The NBA would have the lowest number of free throw attempts per game if the world ended today. Even though we are only five games into this season and players have not yet adjusted to the refs (or vice-versa), it's not an ESPN statistic to make a mid November Pacers-Raptors match seem meaningful. For example, Pascal Siakam's 13 points is the highest from the 9:15 mark to the 11;15-minute mark of a quarter since Michael Jordan in 1987.
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James Harden is already desperate. He said, "I just ask every official: If you see a foul," less than two weeks into the season. This is not workplace harassment James, it's basketball and this isn't basketball.
It's about two more attempts per game than the average per-game rate over the past decade, which is 20 attempts. Although it is still early, it's refreshing to see that this has been intentional.
It was great fun to watch Team USA compete in the Olympics. The refs approach the game exactly the same as their soccer counterparts. They are familiar with the tricks used by players to draw fouls and don't call them. It is authoritatively cynical, which is the best description I can give it. (I have to agree with you that FIBA rules regarding open court fouls should also be adopted. We wouldn't have another Kawhi shot if the live ball was on the rim.
Damian Lillard was frustrated by the insufficient whistle in Tokyo during the Olympics. His attempts have been slow and he has had a slow start to the season. He has only played four games so I'm not concerned.
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Trae Young's scoring has increased while he is able to get to the line nearly half as often as last year. It's almost like he has been released by not playing the foul. Or it could be a carryover from last year and this guy is really who the Hawks thought.
Steph Curry has increased his free throws but he's smart and likely already adjusted to the tag he received in preseason.
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Fouls are generally trending down since the league began throwing 3s at an alarming rate. This could also explain the decline in attempts this season. However, 3-point attempts are increasing again. It is crazy to see 36 games out of 90. Is that enough? The future could have an equal number of 3s and 2, but I don't know what to think.
This may just be an aberration. The players haven't bickered the refs. Do you remember when the league tried hard to stop complaining? It lasted for like a season.
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It doesn't matter what happens, it is likely a grey area where the refs call the refs and the refs seek those fouls. The refs then acquiesce as they are sick of being treated like a COVID protocol meeting school board member. I hope that the league keeps these rules because it speeds up game play and keeps players playing. Next time you're playing pick-up, try lurching towards a guy and then calling foul.
Harden and Steve Nash want to whine about Harden being the poster boy for these rules, but that Chris-Paul-slam-the-brakes-halfway-up-the-court-so-a-trailing-defender-runs-into-you move isnt getting called either. James, I think it should be adapt or die. But I don't like cliches, so that is probably inaccurate. What about adapting or crying?
