NBA Head Coaches Demand Fixes to Flopping Rules

Coaches call for change on flopping rules

Two NBA head coaches want the league to change how it whistles flopping technicals. Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr both believe officials are targeting the wrong end of the floor.

The issue flared up during a game where the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Los Angeles Lakers 136-129. Officials whistled three straight flopping technicals in the final six minutes. Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant, wing Toumani Camara, and Lakers wing Ziaire Williams were all penalized while playing defense.

Finch noted that calling these penalties on defensive players misses the point. He explained that fans care about offensive players baiting officials and earning unnecessary free throws.

Kerr pushes for league clarity

Finch has previously voiced concerns about free throws awarded to Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the officiating on Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray during last April's first round series.

Steve Kerr echoed similar concerns before a matchup with the Timberwolves. Kerr stated that the league needs to stop players from grabbing, hooking, or exaggerating contact on screens.

Kerr pointed to a loss against the Memphis Grizzlies, where Golden State was whistled for six illegal screens. That included a call on Draymond Green during the final possession. Kerr felt Memphis players were flopping on every screen. The Warriors have since submitted video clips to the league seeking clarity on what qualifies as a flop. Only 27 flopping technicals were called in the NBA all of last season.

What it means for the next game

* Memphis Grizzlies at Portland Trail Blazers (NBA, Fri, 30 Oct): Portland Trail Blazers win 73%, Memphis Grizzlies win 27%; projected score Portland Trail Blazers 121, Memphis Grizzlies 113. Our safest pick: Trail Blazers to win.

* LA Clippers at Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA, Sat, 31 Oct): Minnesota Timberwolves win 76%, LA Clippers win 24%; projected score Minnesota Timberwolves 118, LA Clippers 110. Our safest pick: Timberwolves to win.