The flop has become a far too common occurenceThe flop. It's perhaps the most controversial aspect of today's NBA game. Basically, flopping is when a player exaggerates impact and falls to the ground, hoping to draw a foul. There are players who specialize in offensive flopping, such as Dwyane Wade, and players who are primarily defensive floppers, like Anderson Varejao. It's a touchy subject matter, since on one hand the flopper is trying to fool the official, which one could interpret as cheating or unsportsmanlike. On the other hand though, in the NBA it is incredibly effective, which only encourages players to continue doing it.
Flopping is a subject that I have wanted to cover for a long time, as it is my major gripe with the NBA today. I understand that the NBA features the greatest athletes on the planet; who exhibit speed, strength, and athleticism at levels that were previously thought to be unattainable. Due to this the game is incredibly tough to officiate. The availability of instant replay and multiple camera angles gives the viewer at home an advantage over the officials on the court, leaving many fans quick to criticize the calls. Hey, it's not easy being a ref.
That said, the ultimate success of flopping still has to be seen as a dark spot on the game of professional basketball and the officiating. The fact that these incredible athletes are reduced to trying to fool the officials rather than use their talents is reprehensible. Watch any game today and you will see just as many defenders try to draw a charge as you will see them actually challenge a shot.
What happened to the days of tough nosed defense? The powers that be wanted to open up the game and make it more action packed, which is understandable. Highlight reel dunks and high scoring games equals ratings. But did we really have to, for lack of a better term, wussify the game at the same time?
Think about this: go out to a pick up game and try flopping the next time a guy backs you down. Or drive to the basket and throw yourself into the nearest defender. More often than not you will be laughed off the court.
It's not hard to see that the flopping in the NBA has gotten out of hand. So why allow it to continue? If the referees see a player clearly flop, why not make it a technical foul? Giving the opposing team a point would certainly be a strong deterrent to the many floppers currently in the league.
Don't get me wrong, I love the NBA and professional basketball in general. I wouldn't spend as much time blogging about it if I didn't. But flopping needs to go. Let's let the athletes decide the game with their skills, not their acting abilities.
Till next time...
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