Flopping Penalty
Flopping, the intentional exaggeration or simulation of contact in basketball, has been debated and contentious for decades. It undermines the integrity of the game and gives certain players an unfair advantage.
The NBA implemented a new “flopping penalty” rule for the 2023-24 season to address this longstanding issue. This rule empowers game officials to penalize players who flop by exaggerating contact to draw fouls.
Under the new rule, players caught flopping will be charged with a technical foul. However, unlike other infractions that may result in ejection, players will not be ejected for flopping. Instead, the opposing team will be awarded a free throw, and any player their coach selects can take the shot.
The flopping penalty can be enforced during live play or at the next available opportunity when the game is in a neutral state. Both a foul and a flopping violation can be called simultaneously on the same play, resulting in further consequences for the offending player.
Warriors player Lester Quinones drove to the basket during a game between the Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2023-24 season. They made contact with Thunder defender Jaden Shackelford. Quinones fell to the ground and exaggerated the contact to draw a foul. The referee called a flopping violation instead of a foul.
This scenario is a clear example of the type of behavior the flopping penalty aims to target. Quinones intentionally exaggerated the contact to deceive the referee and gain an unfair advantage. The referee correctly called a flopping violation and penalized Quinones accordingly.
Coaches and officials have also expressed their concerns about flopping. Warriors coach Steve Kerr, for example, has called for the league to take decisive action against flopping, particularly during the playoffs. While coaches cannot directly challenge a flopping violation, referees can identify and penalize it during a review for other actions.
The NBA Competition Committee unanimously recommended the flopping penalty rule to the Board of Governors for a vote, highlighting their belief that it will contribute to a fairer game and discourage players from attempting to deceive the referees.
The implementation of the flopping penalty represents a significant change to the NBA rulebook. It serves as a clear signal that the league is serious about tackling the issue of flopping. While its effectiveness in reducing flopping remains to be seen, it signifies the NBA’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the game and ensuring a level playing field for all teams and players.
The flopping penalty is a welcome addition to the NBA rulebook. It is a step in the right direction towards making the game fairer and more competitive. Fans can only hope that the new rule will be effectively enforced and that players will start to think twice before flopping.