My bigger issue with NBA games is the inconsistency of what is a foul and what is not. There are floppers and fakers galore and refs do not call games consistently. Officiating is hard at the pace of the game and some rules for what's considered a foul seem poorly decided. Too easy for people to manipulate.
I don’t know - seems like that would lead to some terrible endings of games where the refs have even more influence over who wins. I propose the games go to 100, win by 3, no clock. Call your own fouls, no refs. And they play outdoors. Pick teams immediately beforehand, first guys to make a free throw are captains.
This is an example of perfect being the enemy of good. Free throws aren't fun to watch, but most possessions don't end with them, and they're the fairest penalty. They incentivize the defense not to foul (with the exception of hack-a-Shaq) without incentivizing the offense to hunt for fouls instead of field goals (when guys like James Harden did hunt for fouls to an extreme extent, the NBA tweaked the rules). Automatic two points for shooting fouls and charges would create a league of foul-hunting, not a better version of the currently exciting, free-flowing game we have.
I love the idea and I believe Gundy is a fantastic champion of the game. I would alter the free throw idea two ways. First, I would implement a free throw shot clock of 3-5 seconds. It would have a quickness to the free throw that would speed up the game but also create excitement. Second, I would award free throws for the first 10 fouls per half (similar to the bonus system now). But then, after 10 fouls, I would award the points.
“For every game when a team makes a comeback because of missed free throws, there are 10 games where you’re watching a fleet of Ferraris stuck at a red light.” What a fantastic sentence.
I’m generally not a diehard traditionalist, but I say leave the game as it is. I’ll take 46 minute of intense action only to have it decided by two minutes of a “parade” of free throws. Why? Because each of those boring moments happens on the edge — of an offensive player’s heroics, a defender’s hustle, a ref’s blunder. The free throw is just the boring blossom of the game’s beautiful budding moments. Plus, awarding points for…nothing?! I think that’s the irreverent, not philosophical side, of Van Gundy. He’s buttering his bread.
The game and it’s free throws aren’t broken, just imperfect, like everything.
On college golf: This player withdrew from the NCAAs after a gruesome foot injury …
https://golf.com/news/college-golfer-scary-tee-related-injury/
My bigger issue with NBA games is the inconsistency of what is a foul and what is not. There are floppers and fakers galore and refs do not call games consistently. Officiating is hard at the pace of the game and some rules for what's considered a foul seem poorly decided. Too easy for people to manipulate.
I don’t know - seems like that would lead to some terrible endings of games where the refs have even more influence over who wins. I propose the games go to 100, win by 3, no clock. Call your own fouls, no refs. And they play outdoors. Pick teams immediately beforehand, first guys to make a free throw are captains.
As others surely have mentioned there is Larry Bird-ness in the Jokic method of passing.
Also: Visited Hudson Yards shopping levels last Spring and found this place:
https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/shop/bonefly
Display windows were all expensive leashes and leads for dogs and maybe other animals.
This is an example of perfect being the enemy of good. Free throws aren't fun to watch, but most possessions don't end with them, and they're the fairest penalty. They incentivize the defense not to foul (with the exception of hack-a-Shaq) without incentivizing the offense to hunt for fouls instead of field goals (when guys like James Harden did hunt for fouls to an extreme extent, the NBA tweaked the rules). Automatic two points for shooting fouls and charges would create a league of foul-hunting, not a better version of the currently exciting, free-flowing game we have.
I love the idea and I believe Gundy is a fantastic champion of the game. I would alter the free throw idea two ways. First, I would implement a free throw shot clock of 3-5 seconds. It would have a quickness to the free throw that would speed up the game but also create excitement. Second, I would award free throws for the first 10 fouls per half (similar to the bonus system now). But then, after 10 fouls, I would award the points.
“For every game when a team makes a comeback because of missed free throws, there are 10 games where you’re watching a fleet of Ferraris stuck at a red light.” What a fantastic sentence.
Just an absolutely outstanding list of reading, T.
I always learn something from you, Tommy.
Thank you for linking the Golf Digest feel-good story. I now want a Meredith College Women’s Golf shirt.
I’m going to disagree with both of you :)
I’m generally not a diehard traditionalist, but I say leave the game as it is. I’ll take 46 minute of intense action only to have it decided by two minutes of a “parade” of free throws. Why? Because each of those boring moments happens on the edge — of an offensive player’s heroics, a defender’s hustle, a ref’s blunder. The free throw is just the boring blossom of the game’s beautiful budding moments. Plus, awarding points for…nothing?! I think that’s the irreverent, not philosophical side, of Van Gundy. He’s buttering his bread.
The game and it’s free throws aren’t broken, just imperfect, like everything.