half-court and even a three-point dunk.

However, Roth has strongly pushed back against the proposals, arguing basketball does not need radical changes to make it more entertaining.

“We don’t want to turn the game into a farce,” Roth told ABC Sport.

“It’s a very pure game, and very simple, and to create other things would be a mistake.

“The game was invented correctly and to muck with it, I think is a disservice to the game.”

The potential changes were revealed in a report by CODE Sports, which detailed that the NBL had been looking to trial several innovative rules, including the four-point shot, three-point dunk and player-only time-outs.

Sam Mennenga, one of the league’s best dunker, would greatly benefit from a three-point dunk. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

The changes were initially set to be unveiled on a trial basis at this year’s NBL Blitz in Bendigo, with the annual pre-season tournament providing an ideal testing ground before the regular season gets underway.

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While the proposed rule changes were backed by Basketball Australia, they still require approval from FIBA. The NBL ultimately did not have enough time to receive that approval ahead of the Blitz, meaning they will not be introduced at this year’s tournament.

The discussions come as the WNBL prepares to trial its own potential rule changes during September’s WNBL27 Townsville Tip-Off, as the league looks at different ways to attract new audiences and add another element to the game.

Six rules are reportedly under consideration, including one free throw for maximum points, rolling substitutions, player-only time-outs, increased-points power plays, immediate inbound passes in the backcourt and allowing a designated player a sixth foul.

One player who has experienced the player-only time-out rule first-hand in New Zealand’s Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa is Adelaide Lightning recruit Jess McDowell-White.

“It [the player-only time-out] is a great way to allow players to take charge on the floor, execute on the fly and in late clock situations it’s beneficial as you can advance the ball,” McDowell-White said to ESPN.

“I’m excited for the WNBL to trial it as it gives players the opportunity to lead and can change late game/clock decisions as coaches don’t have to use their time-outs.”

Five-time WNBL champion and current Bendigo Spirit forward Kelsey Griffin has also thrown her support behind the potential rule changes.

“I know in the States they do time-outs players can call, but usually you go to the bench, or a reset time-out now in the WNBA, so I think it’s good to look at that and have players have the autonomy to call that time-out,” Griffin said.

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“I think it will help with situational plays and executions down the stretch for having those situations sorted for the end of the game. Of all the rules considered, it’d be the one I’d be most excited about.”

NBL fans have since taken to social media to express their opinions on the potential changes and, while the rules are still a long way from being implemented, the early discourse has been far from positive.

However, Perth Wildcats owner Mark Arena is open to the ideas, believing the NBL Blitz provides the perfect testing ground to trial potential changes.

The prospect of a four-point shot from half-court and a three-point dunk, in particular, would represent a significant departure from the traditional rules of basketball should the league eventually receive approval to trial them.

For now, the NBL’s attention turns towards the Blitz in Bendigo and the season ahead, with the proposed changes remaining on hold.

But if FIBA eventually gives the green light, next year’s NBL Blitz could look very different.