What's with the NBA

[steve B]

Originally Posted by ClementeFanOh

Steve B- you had me until you slammed soccer

1) Yes, NBA is trash. I would argue that the sport of basketball itself has
regressed while so many others, including soccer, have progressed. NBA
is essentially unwatchable and without charm or appeal of any kind.

2) Certainly agree that men's (important point) pro soccer is going through
a horrid wave of flopping. It's not "everybody", but it's too many bodies.
Most women are too proud to flop and it is largely absent from their
game. The best men players are wondrous, though.

3) Soccer is killing it in increase of popularity and participation, while bball
is scuffling. Can't stand that the final 3 minutes of a bball game takes 15
minutes and turns into a free throw contest. The final 3 minutes of a
soccer match takes...3 minutes

So, I'm onboard for your NBA take, but the major Euro soccer leagues are
a thing to behold. Trent King

I don't get to see much soccer. What I do get is highlights via FB.... Most of them I just don't even get. Like one guy slides at the ball while several feet from a defender. Defender goes down clutching a knee never having been touched? (can also be defender sliding and offensive player "getting taken down" ) Whistle, penalty, red card?! presumably for dangerous play. Was the ref even watching?

The last few minutes of an NBA game being freethrows was a thing even in the 80's. I pretty much expect it.
What was puzzling was how what seemed like shoving matches (Sumo Basketball combo anyone? ) resulted in no fouls, but putting an arm around a player as you run around him sort of like the swim move in FB is a foul.
And the double dribble/palming/travelling! seems standard now. Not that it got called much before.

Also puzzling was letting the ball roll around the floor until it got sort of close to the defenders.

[ClementeFanOh]

Steve- yessir, I am with you on NBA all the way. The problems have begun
to filter down to major college level now as well. Game takes FAR too long,
too many time outs, many players can't seem to shoot free throws (or dribble
without travelling). It used to have character, now it's meaningless.

Trent King

[Touch'EmAll]

I liked how Magic Johnson tried to purposely not argue with the refs. He felt he could get on their good side by not being a pain in the a** and question and flail over every foul. Getting of the refs good side meant good chance for fewer fouls called against him.