NBA introduces ‘flopping’ penalty
FILE – Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics reacts on the court during the second quarter against the Miami Heat in game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 29, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. Adam Glanzman/Getty Images/AFP
The NBA said Tuesday it will test an in-game penalty for flopping during the upcoming summer league.
A flop, or dive to simulate a foul, will be punished by a free throw and possession of the ball.
The new penalty will be in effect for the summer league games but the NBA’s board of governors will vote on any rule changes for the next season later this month.
Officials won’t have to stop the game to award the penalty, which instead will be imposed at the next natural break in play.
Back in 2012, the NBA tried to reduce flops by introducing a system of a warning followed by fines but the rule has rarely been used.
The offense won’t count toward a player’s personal fouls.
