I know exactly where those players are from. However, flopping was imported into the NBA from Euroleague players. See: Divac, Vlade. That's what I'm talking about.
Ha, ha. Joey loves the limelight so much, that would have been perfect. He's just not smart enough to think of it. Double technical and jump ball at mid court.
Luis Scola, another Argentinian, doesn't really play enough anymore to be relevant, but I think he deserves some sort of flopper lifetime achievement "award". BNM
Bro, I am anxiously waiting for you to have you "in-depth" response to this! The response on why we don't have to fear the Spurs.
I've been participating in this sport since I was 7. So I'm 30 years in. Bringing up Vlade means absolutely nothing because even though he may have been one of the notorious floppers, he certainly didn't invent it. Here's another newsflash for you: Serbia isn't in Europe!!
My problem with not calling a tech is that it IS a technical foul. Faking being fouled is an unsporting act and SHOULD be called as a technical foul. NFHS (high school rules) 10.6.f specifically defines "faking being fouled," in the judgment of an official, as unsportsmanlike conduct that is subject to penalty of a technical. W\hile it is rarely called, I would have NO problem making this call. I could have called a tech when I was refereeing a Lincoln HS/Forest Grove HS Varsity boys game. After the captain's meeting the PG said to me (politicking for a call) "we take a lot of charges". I tell him, "take the hit and you'll get the call". His 1st 3 "charges" he took were flops and the 3rd one I called a blocking foul. The coach says to me "We took 65 charges last year". I told him "coach, you'll get every one that you earn tonight. Now tell your players to stop flopping".
My point stands. The influx of Euro players who learned to flop to draw fouls was adoped by the entire league. And, I don't wish to embarrass you, but Serbia is most certainly in Europe. The eastern border of Europe stretch from the Urals south to the Dardanelles.
If a Tech was given for flopping there would be no need for fines, or suspensions or anything. Calling a Tech would eliminate it from the sport entirely.
I couldn't agree more. It started as a clever strategy, now in my opinion, it's the bane of the league. You have entire plays that are drawn up just to draw a foul. Lawyer ball is shameful. However, it's proven to be a winning tactic.
OK you're right about the Eroupe thing. I'll take that point but your "point" about flopping doesn't stand simply because you say it does. The most notorious flopper in the league is a rather large Black man. [video=youtube;nwyE-SJTqOw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwyE-SJTqOw[/video]
Was I talking about today? IMO, the best flopper ever was Shane Battier, who last I checked was not a Euro, but it doesn't change my point. Flopping wasn't part of this game until the Euros started coming. Do you think kids practiced flopping at Rucker Park or in Oakland AAU ball? Hell no. You'd get your ass beat down if you tried that.
Nice strawman. You don't fake being fouled in ANY city on a pickup court. Let alone Rucker. You can only do that if you have a ref... Bottom line is that you really don't know what you're talking about. Flopping was invented by a WHITE MAN named Frank Ramsey... Flopping started in the 60's... Read up on "The Fllimflammer" http://www.cnnsi.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1021833/index.htm
I don't think the Blazers fear the Spurs at all; they've matched up very well with them the last few seasons. On the other hand the Blazers have never gotten a dose of "Playoff Spurs" either. These are the keys to series in my mind (assuming LaMarcus is his usual dominant self and Wes, Nic and Rolo all play well): 1. Can Lillard hang with Parker on the defensive end? He doesn't have to shut him down, but if they are constantly switching him off onto Leonard or somebody else to "hide" him, the Spurs will be like a boxer continually jabbing at a cut on his opponent. 2. Can the bench produce at least 20 points per game and play somewhat passable defense? The Blazers' X-factor is Thomas Robinson; they really need him to be able to contribute 15-20 good minutes per game, and we desperately need "good" Mo to show up 3. Pop is the best coach in the game. Can Stotts at least play to a draw on his adjustments, moves and counters during the series? If yes, then the Blazers might steal a game or two in San Antonio. All in all, I think the Blazers match up pretty well, but just don't have the roster depth and playoff experience to be anything other than an underdog, especially without home-court, but if they get a few breaks and some guys play way over their norm (Lillard on defense, Robinson being reliable for more than 5 minute stretches, and Mo playing within himself) they've got a puncher's chance of stealing the series.
Unlike Harden Manu doesn't live at the FT line, and its the biggest difference in their games. Harden will never be anything more than a playoff choker until his game revolves around scoring rather than getting to the line. Not even going to deny Manu flops, and I hope he takes advantage of any opportunities he can.
Thanks for telling me what would happen on any pickup court. Of course, you live in hardcore Portland, while I've only played pickup hoops in more genteel places like Chicago, DC and New York. Yet, you play hoops in Spain, and flopping is part of playground hoops. I'm wondering when LeBron started flopping? Was it when he played for the Irish in HS? Hell no. He didn't develop his flop until he was well into the NBA. And how long have you watched Euroleague contests? I lived in Spain in the 80s and that brand of basketball was a floporama. Was there a lot of flopping in the NBA at that time? My point was--and remains--that flopping as a tactic was brought into large scale use by the influx of European players in the 90s. Its success came from the more physical nature of defensive basketball during that time (first executed by Daly's Pistons, then widened by Riley and Van Gundy). If someone is going to foul you, you needed to sell it. Even in the absence of a foul, if you sold it, you would get the call. We can agree to disagree, but you only diminish what should be a respectable discussion by telling me I don't know what I'm talking about.
I know what you point is. You've said it over and over. But the fact remains that an SI story was written about it 63. It's been happening as long as we've been watching basketball. Simply generalizing euros is just perpetuating an imaginary stereotype.
Simple mistake that anyone could have made. Your rookie post says much more about you being a moron than me making a mistake but I digress..
