Team USA is gearing up for the action in Paris in two weeks. The Dream Team 2.0, featuring a fantasy-esque link-up of LeBron James and Stephen Curry, has high expectations going into the tournament. Apart from the foreign atmosphere during the 2024 Paris Olympics, another challenge can be the rules implemented by the FIBA. Why? Because they’re slightly different from what the Team USA players are used to in the NBA.

Therefore, one can expect some mishaps if the players cannot overcome their habitual playstyles. But what are the FIBA rules? What sort of fouls do they impose? What’s the punishment for the wrongdoings? Here’s a guide for everything you need to know about the FIBA rules to be applied during the Olympics:

Everything to know about FIBA rules at the Paris Olympics

Firstly, it’s important to note that the rules at the Paris Olympics will be significantly different from those in the NBA. For example, the courts will be smaller, measuring 91’10” x 49’2.5″ (28m x 15m).  The 3-point line will be closer than in the NBA, set at 6.75m (6.60m on the baseline), which will benefit shooters like Steph Curry. Now let’s head to the rules.

• Rules: The games at the Paris Olympics will be of 40 minutes duration; 4 quarters of 10 minutes each. There will also be a 5-minute overtime when needed. Each team will get 2 time outs in the first half and 3 in the second half. But teams need to manage that wisely as they will be permitted to have only 2 timeouts in the final 2 minutes of the fourth quarter. The teams will also have one timeout during OT, but it cannot be carried over. All the timeouts will be of exactly one minute, no matter the halves.
• Fouls: During the Paris Olympics games, a player can only commit up to 5 fouls before getting ejected. Both personal and tech fouls will be considered in this case. For a technical foul, opponents will be awarded a free throw with possession of the ball at the centerline. After the fourth quarter, two free throws are to be awarded for each foul, be it a non-shooting foul or tech. The only exception will be the offensive fouls.

  

• Defensive rules: Players cannot block a downward ball toward the basket, but once it touches the rim, a player is permitted to swat it away or tip it in. Also, there will be no time limit in zonal defenses. A player can stay in the lane with no time restrictions.
• Jump balls: The Paris Olympics basketball games will be tipped off with a jump ball. The team losing the initial jump ball will get possession of the next jump ball situation. Once that occurs, an alternative jump ball rule will be followed.
• Travel: This rule will also be dissimilar to what everyone observes in the NBA. Players must put the ball on the floor before taking a step unless they are pivoting in place. Players are eligible to take steps and dribble simultaneously as well.

The 2024 Paris Olympics to have special significance for Team USA

The hype around the 2024 Paris Olympics is reaching a fever pitch with each passing day. For Team USAB, this tournament is slightly different from the previous ones. Not only are they defending their crown, but they’ll also have a chance to win their 5th straight Gold Medal. To top it off, Team USAB will do it with the trio of LeBron, Curry, and Kevin Durant– an unprecedented moment for USAB.

Team USA’s fixtures in the Paris Olympics will start on July 28, a day after the first night of games. The schedule for Team USA can generate a lot of optimism for the Americans as it makes them favorites to clinch the group and progress without many worries. Monday night’s game against Australia raised a few concerns around the camp, but the team still has 3 more exhibition matches to play before tipping off in Lille. This might be the last hurrah for LeBron and Curry or even Durant at the Olympic stage, so winning one last one together (the first for Curry) could make this year’s event a storybook ending to their stellar careers.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what brand maker, Leonard Armato, had to say about the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe, check out this video