The NBA will experiment with two significant rule changes during this month's summer leagues. A simplified one-and-done free throw rule, already in use in the G League, aims to speed up game flow. This change will apply until the final two minutes of regulation and throughout overtime, potentially altering late-game strategies.

Alongside the free throw adjustment, the league will trial a basketball embedded with a sensor. This technology is designed to collect data on ball contact, which could aid future officiating decisions, particularly for out-of-bounds calls. The NBA assures players that the sensor does not compromise the ball's feel or playability.

These tests, discussed at a recent Competition Committee meeting, offer a glimpse into potential future NBA rulebook adjustments. The California Classic kicks off the summer league schedule, providing the first platform to evaluate these innovations. The league seeks to enhance efficiency and explore technological advancements in officiating.

Both the one-and-done free throw and the sensor-equipped ball represent the NBA's ongoing efforts to refine the game. The summer league serves as a controlled environment for assessing these changes before any broader implementation. The data gathered will be crucial for determining future steps.