We look at the NBA players of the past who inspired rule changes large and small in the latest episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA podcast.

Jason Mann and Rich Kraetsch discuss how 1930s pro basketball star Leroy Edwards inspired the 3-second rule, how the 1950s NBA dealt with superstar George Mikan and his Minneapolis Lakers dynasty by widening the paint, how Syracuse Nationals owner Danny Biasone's 24-second clock revolutionized the game, how the league tried to limit Wilt Chamberlain by further widening the lane and banning offensive interference, how backboard-destroyer Darryl Dawkins forced the NBA to switch to breakaway rims, how Charles Barkley and Mark Jackson inspired the five-second backdown rule, how the NBA tried to limit isolations because of Michael Jordan's late 1980s scoring dominance, how New York Knicks journeyman Trent Tucker change the way games are finished, and how Shaquille O'Neal's fierce dunks forced a change in basket reinforcement.

We also discuss the illegal defense rule changes in the early 2000s that eventually helped open up the game from iso-heavy basketball, the Hack-a-Shaq rule, Vince Carter trying to wear earbuds, Rajon Rondo defying the NBA on his headband logo, Caron Butler not being allowed to chew straws, Reggie Miller's leg kicks and more.

NBA players who inspired rule changes

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