Blake Griffin and NBA Dunks: Eliminating the Illegal Use of the Off-Arm

The dunk has been a long-standing icon and trademark of the NBA for decades. Its combination of elegance, finesse and power appeals to the athlete and competitor in every fan. A single occurrence can shift the momentum and fate of a game, while simultaneously producing a social media takeover in a matter of seconds. 

There is no doubting the entertainment and beauty of a rim-rattling dunk, but has our infatuation with the spectacular play blinded us from its obvious violation of NBA rules? Is it possible that we have become so enamored and smitten by the dunk that we’ve forgotten to officiate it? 

The number of illegal “posterizations” that have gone on unregulated over the past several seasons seems to confirm the notion. 

Ironically, the perpetrator with the highest number of offenses is perennial dunk leader Blake Griffin. 

Griffin is primarily known for his freakish athletic abilities and high-flying acrobatics in the lane. He is a resident of SportsCenter’s Top-10 plays segment and frequents Twitter’s trending list. What people tend to overlook about the Clippers forward, though, is his repeated use of the off-arm and other illegal tactics that give him a distinct advantage over his opponents. 

I have compiled several photos that show his use of the forearm and hands to ward off opposing players. 

I will be the first to concede that the idea of calling an offensive foul on such entertaining and ticket-selling dunks as Blake regularly produces is difficult. But fans shouldn’t influence the outcome of the game, regardless of how indirectly or intentionally it may be.

A rule is a rule, and the use of the off-arm to gain favorable scoring position is surely breaking one. 

The NBA will definitely be sacrificing entertainment and highlight opportunities by regulating the play more sternly, but it will also be eliminating a dirty and bush league move.

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