One thing this year’s NBA playoffs have shown basketball fans is that the game played in the regular season is not even close to the way the sport is played in the playoffs.
The basketball played in the Eastern Conference finals between the Pacers and Knicks was more like a wrestling match than a hoops game. We would like to see more physicality during the 82-game slate, so while we like the way the playoffs are played, perhaps the officials could come up with a happy medium, as well as allowing more physical play in the regular season.
We understand the league thinks scoring equals excitement and the rules for the regular season are geared toward offense. As a result, guards have a larger role in the success of teams more than ever.
Look at the top 20 scorers in the NBA from this past season. Six of those players are 6’3″ or shorter, including Donovan Mitchell, who was 16th at 24.0. Compare that to 20 years ago, when only two of the top 20 were that height or shorter.
Going back to 1995, 30 years ago, the top 20 scorers were dominated by centers and power forwards.
Certainly, the rise of the three-point shot is a factor, and that brings us to point #1 on changes we would like to see going forward in the NBA.
Start calling traveling, particularly on what is called the “step back” three pointer. Most of these shots (note, we did not say all) are travels. The player picks up the ball to shoot it and then move both feet to separate from the defender.
That’s a violation. We believe referees could make that call literally 20 times per game.
We would like to see that rule cracked down in general, not just on the step back shot. We see so many post moves where the pivot foot has been interchangeable without a call from the officials.
If you are wondering why we want the rule enforced, first, it’s a rule. Second, if a player is playing solid defense, allowing the offensive player to take an extra step renders the defense moot.
We saw several instances in the Cavs’ series and other series where a player has stymied the player with the ball and then he travels and scores. That has to stop.
Another thing that needs to be cracked down on is what is now currently referred to as grifting. That is to say, offensive players running into defensive players who aren’t committing an “act”.
Think about it, a foul was supposed to be about committing an illegal act while trying to make a play. For instance, trying to block a shot and hitting the shooters’ arm. Or trying to steal the ball and get caught grabbing the dribblers’ wrist.
This isn’t what is happening now. We are seeing many players barreling to players who are retreating or are even guarding someone else and having the offensive player be sent to the foul line.
And since it happened with a few players, James Harden was most notably the first, others have adopted this as a strategy. It needs to stop. Standing there, attempting to defend or give help should not result in a foul.
Just call nothing. The players will get the message.
Basketball is a beautiful game when played at a high level and correctly. Trying to manipulate the rules or just ignore them, doesn’t help the sport.
Cleveland Sports Perspective 