http://chicagosports.chicagotribune...sbits,1,5143156.story?coll=cs-bulls-headlines Tighter foul-calling on tap By Sam Smith Tribune pro basketball reporter October 10, 2004, 10:40 PM CDT Someone suggested the NBA might be planning new uniforms with skirts instead of shorts. That was one response to the annual preseason briefing from NBA officials on rules changes and what referees will be looking for this season. Veteran NBA official Dan Crawford briefed the Bulls after practice Sunday and outlined what the referees would be watching more closely. Though there are no major rules changes this season, the league is clearly concerned about the continued scoring downturn. So referees have been ordered to make more foul calls in certain situations that, theoretically, will create more freedom for offensive players. The key places are from midcourt to the free-throw line extended, where any contact will be called a foul, and in the areas along the baseline toward the basket, where use of the forearm will be restricted. Also, there will be limitations on use of forearms to hold off an offensive player and fewer charges called. Bulls players and coaches said the changes will result in many more fouls. The league clearly is pushing for more foul calls early in the season so players become accustomed to the changes. The feeling is teams will play more zone defense to keep players out of foul trouble, increasing the need for perimeter shooting. NBA referees will be graded more closely this season, much like baseball's QuesTec system for umpires, to insure they make the new foul calls. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- How does the change affect rockets? On offense, Yao is certainly the beneficiary as he wont be pushed around or called charge so often. I expect T-Mac can draw more fouls as well. How about our defense? Do u think we will have foul troubles? It would be a serious problem as our bench is pretty thin.
This would be good for the game. The lack of shooters has been blamed for the scoring woes, but I think the general improvement in defense through athleticism is as much a factor, if not more. Quite simply, the games are boring because the defense is so good. Of course, there is no guarantee the refs will start calling the game tighter. Every year they say the MLB umps are going to start calling the strike zone that is on the books, and it never happens.
When defense improves generally. But shooting and passing degrade. You get what you see. So, it's perceived as though it's *mainly* about "improved" defense. It's not. Because that "athleticism" can also be used to make that "pass," and run that "pick and roll," shoot that "jumpshot" too! So, athleticism shouldn't just be applied to defense only. What the league with this rule change is basically just a "band-aid" solution. This will do nothing in regards to TEAM play. This is only a pacifier for the "stars" of the league in ISO situations (even if it does apply to the role players too...but they are not what this rule change is directed toward). This is a "band-aid." You will not get your offensive "improvement." Coaches can still coach. But star players, generally, do not like to share the ball. Not like the past. Thus, we'll never see an substantial offensive improvement unless the league as whole gets young players that know and want to play within team-oriented mindset (strong in both ISO and team skills). If there is ONE rule I think they need to lighten up on...and that's "FLOPPING FOUL." I hate that one! So, more foul-calling is not what need need. But rather LESS foul-calling! More foul-calling will only slow the game down even more. Sigh...well, at least we'll see more players at the FT line.
