NBA Referees Get New Emphasis Points for 2026-27 Season

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has released two videos detailing new emphasis points for referees ahead of the 2026-27 season, which begins October 20-21. These points clarify existing rules rather than introducing new ones.

The key areas of focus include "push-offs" by offensive players, where a strong arm extension to create space from a defender is now a foul. While using the non-dribbling hand for minor contact is permissible, aggressive pushing is prohibited. This is contrasted with acceptable use of the hand, as demonstrated by players like Deni Avdija.

Referees will also pay closer attention to illegal use of hands by screeners, particularly in pick-and-roll situations, where defenders must not be impeded. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on illegal holding or pulling by the defense, especially away from the ball, to restrict offensive player movement. The league also highlighted fouls on drives to the basket, stating that defenders cannot make significant contact to knock offensive players off their path, and offensive players cannot push defenders off their path during a drive.

The NBA noted that the emphasis on fouls during drives could potentially benefit Avdija, who leads the league in drives to the basket. The league aims to ensure clearer enforcement of these existing rules throughout the upcoming season.