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NBA Rule Change to Have Great Impact on Memphis Grizzlies

By Christian Dudley

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 8: the sneakers worn by Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of Memphis Grizzlies are seen against the Orlando Magic during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 8, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 8: the sneakers worn by Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of Memphis Grizzlies are seen against the Orlando Magic during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 8, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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One particular new rule to the NBA’s handbook will not affect game play, but it will impact the Memphis Grizzlies’ appearance on the court.

The NBA has been contemplating a few possible rule changes over the past few weeks. Decisions must be made quickly as training camp is drawing near, which will ring in the 2018-19 season.

On Tuesday, the association decided to go against the league’s history and open way for the players to express themselves more than ever before. If you want to see the difference this rule will make, look no further than the players’ feet. It will directly affect your favorite members of the Memphis Grizzlies. Nick DePaula of ESPN has the inside scoop:

This is likely one of the rules that you did not know existed. You probably thought all NBA players conformed with the norm of wearing shoes that coordinated with their nightly uniform’s color schemes. Crazily enough, players had been forced to wear shoes with colors in alignment with their respective uniform. Now, those days are done. Over.

This is far more involved than a fashion statement. The uniforms depict togetherness. Their footwear proclaims freedom of speech. A voice. Some players, even some of our favorite Memphis Grizzlies, can express themselves more openly with this rule lifted. Believe it or not, this could assist some players experiencing mental health issues.

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Ultimately, the league made an effort to empower their players more than ever before. The Memphis Grizzlies are fortunate to be in a professional sport league that cares so much about its player personnel and utilizing their unique platform to its fullest potential.

The possibilities are endless, especially with Nike’s NikeID program. Talk about a huge marketing ploy, regardless if that was a goal of the rule change. Shoe customizations are forms of art nowadays. You will probably soon witness Marc Gasol wearing a baby blues Memphis Grizzlies uniform while simultaneously wearing shoes resembling Spain’s national team colors. All eyes will be on the players’ footwear in 2018-19.

At the end of the day, this is a good thing the NBA has done. For most, it will be insignifant. For the players, including those of the Memphis Grizzlies organization, this is monumental.

Grizz Nation, what do you think of this NBA rule change? Voice your opinion in the comments section below! 

Go Grizz! 

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