Bleacher Report - Articles by Akoma Rodriguez

Top Flop: NBA Playoffs Bring Flopping to Center Stage

Akoma Rodriguez — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:46:42 -0400

Actors refer to it as improvisation: the entertainer reacts spontaneously to the stimulus in his or her immediate environment, and subsequently a performance is given extempore without planning or preparation.

In the NBA, it is known as flopping.

The playoffs are central stage for Oscar-worthy performances, and as these acts are brought to the forefront of the NBA world, they take precedence. We must begin to ask questions as many have asked before: Why is flopping a relevant issue? How can it be addressed?

The first question is easier to answer than the second.

Flopping is relevant because it is an act that affects the outcome of games and ultimately its integrity. Many critics of the NBA cite flopping as one of their principle arguments for losing interest in the game, but it’s not just critics of the NBA, it’s also a concern among its strongest proponents.

Why ask this question now?

Simply put, it has gotten out of control. This is not to say that flopping was not around decades ago. There are plenty of historical floppers (just ask Bill Laimbeer), but rather what started as a slender trunk is now a full tree with branches extending in every direction.

Essentially, we can make the case that the flop has accentuated over the past decade to the point where unabashed flopping performances can be seen multiple times a game.

Let’s examine why this is a progressive issue amplified over time.

The problem stems from a select few perpetrators who took flopping to a new level. We can call them paternal floppers. When we look at historical said floppers, such as the notorious Bill Laimbeer, it’s impossible to imagine his actions remaining isolated to those moments in which he is playing.

Eventually players around him are forced to alter their own approach to the game in order to compete. Throw in multiple cases of paternal floppers over the course of a decade, and the problem is exacerbated.

What we have is a sort of Herbert Spencer logic of “survival of the fittest.” On the streets, when you get an elbow to the chest no one is sliding across the floor, and no one is getting free throws.

In the NBA, flopping serves a distinct purpose to gain an advantage over an opponent. From an evolutionary perspective, those who adapt have an advantage over those who don’t—it’s science man!

While NBA refs try to be objective and recognize genuine fouls over flops, the fact is a player will get more calls in his favor if he embellishes the physical contact with a superb acting performance. Now that flopping has become a regular occurrence, we start to see referees overlooking plays where there is a legitimate foul because the player has not embellished it. This is a problem.

That brings us to the second question: How can flopping be addressed?

Last year there was a push to amend NBA rules against flopping by instituting technical fouls as a consequence of obvious flopping, but it did not come into fruition. League officials understand that flopping takes place every game, and undoubtedly they understand its adverse effect on the game and its integrity.

Why else would the NBA omit specific stat lines like offensive fouls drawn? Perhaps the more important question is: why was the push for a change met with failure?

Ultimately, the merit of the decision is based on what makes the game better, and it was decided that issuing technical fouls for flopping will hurt the game more than it will help it.

Yes flopping is dishonest, and not too many fans enjoy dishonesty in competitive sports (with the exception of Tim Donaghy), but it has also evolved into a tactical strategy that is executed with a certain amount of discretion by smart players.

This brings us to the Big Man/Small Man paradox.

If Allen Iverson rams his elbow into Shaquille O’Neal on the way to the basket, it will not be called nearly as much as when Shaq pummels Iverson while driving to the hoop. The same foul is committed in both cases, however, because Shaq is bigger and less affected by the same foul, flopping serves as the equalizer in getting the call.

As much as flopping is looked down upon by everyday fans, there is a method to the madness.

Of course, there is always a line that gets crossed, and flopping is used beyond its practical means more often than necessary. This is an exploitation of the rules, and although it may not be appropriate to penalize flopping with an official foul, it still requires some sort of action.

Referees already have difficulty being objective with their calls, and adding another dimension (especially one as subjective as faux-flops) would only create more problems and coaching headaches.

Naturally, the most effective method for flop-reduction is to discourage it. While there are a few ways that flopping incidents can be discouraged, the most logical way is to train referees to look for the right things, and accept the fact that they will not always get it right.

If certain paternal floppers are confronted by the officials or the league behind closed doors, and faced with some degree of accountability, maybe we will have a foundation for change in the right direction. Without accountability, flopping will continue to worsen.

Until a sensible solution can be found, it’s a part of the game that will continue. We might as well embrace the beauty and humility of these theatrical performances.

...Stay tuned for a nod to this season’s top performers!

Miami Heat Lose Wade, Dignity for Rest of Season

Akoma Rodriguez — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:19:46 -0400

It’s official: The Miami Heat’s last shred of dignity has burnt up in one outrageous moment of dues ex machina.

Dwyane Wade is out for the remainder of the season to rest his ailing knee and get healthy. How should Heat fans feel about this move?

I would be outraged.

This is called an anti-playoff run, throwing in the towel, waving the white flag—a tank job.

Okay, we all know the Heat are not poised for a final playoff push; no mathematical model could possibly devise a scenario in which the Heat make the playoffs this season, even in the vast landscape of sub .500 Eastern Conference playoff teams.

Sure it may seem like the next logical step for the franchise to protect its star player by taking him out, but it’s also a heartless gimmick for ping pong balls.

Let’s not get carried away with excuses, there are only 20 games left in the season. The Miami Heat season will be over in April, not May or June. We all want to see Wade get healthy and we all want him to perform well in the Olympics.

In no way can the importance of this year’s Olympic Games be understated, but we are also not holding our breath for Wade to continue playing 38 minutes a game. This is an objection based on principle.

What this says to Heat and NBA fans alike, is that the Heat organization is giving up. Of course they want Wade to be healthy next season, and picking up Michael Beasley in the draft would be a welcomed bonus, but how can this honestly come across as anything more than a complete forfeit?

Maybe it is a smart move, but it is certainly more heartless.

Where is the club’s commitment to its fans and season ticket holders who have suffered though all the losses and disappointment that has ensued this season? Where is the club’s desire to salvage the small portion of dignity it has left by letting Wade play out the season?

An extra month of recovery time may help his knee, but it sure is demoralizing. I would sell my tickets if I had them, there is no excitement in watching Daequan Cook for the rest of the season.

Play Wade for 10 minutes a game, play him for two minutes, but don’t hang it up altogether. Watching him play is the last positive experience Heat fans are clinging to, and now all that is left is hope for a decent lottery turnout.

As a fan of the NBA, I don’t want to see players and teams give up, no matter what their record is. This may be a lost season in terms of wins and losses, but it does not have to be a season devoid of heart. I suppose they would call it a moral victory, but it appears even that will be tallied in the loss column.

The Final Stretch: Sizing Up the NBA Western Conference Playoff Race

Akoma Rodriguez — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 08:52:05 -0500

The last stretch of the season is upon us, and the stakes have never been higher in the Western Conference. With nine teams fighting tooth and nail for those eight sacred playoff spots, the final 20 games are going to unfold like a roller coaster when the tension mounts and finally tips over the edge into a thrilling rush of twists and turns.

One thing is already apparent: With so many good teams in the west, one club is destined to be ravaged with disappointment. So which team is going to be the odd one out?

Let’s take a look at the final stretch of the regular season:

Remaining Games

Team	+.500	Home	Away	B2B	East	West
SAN	15	12	12	6	7	17
LAL	12	13	9	2	3	19
NOR	14	11	13	7	13	11
UTA	12	13	9	4	7	15
HOU	12	11	12	5	5	18
PHX	16	11	12	5	4	19
DAL	13	13	9	2	6	16
GSW	14	10	14	6	5	19
DEN	14	11	12	6	5	18

*B2B – Back to back game sets

Season Records

Team	Home	Away	Conf	B2B 1^st	B2B 2^nd
SAN	24-5	17-12	22-13	6-5	8-3
LAL	21-7	21-11	24-9	11-3	9-5
NOR	20-10	20-9	28-13	7-3	8-3
UTA	26-3	13-19	22-15	7-10	9-8
HOU	21-9	18-11	21-13	7-5	7-5
PHX	21-9	18-11	17-16	11-1	6-6
DAL	25-3	14-19	26-11	6-7	8-5
GSW	21-10	15-12	20-13	8-5	8-5
DEN	23-7	12-17	19-15	7-7	4-10

*B2B 1^st/2^nd – 1^st game/ 2^nd game in back to back set

San Antonio Spurs (41-17): Momentum UP

It’s that time of the year again. Spring is in flutter—and so are the silver and black. The Spurs are finally pulling it together to make another clutch performance at the end of the season, which has been characteristic of the club for the last few years.

Manu Ginobili is looking stellar in his new starting role, and with Tony Parker back on the floor and Tim Duncan, well, being Tim Duncan, the Spurs are looking good for another deep run this postseason.

San Antonio will probably not be able to hold onto the top seed due to their rough schedule leading into the final week. Among the challenges are 15 games against opponents better than .500, nine of which are on the road, and six consecutive game sets (second highest among west contenders).

Good news for the Spurs is they have constructed a solid 8-3 record in the second game of back-to-back sets, despite their road record being...middle-of-the-road.

Don’t pay attention to critics trashing the Spurs for losing their edge, or “getting old.” Just remember they were saying the same thing last year. Look for them to sew up the second seed in the west.

Los Angeles Lakers (42-18): Momentum UP

What can we possibly say about the Lakers? They are simply dominating this season and should wrap up the number one playoff seed by the time the regular season comes to a close.

Kobe Bryant has played unselfish basketball and is very likely to be recognized as the league MVP this year, bad pinkie and all. Pau Gasol has already proven to be a great pickup and when Andrew Bynum hits the floor again this team will be scary. There are no more Gary Payton or Karl Malone gimmicks this year, just a solid team led by the most prolific scorer in the league.

LA is going to be an extremely tough team to keep up with in the playoffs, and after all the trades in the west, this could be the year for LA. It will be interesting to watch how they fare in their upcoming road trip where they will face New Orleans, Houston, Dallas, and Utah in the same journey. If somehow the Lakers escaped unscathed, it will be a loud statement that resonates throughout the Western Conference.

New Orleans Hornets (40-19): Momentum DOWN

What a surprising and exciting year for the city of New Orleans and the Hornets. Who knew Chris Paul could be THIS good? Playing host to the All-Star game and then having your team go out and play so well every night has stirred things up in the Big Easy, and that success is becoming contagious this year.

Chris Paul is an MVP candidate. Watching how he moves on the court, who wouldn’t doubt that in the end of his career he will be considered one of the greatest point guards to play the game?

Okay maybe a little premature to speculate on his career success, but the Hornets are definitely going to make the playoffs this year and have all the elements in place to win a series. New Orleans has seven back-to-back game sets remaining on their schedule (the most of any contender), and 13 games on the road.

Luckily for them, they are better on the road than they are at home, and likewise have the best combined record of first and second back-to-back games of all the contenders. Also, more than half of their remaining games are against Eastern Conference teams. Overall, New Orleans is in a good position to retain a high playoff seed.

Utah Jazz (39-22): Momentum STATIC

Funny how a guy like Kyle Korver can change the fortunes of a team for the better. That is exactly what happened in Utah. Let’s not forget the kind of intangibles an under-appreciated Deron Williams brings to the table either, making the Paul Millsaps of the world look like hall-of-fame material.

Utah is one of those teams that may not dazzle with star-power, but sure gets it done when it needs to. Despite pre-Korver struggles early in the season, Utah has positioned itself at the top of the Northwest division, three games ahead of Denver.

The remaining schedule for the Jazz is in their favor with only 12 games against opponents over .500, and four back-to-back game sets. It’s still very possible that they could fall to the eighth seed if they lose ground to Denver, especially with several head-to-head matchups left to play, but the Jazz have been tough in the last month and they won’t give it up that easily.

Houston Rockets (39-20): Momentum UP

Yao-zers! Surely Rockets fans were sweating a little when it was announced that Yao Ming would be out for the rest of the season with a stress fracture in his foot, but against all odds the team has responded well and continues its hot streak.

T-Mac is playing good ball and is actually healthy for once. Houston also has the advantage of a deep and talented bench including guys like Carl Landry, Luther Head, and newly acquired Gerald Green and Bobby Jackson. Not to mention starters like Luis Scola and Shane Battier having great seasons already.

The real question: How long can they keep it going?

Dikembe Mutombo is the fill-in center for Yao, and although he can still be a presence down low, he is not nearly as productive grabbing boards and scoring. But don’t point the finger at Mutombo, the Rockets will inevitably cool off and drop a few games. Just don’t expect them to fall off the map yet.

Phoenix Suns (39-20): Momentum DOWN

Shaq has put the Suns in slow motion. What was once a solid playoff-ready team is now a 7-foot-1 question mark.

There are a lot of excuses being made around Phoenix: Maybe the team is still adjusting for the big cactus, or maybe he just needs a few more practices to get in shape. The bottom line is that the Suns miss Shawn Marion.

At this point in the season, there is little room for struggle, and with a record of 39-20, the Suns may be facing a rare case of playoff uncertainty being that they hold the sixth seed by only a few games with much of the season still left to play.

Shaquille O’Neal might have been meant to improve their toughness in the playoffs, but in the regular season it’s apparent that they still need the run-n-gun Suns to win games.

Of all the contenders, Phoenix has the most games against .500+ teams remaining, and 19 of their remaining games are against Western Conference foes. Want to hear another scary number? The Suns’ record against Western Conference teams is 17-16. Barely .515 is not going to get it done.

Dallas Mavericks (39-22): Momentum DOWN

Before the Jason Kidd trade, Dallas was not living up to expectations. Since then it cannot be said with any more certainty just what the Mavs are capable of this season.

First of all, Devin Harris was a keeper. Not only are his stats better than modern-day Kidd, he also has tremendous upside. Dallas is in a position where they have had a taste of success and hold great expectations, but perhaps are a little blinded by ambition. It’s not that Kidd has performed badly in a Mavericks’ jersey, it’s just that the Mavs didn’t need a change.

What the Mavs need is chemistry and clutch performances.

Consider that Dallas is a mere .500 team since the acquisition of Kidd and suddenly that good 'ol Texas pride looks a little shaky at best. To make matters worse, the Mavs have to deal with the Golden boys breathing down their necks from the eighth playoff spot. Would it not be ironic to watch the Warriors snatch the final playoff spot giving the Mavericks another early departure?

If they do not start making a push, Dallas could experience a case of déjà vu.

Golden State Warriors (36-22): Momentum STATIC

If anything can be said about the Warriors, it’s that they are consistently inconsistent, and most Warriors fans can accept that. Sure they have not had a long winning streak since November, but they have also not lost more than two games in a row since the second week of the season. The result is a team that has developed a balance and slowly positioned itself as the eighth seed in the Western Conference.

Baron Davis is having an All-Star caliber season (despite the unfortunate voter turnout), and with Stephen Jackson back, Monta Ellis playing out of his mind of recent, and rookie Brandon Wright making Chris Mullin look like a genius, the Warriors won’t be surprising anyone this year if they make a little playoff noise.

The problem is getting there.

Right now they hold the eighth spot over Denver, but the remaining schedule for the team is certainly no cake walk. With six sets of back-to-back games and 14 games on the road—eight of those against teams with records better than .500—the Warriors have quite a challenge ahead of them.

Looking at the remaining schedule, they are the team with the worst chance of holding a playoff spot. If Golden State does manage to hold on, it will be by making their own destiny.

Denver Nuggets (35-24): Momentum DOWN

Life in the mile high city is bittersweet at this point in the season. The Nuggets are on pace to have one of the top five seasons in franchise history record-wise, yet there is nothing but frustration and the prospect of an early summer looming large in Denver.

A team littered with big names like Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, Marcus Camby, and Kenyon Martin comes with great expectations, which is exactly why there is so much pressure on this squad to win this year.

Clearly this team has the talent to beat anyone in the league, but there are several problems that have kept them from achieving their true potential, namely their ability to play defense has proven to be the most glaring weakness with some nights of dominance and others of plain laziness.

Perhaps the lack of defensive focus stems from coach George Karl (who has employed a carefree approach to coaching in lieu of his fiery Seattle days), or the ambivalent nature of leadership on the team. Either way the Denver Nuggets may find themselves on the outside looking in if they do not start playing with a passion to win every night.

Recent losses have put them in a tough spot in the Western conference and in order to climb into a playoff spot they need to put together a winning streak of more than three games.

So who's in?

After reviewing the statistics for the final stretch of the season and comparing them with each team's performance to date, it can be said that some teams should be sweating a little more than others. It's easy to discount teams like the Nuggets or the Warriors, but with the record disparity as minuscule as it is, a lot can happen over the course of 20 games.

Shoe-Ins: Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans Hornets, Utah Jazz

Sure Bets: Houston Rockets

Time to Sweat: Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets

Surprised? No Kidding.

No matter who gets in this year, fans can be sure of one thing: It will be a spectacular show.