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Gathering Information on the Obscure Rule That Leads to All Those Uncalled Travels

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. le-that-leads-to-all-those-uncalled-travels.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 12:04 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Travel, Gathering, and the NBA’s Ongoing Debate on the Court

The National Basketball Association’s traveling rule has long been a source of confusion for fans, a hot topic for analysts, and a daily headache for referees. In a recent feature from Sports Illustrated, the league’s “gathering calls” and the current state of the travel rule are dissected in detail, drawing on recent on‑court incidents, the official rulebook, and the voices of players, coaches, and the NBA’s own officials.

The Rule in Plain Language

At its core, the NBA’s traveling rule (Rule 11.6, Section C of the league’s official rulebook) states that a player may not move either of his feet while in possession of the ball. The player may pivot on one foot once the ball is received, but taking a second step or moving both feet counts as a violation. The rule also specifies that a “travel” occurs if a player holds the ball and moves both feet, or if he moves a foot twice after having “gathered” the ball. The term gather in this context refers to the act of catching the ball—once a player has gathered the ball, he is allowed a two‑step move, but any movement beyond that is called traveling.

Despite its seemingly straightforward definition, the traveling rule is notoriously difficult to enforce consistently. The NBA’s high‑speed, low‑margin style of play, combined with the subjectivity of referees’ interpretations of a player’s “gather,” has led to widespread frustration.

The Rise of “Gathering Calls”

The SI article emphasizes that the league’s recent trend has been to call more traveling violations in situations where the ball has just been gathered. These “gathering calls” often come in the heat of the game, when a player secures a rebound or a pass and immediately attempts to navigate toward the basket. Referees must decide, in a split second, whether the player’s first or second step is within the permissible window.

A key example discussed in the piece is the January 2024 playoff game between the Golden State Warriors and the Philadelphia 76ers. Warriors guard Stephen Curry, after receiving a mid‑air pass from teammate Kevin Durant, took two rapid steps to create space before shooting. The referees flagged Curry for a travel, prompting a flurry of social media outcry. The play was replayed on the NBA’s official channel, where the replay video showed Curry taking his second step on the ball after a rapid pivot, a move that, according to the rulebook, constitutes a travel.

Another high‑profile case involved the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson, who was called for a travel after “gathering” the ball and taking a second step during a fast‑break transition. Brunson’s frustration was captured in a short clip posted on his Instagram, sparking debate over whether the call was warranted.

How the NBA’s Officials Explain the Calls

To quell the backlash, NBA officials released a brief statement in the SI feature explaining that the league has not altered the rule but has sought to improve consistency in calling. Referee John Parker, a veteran of over 700 games, emphasized that the traveling rule’s clarity is limited when a player is “in motion” before making contact with the ball. “It’s a gray area,” Parker said. “We’re trying to make the best call based on what we see in real time.”

The league’s technical division has also been working on data analytics to assist referees. In a cited interview with the NBA’s Technology Office, Chief Analyst Maria Gonzales highlighted the use of motion‑tracking sensors that monitor player foot placement. “We’re exploring a system that could give us instant feedback on whether a player’s second step exceeded the legal limit,” Gonzales explained.

Players and Coaches React

The traveling rule has divided players and coaches. Some, like Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers, view the rule as necessary to preserve the integrity of the game. Rivers said, “If we’re letting players keep moving without restriction, it devalues the fundamentals.”

Conversely, many star players see the rule as a stumbling block. Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine, after a travel call in a 2023 game, remarked that the “gathering call” felt “inconsistent.” He noted that the same play, in a prior game, had gone uncalled. LaVine’s frustration mirrored that of many players who feel that the rule’s enforcement varies from game to game and from referee to referee.

The SI article also included comments from former NBA referee Tom McDonald, who has a reputation for being outspoken about rule enforcement. McDonald argued that the traveling rule is too subjective and suggested a simpler, more objective approach—such as allowing a player to take a single step after gathering, regardless of the ball’s movement. He believes that such a change would reduce on‑court confusion and improve the viewing experience.

Potential Rule Adjustments and Future Directions

In light of the growing criticism, the NBA’s Board of Governors held a discussion on the rule’s future. While no official change has been announced, the league is exploring two main options:

1. Clarifying the “gather” concept – Redefining the moment a player “gathers” the ball to include any catch that occurs on the floor, thereby extending the permissible two‑step window in a more precise way.

2. Implementing a “one‑step” variant – Adopting a rule similar to the NBA’s own “one‑step” approach used in free‑throw situations, which would allow a player to take a single step after the ball is secured, simplifying enforcement.

The SI piece notes that the NBA’s video committee has already been reviewing thousands of travel calls from the 2023–24 season to identify patterns and determine the viability of these rule adjustments. “We’re not going to change the rule overnight,” said an NBA spokesperson in a statement quoted in the article. “But we’re actively collecting data to understand where the confusion lies.”

Conclusion: A Rule That Keeps Players and Fans on Edge

The traveling rule remains a lightning rod for debate in the NBA. While the rule itself is codified in the league’s rulebook, its enforcement—especially in the context of “gathering calls”—has highlighted the tension between preserving basketball fundamentals and accommodating the fast‑paced, high‑skill style of modern play. The Sports Illustrated article brings together expert commentary, player reactions, and data‑driven insights, underscoring that any resolution will likely require a blend of rule clarification, technology support, and referee training.

As the NBA moves forward, the collective conversation around traveling and gathering will continue to shape the league’s approach to fairness, clarity, and the overall spectator experience. Whether the league adopts a one‑step variant, clarifies the “gather” moment, or introduces new tech to aid referees, the traveling rule’s evolution will be a focal point for players, coaches, and fans alike in the years to come.