Open Thread: NBA rules that changed because of a specific player

The post below listed a few of the changes that were specific to players. Even early on, the league has adapted everything from the design of the court to the durability of the rim to the way fouls are called. Check out how these players changed the game.

The first two mentioned involved enlarging the lane. The first time was a response to George Mikan, the second was due to Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell. Three of the biggest names from those early years. No wonder their talent shaped the game.

Dunkers have influenced the rim as durability has been tested time and again. Darryl Dawkins found that if he pulled down hard enough when dunking, the backboard shattered. Shaq called Dawkins "the father of power dunking" and referred to himself as "his best son." He wasn't wrong, as the league later reinforced basket supports to handle his powerful slams as well.