Reimagining NBA Basketball: The Impact of a 11-Foot Basketball Rim

Imagine a world where the basketball rim is 11 feet high instead of the current 10 feet. How would this change the dynamics of NBA basketball?

Score Adjustments and Player Adaptation

The same thing that happens whenever any minimum specification is raised. The difference in height, from the current 10 feet to a new 11 feet, would significantly impact player performance and overall game strategies. Those that just barely meet the criteria will no longer meet it. Those who can barely dunk will not be able to dunk anymore. However, for those who still can, much will change. For all other shots, such a small height increase will not matter much, especially at longer ranges. The players will adapt. For a while, there would be an increase in bricks slamming into the rim as the players get used to the change, but it won’t take long.

If you were to keep raising it over time, eventually, the angles would be less conducive, and everyone would have to put more arc on their shots. The scoring percentage would drop somewhat. It’s difficult to predict exactly how much, but perhaps with a 12-foot or 13-foot rim, no one could dunk anymore, scores would be lower, and we’d never see another 100-point game. Athletes keep doing amazing things, and it’s important to note that the human body and mind are capable of incredible feats.

Effect on Strength and Dominance

NBA scores would go way down. The game would be easier in many ways but also more challenging in others. For example, every player dunking on lesser opponents would cease to be the case. Imagine a scenario where more than 150 goal-tendin calls per quarter would occur, making the game too easy. It would be akin to playing on a hoop you buy from Walmart.

Shortly after the change, less than half the league would be able to dunk. However, if the rim was always that high, the 12-foot Dwight Howard dunk (or any similar spectacular dunk) would not be as impressive. Perhaps this adjustment would push some players to improve their jumping ability, leading to an overall improvement in height and leaping capabilities.

Potential Outcomes and Players

The tall and very tall players in the NBA would become more dominant than they are now. Many of the tall but average-size NBA players (6–7 feet and below) would have greater difficulty making close-range shots. This change would also throw 3-point shooting off, affecting the balance of the game. However, most players (6–10 feet and above) would still dominate to the exclusion of 6–4 to 6–8 players. Can you imagine how much more dominant Wilt Chamberlain would be in such an environment?

Rebounding might also change, with more emphasis on height and elevation over quick reflexes. However, most rebounds are under the rim, so this impact would likely be minimal. The game would certainly look different, and some of the most impressive dunks would become impossible. However, the overall skill and adaptability of the players would ensure that the game remains exciting and competitive.