The new NBA flopping rules explained

New NBA flopping rules are coming, with much stiffer penalties. They’ll be introduced at NBA Summer League, giving you a sneak peek.

The issue of flopping in the NBA has been a topic of discussion for several years. The league has introduced and adjusted rules to prevent this behavior over the last 25 years. But this summer, the league is updating its flopping rules and implementing the most severe in-game penalty yet for this violation.

According to Shams Charani’s report of The Athletic, the NBA Board of Governors is scheduled to vote on July 11 to approve changes related to flopping and coach’s challenges.

If approved, these changes are expected to be implemented in the 2023-24 season. There will be an in-game penalty for flopping, which could result in a technical foul free throw for the opposing team. Another potential change is allowing a second coach’s challenge if the first one is successful. These modifications have the potential to significantly impact the game, as the league aims to enhance gameplay.

The NBA announced on July 4 that the flopping penalty and the extra coach’s challenge would be tested during the 2023 Summer League games beginning July 7.

The coach’s challenge was introduced during the 2019-20 season. Allowing a team a second challenge if the first one is successful could prove advantageous for a team, as crucial calls could be overturned. Additionally, the flopping penalty could limit players from trying to sell a call, improving the viewing experience.

It remains to be seen how strictly officials will enforce the new rules if approved and how players and coaches will adapt.

How will the new NBA flopping rules be enforced?

The issue of flopping to draw fouls has been a hot topic in the NBA this season, especially during the playoffs. To address this, the NBA Competition Committee has proposed a FIBA-style call that would give more power to referees to call out flopping during play. Here are the key points to keep in mind while watching the Summer League games:

• Referees will make the call during the flow of play and do not need to stop the game not to disadvantage the opposing team.
• The team flopped against will be awarded a free throw and the ball out of bounds.
• The flopped player will receive a non-unsportsmanlike technical, which will not count towards fouling out.

While the league needs to address flopping, implementation may have challenges. Referees, sometimes fooled by flopping, must determine whether the contact was genuine or a flop before making the call. It can be difficult, especially since some players are skilled at embellishing existing contact. Fans watching at home may think a player flopped, but referees will be cautious before making a call. Another thing to watch during the Summer League will be how rookie players perform in their first NBA moments.

How was flopping previously defined?

The NBA has had rules for flopping in place since 1997. Since 2012, the NBA has defined a “flop” as an intentional act of exaggerating the effect of contact with an opposing player, either tricking referees into calling undeserved fouls or deceiving fans into believing that the referees missed a foul call.

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