Flopping- Isn't Just For Fish Anymore

            It used to just be fish that would flop. But now, humans are starting to act a lot like their aquatic friends. And when I say humans, I’m not talking about kids acting silly or fishing show host copying the trout they just hooked. No, I’m talking of the 6 ft 6 in kind of humans. The ones that take pride in dunking a orange ball into a mesh net every night for 2 points. The NBA is finding that more and more players are taking on the art of flopping. Flopping is where the defensive player will on purpose fall or embellish when an offensive opponent touches or barely hits them. The reason? To draw an offensive foul and give his or her team the ball while punishing the opponent.

            While flopping can be effective, it is highly looked down upon, even though top brand names such as LeBron, Wade, Bosh, Griffin (note the high number of Miami Heat players…) are taking on the act of flopping. The NBA starting in the 2012-2013 season has implemented fines for players who flop. While many believe this to be the right step, many agree that more has to be done, as the average salary is 5.5 million a season.

            I personally find flopping very hard to watch as it makes the players look weak. They would rather go the short way and pretend to get hit, as opposed to doing it the hard, tough way going for the ball. There are aspects of the game that is very tough, the taking of elbows in the chest under the net or the racing for the boy when it’s rolling down the court.

But if they are getting paid an average of 5.5 million, they can go the extra distance.

                                   

Below, a link to a video showing what and what is not a flop.

                                                           Flopping