NBA: Trying to Settle the Flopping Debate

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We all know what it is. Some of us love it, and some of us hate it. Some argue that it’s a part of the game, and some view it as disgusting.

Which one are you? In all of sports, people flop. It’s just how things are. That doesn’t mean, however, that it’s the right thing to do. Flopping, in my opinion, is disgraceful, and should be considered cheating. There are plenty of counterarguments to that statement, but if one is skillful, why flop?

Players like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Manu Ginobli, and Tony Parker were criticized for flopping during the 2013 NBA Finals. I agree that they may have exaggerated contact, and if the ref is tricked, then the player who flopped has successfully gotten a call that favors his team. I’m not sure whether to call it brilliant, or moronic.

Players “act” to get a desired calls, and this may be viewed upon as cheating. Why can’t they just play their hearts out? What happened to the gold old days where the player who out played his opponents won the battle? If flopping is looked upon as such a minor part of the game, crucial baskets and possessions will be taken away from teams that are deserving of them. If it’s a part of the game, like players argue, then why are people so opposed to it?

The NBA rule is that a player is fined an increasing amount for each flop, then eventually suspended. The fines are so menial that they are equivalent to around $15 for an average American salary. If the NBA really wants to get rid of flopping, they would impose a different rule with much more serious consequences, perhaps an immediate suspension.

David Stern said that he wasn’t going to change the rules. Now, that makes one wonder whether the NBA actually wants to get rid of flopping, or if they’re just trying to please fans by “taking action”.

Many don’t pay attention to flopping, but in fact, players flop the most when the game is on the line for either team. The refs are only human, they make mistakes as well. If they’re dooped into a call, then it’s not their fault. These calls that they make, however, can possibly be game changing or game sealing.

Blown calls are one thing, but flopping, which the refs cannot help but call sometimes, is another. These small little flails have more impact on a game than one would think.

Do you think flopping is a part of the game?