<
        >
          EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
          Get ESPN+

          Hack-a-Shaq rates are way up, and NBA must fix rules

          • Kevin Pelton, ESPN Senior WriterDec 18, 2015, 09:00 AM ET
            Close
            • Co-author, Pro Basketball Prospectus series
            • Formerly a consultant with the Indiana Pacers
            • Developed WARP rating and SCHOENE system
            Follow on Twitter

          On Nov. 30, fans with NBA League Pass were treated to an unusual choice. They could watch the Dallas Mavericks intentionally foul their former point guard, Rajon Rondo, now with the Sacramento Kings, or change channels to see the Portland Trail Blazers hack Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan.

          On Twitter, NBA podcaster Nate Duncan captured the unique moment:

          While that moment was an outlier, it illustrated a rising trend. After high-profile hacking during last season's playoffs, NBA coaches are choosing to use intentional fouls more frequently than ever before, making it harder for the league to downplay it as an isolated issue involving a handful of players.

          Given the outbreak of intentional fouling this season, the NBA must not wait to take action to prevent hacking.