on what would happen.
The rest is 100% cosmetic, but the reason fans either tune in or not tune in to games.
The NFL has been pro-active in this. The NFL found out that fans tune in to see elite QBs. So they made it so you can barely touch them. The league found out that people like to see offenses and points so they completely changed the rules for DBs to cover WRs. Compared to 20 years ago passing in the NFL is much, much easier. Just look at the QB ratings from then to now.
The NBA has made some tweaks for sure (it took them a decade to figure out that people didn't like watching 72-59 games with clutching and grabbing). But they are behind the curve. They also somehow thought that adding an extra step would help the sport. It doesn't. The only reason I can think of for this is so the players aren't embarrassed? It is odd.