How many steps can a player take while holding the ball in the NBA before travelling is called?

Question

I remember when I was in high school if you held the ball and took two steps you were called for travelling. Now players run to the basket from the free-throw line carrying the ball.

So what is the count now? Do they get 17 steps or just 16?

Answer 1

Actually traveling is considered 3 steps, so you can only take 2. Traveling is the least called infraction in the game today, players can do it over and over again and not get caught, although players can use a pivot and go back and forth between two spots with one foot planted

Answer 2

2 steps are all that are allowed if you stick to the rule book. You have to pass or take a lay up or whatever before you land for the third step. However the game isn't being played according to the rule books you may say. 3 steps are a common norm these days in NBA. You may attribute it to the falling popularity sometime ago which led to relaxations which meant offense being given more advantage in the game. This could be a step in that direction

Answer 3

you take the 3rd step and the refs call it a travelling violation. but these days you see a lot of players get a way with it again and again (hello LeBron!). its not entirely the refs fault people. its just that these days we have super athletes who are quick and super fast which would sometimes give them the benefit of the doubt

Answer 4

3 steps man

Answer 5

It is supposed to be only 3 steps.

But sometime the ref is too stupid and they don't recognize that.

They may also be blind and just there for the $$$$$.

Answer 6

if your Cobie Bryant you can take 27 steps.
he can run from one end of the court to the other.
no travel.

Answer 7

depends on what team you play for, who you are, the type of game, what refs there are. but overall, just way too many.

Answer 8

depends on who the player is...the bigger the star, the more steps are allowed, the more holding, etc, etc etc.