The NBA’s updated “Freedom of Movement” rule continues the league’s trend toward a more offensive game that produces highlight reel plays more frequently. This season there will be more of an emphasis on players not impeding the progress of opponents by grabbing them while they’re cutting or fighting for position.

Paul Pierce understands what the league is doing and agrees that high-octane offensive games are much more exciting than defensive slug-fests, so he agrees with the league creating more of an advantage for the offense.

“It’s no surprise to me that they’re gearing everything toward the offense,” Pierce said. “Offensive basketball is exciting to watch. When you see teams score 115, 130 points, it’s exciting for a fan. You don’t want to see a lot of grabbing, holding, bumping, teams scoring in the 80s.”