Wrapping Up The NBA Season!

On The TunneySide of Sports June 18,  2018 #697 Up next…Wrapping Up The NBA Season!

After further review…Wrapping, or is it “rapping,” the 2017-18 NBA season, which is finally over with the Golden State Warriors as the NBA champions!  We recently discussed (or rapped) the style of play in this professional sport. Many fans, more than usual, responded with disgust about the physical play of these highly conditioned athletes.

Overwhelmingly, the responders disliked the NBA’s allowance of contact, many having played some basketball.

Dr. James Naismith designed a dribble, pass, and shoot game with a style of finesse. While all responders disliked the physical contact, (note: it is wise to say that none were over 6’7” and 250 lbs.). Their other concerns were dribbling, traveling, and complaining to the referees.

Basketball was designed to bounce the ball with one hand on top of the ball. However, in today’s game “palming” the ball, which is turning the ball over by placing the hand on the side or underneath the ball while running or walking, is all-too-common – an advantage which helps the player move past a defender more quickly, while in better control of the ball. The NBA basketball is 9” in diameter and the hands of most players can hold the ball firmly in one hand, much like you and I would grip a softball.

“Walking with the ball,” or traveling as it is called, is designed so that the dribbler must bounce the ball as he moves. It is there to prevent running with the ball. The rules designate a “pivot foot,” meaning before or after a dribble, a player may move one foot as many times as he pleases, while his other foot (pivot foot) remains in place. If he lifts the pivot he must pass or shoot the ball before that pivot foot touches the floor. We regularly see a two-step jump shot, where the player steps with his movable foot, then plants his pivot foot in a spot on the floor for better positioning. You probably also notice players taking three steps, yet not often called by the officials.

Players don’t commit fouls or at least they don’t admit to them. Players and coaches are constantly in the face or the ear of officials. It takes away from some of the great plays these outstanding athletes make.

How do we put a stop to this constant complaining?

Will you log-in your approval or disapproval of the items mentioned above?

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

To contact Jim, go to JimTunney.com or email Jim@JimTunney.com.

NEW: Jim’s new Podcast ‘TunneySide of Sports’ will be up and running shortly. Stay tuned. Meanwhile, he is available for speaking engagements. His bobblehead and books are listed on his website.

Jim’s books are full of inspiration and interesting stories. Please visit his online store to learn more.

Be sure to get Jim’s book ‘Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports’ by clicking this link or using the email above to contact Jim directly.

These TunneySides take issues from real-life situations and relate them as inspiration for the betterment of others.

Jim is available for speaking engagements on leadership and T*E*A*M Building. His books are available for $20 which includes shipping and tax. The Tunney Bobblehead is available for $30. Please visit JimTunney.com. Thank you!