First of all, I must start by saying I am huge NBA fan.  The purpose of this article is not to bash the NBA.  However, I just feel like the NBA needs to make some improvements.  It is to the point where a game can’t go two minutes without someone flopping or trying some bush league move to draw a foul. 

This behavior has translated onto the playgrounds to the point where anytime a player drives to the hoop, they automatically say “and one.”  Also, if it is game point, they will keep calling fouls until they finally make the game winner.

If we can clean up the NBA, then basketball can played all over the world like it was meant to be played.   I am tired of seeing the following things:

  • Players arguing after almost every foul called.  In fact, I don’t think Tim Duncan has ever thought he has committed a foul his entire NBA career
  • Coaches arguing after almost every foul called.  The goal of the coaches clearly is to try to talk the officials into giving them the next call.   The officials do not owe the teams anything, they just need to call the game like they see it
  • Lebron James acting like he was hit by a baseball bat when he was barely even touched.
  • Kobe Bryant swinging his arms after a missed shot like he was violently mugged on the subway
  • Manu Ginobli flopping every other play, and whenever he drives to the hoop, he slams his elbow into the defender to get a call even though he clearly initiates the contact
  • Dirk Nowitzi throwing a tantrum demanding a foul to be called if he even gets breathed on
  • Any player that kicks out their leg after a three point field goal attempt and then falls down backwards on the ground like they had been shot in a desperate attempt to get three free throws
  • Steve Nash when his team is in the bonus suddenly can’t dribble the ball without finding someone to run into so he can fall down in attempts to force the officials to make a call so he can get to the line

I could go on and on, but I will spare you an even longer list.  It should be noted that I think the players that I named are terrific players, which is all the more reason their actions should start reflecting that. They are too skilled of athletes to have to resort to those foolish tactics.  It just plain looks childish, and it is watering down the purity of the game.  

Perhaps, some day the commissioner will decide to start suspending players for these ridiculous and blatant attempts to influence the way referees call the game. Bottom line, I am ready to watch real basketball again!

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