NBA Summer League 2023: Here’s a full guide to in-game fouls, new rules, game structure

The NBA has made some adjustments to flopping rules and coaches' challenges in the Summer League, but those aren't the only distinctions from the regular league. The NBA has decided to utilize the 2023 Summer League as a testing ground for two fresh rules: a flopping rule and a coaches' challenge rule that permits coaches to challenge a second call if their initial challenge is successful.

Structure of the Summer League: During Summer League games, each quarter lasts 10 minutes, resulting in a total game duration of 40 minutes. If the game ends in a tie, a two-minute overtime session is played, followed by a sudden death session if the tie persists.

In Summer League games, players are allowed a maximum of 10 fouls, and teams do not enter the bonus until the 10th foul is committed in a quarter. This adjustment aims to encourage increased playing time for rookies while minimizing issues caused by excessive fouling.


While winning is not the primary focus of the Summer League, there is still a championship awarded after the tournament. Nevertheless, the primary objective for teams is to assess their rookies and unsigned free agents. After the Summer League concludes, the league's board of governors will convene to vote on the newly implemented rules and any other proposed rule changes for the upcoming season.

How do fouls work in NBA Summer League 2023?

Brandon Miller has accumulated numerous fouls in his initial two Summer League games, but he has managed to avoid disqualification due to the higher foul limit in this league compared to regular NBA games.

Typically, players would be disqualified after committing six personal fouls in a regular NBA game. However, in the Summer League, players are allowed to commit up to ten personal fouls before reaching disqualification. This adjustment is made to provide a more experimental environment where coaches aim to grant players increased playing time.

Brandon Miller, who was selected as the second pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has faced challenges with fouls during the Summer League. In his first game, he committed seven fouls, and in the second game, he committed eight fouls. Despite receiving criticism, Miller's coaches have supported him, explaining that his defensive approach is focused on being aggressive.

The upcoming Las Vegas Summer League presents an opportunity for Miller to make a comeback. He will compete against some of the most talented young players in the NBA. If he can reduce his fouls, he has the potential to become a valuable asset for the Charlotte Hornets.

Which players have committed 10 fouls in Summer League?

Since its establishment in 2002, only a limited number of players have reached the foul limit and fouled out during an NBA Summer League game.

In 2006, Andrea Bargnani became the first player to foul out in a Summer League game. Representing the Toronto Raptors, Bargnani contributed 12 points, 2 rebounds, and accumulated 10 fouls in 28 minutes of play.

The following year, in 2007, Greg Oden, playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, also fouled out during a Summer League game. Oden managed to score 5 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and accumulated 9 fouls within a 24-minute duration.

DeMarcus Cousins, a player for the Sacramento Kings, fouled out in a Summer League game in 2010. Despite his notable performance of 16 points and 12 rebounds, Cousins accumulated 10 fouls throughout the 35 minutes he played.

In 2017, both Thon Maker of the Milwaukee Bucks and Diamond Stone of the Los Angeles Clippers fouled out in a Summer League game. They were unable to continue playing due to accumulating the maximum allowable fouls for the game.

FAQs:

Q1:Has Thon Maker ever fouled out in Summer League?
In 2017, both Thon Maker of the Milwaukee Bucks and Diamond Stone of the Los Angeles Clippers fouled out in a Summer League game. They were unable to continue playing due to accumulating the maximum allowable fouls for the game.

Q2:What is NBA Summer League 2023 foul limit?
Typically, players would be disqualified after committing six personal fouls in a regular NBA game. However, in the Summer League 2023, players are allowed to commit up to ten personal fouls before reaching disqualification. This adjustment is made to provide a more experimental environment where coaches aim to grant players increased playing time.