Flopping Rule & the HEAT

The NBA is expected to make a rule or fine against flopping, what would that mean for the HEAT?

By: Matt Pineda

As reported, the NBA is expected to generate a new rule that would likely fine players for flopping, exaggerating contact to get a foul call. This could be the smartest thing the league can do, or could end up being one of the dumbest changes it has decided upon.

At first, most fans will realize that flopping is a dark spot in the league. Games are changed and the integrity of the game is challenged when players willfully fall to the ground on the slightest of contact. With instant replay, it’s a shame to see some of the things players will do for a foul call. An entire website has been dedicated to calling the league to take action against the flop. But there still remains some problems here.

The NBA plans to make a post-game financial penalty for those who are deemed with a flop. It will have no consequence on or during the game, but rather just a financial penalty. There is no indication what that penalty will be yet, nor if it will increase or eventually result in suspensions for repeat offenders. So, this is just a small step in the direction of fixing this problem.

But, we haven’t seen the MLB take a stance against catchers who move their mitts after the pitch has landed to make it appear a strike. We haven’t seen the NFL take action against receivers who appear to catch the ball when they really haven’t. So why is the NBA taking a stance? Has it gotten this bad?

There are other concerns I have against the flop as well. Many times players will exaggerate contact that is a foul to ensure that the official sees it. If they are fouled on a small scale, and exaggerate that contact to ensure the foul call, is that penalized? Will there be a penalty for the so called flop on the block/charge problem? The only way to get a charge called in the NBA is if you fall to the ground after contact, but as we all know, LeBron James isn’t going to be knocked to the floor when Darren Collison drives the lane. Can he still take his stance, but not allowed to fall?

There are lots of questions, and likely those answers will come when the league officially approves and announces their flopping penalty.

So what does it mean for the HEAT?

There are several players on the roster who enable their acting skills to get some calls. Shane Battier comes to mind first, but he doesn’t flop on the offensive end, just taking those charges. LeBron has been caught a few times exaggerating contact, as well as Dwyane. Udonis Haslem may have some difficulty taking those charges as well.

Where it would really hurt them the most is their ability to exaggerate the smallest of details – the small shove or extended arm. But we aren’t sure if those will be deemed flops. It’s speculative right now.

But could it actually help Miami more than hurt them?

Could this halt the games of Paul Pierce and even Rajon Rondo a bit? Would other players who rely heavily on the flop benefit Miami? If players are forced to change their games outside of the HEAT, would this enable a team more talented and athletic, like Miami, to have things go their way more often?

It’s hard to tell because it’s only a fine. Maybe the fine is worth the call in many cases. The NBA will have some tough decisions to make.

Only time will tell.