Over the years, the NBA has been known to be one of the most physical sports out there. However, since the conclusion of the smash-mouth basketball era, the league has evolved into what many believe to be the “soft” era. This is mainly because players in the modern era tend to oversell fouls and constantly complain to the referees when violations aren’t in their favor. To address this issue, the NBA is planning to implement a new in-game flopping penalty for the 2023-24 regular season.
New In-Game Flopping Penalty
The new rule is currently being tested during this year’s Summer League to determine its effectiveness. According to NBA Communications, the in-game flopping penalty entails that if a player flops, the opposing team will be awarded one free throw and ball possession. Essentially, the flopping rule will serve as a new variation of a technical foul.
Potential Ejection of Floppers
Additionally, players who flop might face ejection from the game, depending on the situation. This new rule aims to discourage players from overselling fouls and maintain a more fair and competitive game environment. The adoption of this new rule is anticipated to mark a significant shift in the way fouls are managed and addressed for the upcoming 2023-24 regular season.
