As a Clippers fan, the problem with the NBA's hacking rules are front and center a lot of the time. On the season DeAndre Jordan shoots 42.9 percent on free throws (and 48.7 since the month of January). He's still a target for hacking in an Association that has seen hacking explode in popularity (Jordan accounts for 34% of all intentional hacking). ClipsNation has indeed noted the slow progression of this topic, with articles covering its rise as a problem and absurdity (to just highlight a few). Initially the NBA was not really keen on changing its rules. However, in light of the aforementioned nonsense that has become hacking, Adam Silver recently noted to USA Today that his opinion has evolved. Changes appear possible now.
Yet the debate rages on of whether changes SHOULD occur. LeBron James recently weighed in on the topic.
LeBron James not in favor of doing away with hack-a-Shaq. Says it's no different from pressuring someone who can't dribble. Onus on player.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 5, 2016
Coach Popovich had similar thinking back in May 2015:
There will be a lot of discussion about fouling, as there should be. But principle-wise, I fee[l] really strongly that it's a tactic that can be used. If someone can't shoot free throws, that's their problem. As I've said before, if we're not allowed to do something to take advantage of a team's weakness, a trade should be made before each game. "We won't foul your guy, but you promise not to block any of our shots." Or, "We won't foul your guy, and you allow us to shoot all uncontested shots."
Naturally though the NBA has implemented rules before that regulated how teams play. For example, the defensive three second rule, the former zone defense rule, and so forth. It remains to be seen though if the NBA will alter its rules in a way that may essentially mask an entire skill set: free throw shooting.