Where Amazing Happens Sometimes: Interpretations of Rules

Greetings loyal fans;

Today, I would like to focus on something that I've mentioned here once before - the inconsistent interpretation of rules by officials in the NBA.

Yes, today will be another post about sports, a post with a lighthearted approach - my apologies to all those who are enamoured with reading about the prevalence of concussions or grammatical and syntax errors.

One of the problems with the NBA is the consistency with which some calls are made, and others are not. The charge/block call has become such a marginal decision that it's as subjective as asking somebody what their favourite film is.

Since the elimination of hand checks in the late 90's/early 00's, the emphasis has been put on offense, and more often than not, the benefit of the doubt goes towards the player with the ball. I imagine Commissioner David Stern's logic is that fans will stop showing-up in droves to watch a team of defensive stoppers like the Grizzlies' Shane Battier and Tony Allen, but would arrive court side an hour early at half-mast for a team of shooters like the Golden State Warriors, who couldn't spell the word if you gave them a DE followed by a FENCE.

Which reminds me, David Stern is a brilliant man and a genius in sales. He could sell a fence to his next door neighbour if need be.

Anywho - where was I?

A hierarchy in the NBA exists where a veteran like Dwyane Wade can penetrate and always expect a foul to be called in his favour, while a rookie or fringe player will have that same call whistled against him. Michael Jordan thrived on this double standard.

One rule that I wish was more consistently enforced is the 10-second violation for foul shooters. According to NBA rules, once the player is handed the ball by the referee whilst standing at the charity stripe, he has 10 seconds to shoot his free throw.

Orlando's talismanic centre Dwight Howard has been called on it a few times, but nonetheless, not consistently enough to dissuade him from continuing the practice of setting-up shop at the line and spending 15 seconds to mentally prepare himself for a brick.

During the Christmas Day matinee tilt between Howard's underachieving Magic and the Boston Celtics, it seems Paul Pierce was aware of this rules infraction, and like myself, wanted to take a proactive stance concerning it - watch Pierce at the :43 second mark:



I'm as surprised that Howard didn't chuck the ball in Pierce's direction as I am that Glen "Big Baby" Davis didn't crack his trademark sheepish grin while standing on the line and witnessing P-Squares' actions.

Further, it seems the rest of the league has caught on, and even Bobcats rookie Gerlad Henderson had the cohones to point out Howard's obvious rules infraction to an official on Wednesday night:



Damn I love the NBA and the subtle displays by some of its players.