The refs never call it consistently. Heck, it is called whenever the refs feel like to. No team gets called more than several times even if the players stay in the paint for more than 3 second all game long. Another example of weird NBA rules like many others such as allowing WWE between the bigs while no touching on the perimeter.
Yeah, it is a joke really. I watch this Bulls-Celtics game right now, I don't think there is such a rule in place. Especially for the Bulls, numerous times where Noah and Thomas has been camping in that lane for 5+ seconds.
On defense I believe you can stay in the paint as long as you're within arms reach of the offensive player you're guarding.
The refs have a lot of things they have to look for. I would assume during playoffs they are paying more attention to fouls than anything. It really comes down to the coaches and players to point out little things like this.
They should have some off the court refs looking at some of these things. Things like 3 seconds, shot clock, out of bound are objective things. Have some officials out there to watch specifically for these things and let the on court refs concentrate on the more subjective judgment calls.
I thought Yao got called for 3 seconds a split second too early. With as much leeway as they give the bigs on the 3 second rule, it was surprising considering he was moving as he caught the ball out of the lane.
it's not just the 3 sec violation that the refs can't call consistently. the rules are not jokes but the refs maybe. it's a tough job.
In the future, there will be sensors inbedded in players shoes. When never an offensive player gets into the lane, an automatic clock will be triggered. And a sound will be blasted off if he remains in the lane for precisely 3.5 seconds. What am I talking about?
I understand that rules should be followed and this is a decent argument. But damn, I would never want to be a ref, there's a million things you have to look for.
