NBA expects to implement coach's challenge next season
The NBA expects to implement a coach's challenge for the 2019-20 season, the league said Friday in a memo obtained by ESPN's Zach Lowe.
The challenge system has been in effect during the past two G League seasons, but the NBA will give it a first trial run at the top level when summer league begins July 1. If successful, it is expected to carry into the regular season.
"We anticipate this rule will be in effect in the NBA next season as part of a one-year pilot program," the memo says, according to Lowe.
Coaches will be permitted to challenge called fouls, goaltending, basket interference, and out-of-bounds plays. In order to formally make a challenge, coaches must call a timeout immediately following the play in question and then "twirl his/her index finger toward the referees" as a signal.
Each coach will be allowed one per game and will not receive another even if the challenge is successful. A timeout must also be available.
Technical flagrant fouls assessed during or immediately after the call being challenged will not be rescinded regardless of the final decision on the challenge.
The Board of Governors will vote on July 9 to decide if the rule will be implemented. It requires two-thirds of the vote in order to be accepted.