Hoops Habit
Fansided

Dear NBA Players, Please Stop The Flopping

By Stephen Findley

Jun 8, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors forward Anderson Varejao (18) in game three of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Larry W. Smith/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors forward Anderson Varejao (18) in game three of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Larry W. Smith/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

In the most dramatic part of the NBA season, with the stakes at their highest, NBA fans are being subjected to a level of play-acting that is ruining the game we love.

The NBA Finals represent the culmination of every NBA season and garner some of the highest TV ratings for the NBA (an average of 20.5 million viewers tuned in for Game 5).

Sadly, some of the players seem to use this stage as an Oscar nomination bid with frequent flopping, and it’s ruining the game we love.

It’s clear to the world that Jeff Van Gundy does not like Golden State Warriors reserve Anderson Varejao:

"“I don’t understand, when you have a known flopper, how they get the benefit of the doubt. As an official, fool me once, twice, three times, I’m not gonna be tricked by this guy. I’m just not.” Jeff Van Gundy"

Related Story: The Greatest Player In Every Franchise's History

With video review already slowing these Finals games to a snail’s pace, it’s becoming harder and harder to watch multiple replays of flopping for calls. NBA players are some of the finest athletes in the world.

Many of them tower over the average person with the physical make-up of Greek gods. Every player spends a vast amount of time on strength and conditioning with the expert minds from each field, guiding and monitoring their every move.

June 2, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) falls as Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) loses the ball during the second half in game one of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
June 2, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) falls as Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) loses the ball during the second half in game one of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

But in the game, those athletes who we idolize most, morph into a flailing mess of arms and legs that crumple to the floor when the air passing their limbs is too dense.

Too often we watch a player get “tossed’ to the floor by someone who gives up significant size and strength.

In Game 1 of the Finals, that was Draymond Green.

NBA.com has Green listed at 6’7″, 230 pounds. Green has carved up opposing defenses through his combination of size and playmaking skill.

Often he will use this size to his advantage in post mismatches with smaller guards. He’s used to attacking smaller players where his size becomes a huge advantage.

NBA.com has Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving listed 6’3″, 193 pounds. Irving gives up four inches in height and 37 pounds in weight. Irving does not traditionally do much of his offensive damage from the low-post position. And that’s what makes the video below so unbelievable.

Irving manages to give Green a glancing grab to the neck as he moves across the low block. Now, perhaps Kyrie Irving knows Kung Fu or the Vulcan death grip. Look at how Green, with both feet off the floor, flies about five feet before crashing to the floor in front of the official.

"“I think he flopped down. I don’t think Kyrie Irving has that strength.” Jeff Van Gundy"

Varejao flopped. Green flopped. But don’t think this is singling out the Warriors, this is a league-wide problem and it’s being amplified on the biggest stage. Sadly for us, a superstar ambassador for the NBA is equal to blame.

LeBron James. The King. Cleveland.com reported on the rationale behind James’ tighter jersey and game shorts, a look he went to at the outset of the season. James thought deeply about his impact on the game:

"“I’m always thinking about ways I can be of help,” James told cleveland.com. “That’s what it’s about, making sure you’re doing your part.”"

Is this being a help to the game?

NBA.com lists LeBron James at 6’8″, 250 pounds.

From the angle that Tristan Thompson, James’ teammate, struck his face, it would be fair to say that Thompson would have needed to dislocate his own arm to even apply the follow through to knock James down (forgetting the power required).

James stumbled five steps before collapsing in a heap. A flopping fine on James would be akin to losing a cookie under the couch for mere mortals, but the league didn’t even bother to collect.

Related Story: Cleveland Cavaliers: Love Or Hate LeBron James?

NBA players are the idols to thousands and thousands of children around the world. They get paid a king’s ransom. They got to this elite level by doing all that it takes to win. But in doing so they’re at risk of alienating the fans who fund and adore their amazing lifestyles.

NBA, please don’t become this:

NBA players, you’re incredible at what you do. Stick to putting the ball in the hoop. Leave the acting to the actors and other sports people of the world.