NBA Flopping: Dallas Mavericks Star Dirk Nowitzki Opposes New Rules on Flops

Dallas Mavericks star power forward Dirk Nowitzki is not the first name one thinks of when thinking of flopping in the NBA. He did not get named in the Sports Illustrated Top 15 list of floppers.

Nevertheless, Nowitzki has come out strongly against the new rules against flopping in the NBA. Nowitzki told reporters:

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If you play me physical then, obviously, I got to sell the call and get to the [free-throw] line. That’s just part of the game. We’ll have to see how they enforce that.

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Nowitzki makes a common argument that with flopping being part of the game and referees being imperfect, players should take any opportunity they have.

On the other hand, if the NBA flopping rules are effective, then flopping will cease to be part of the game, and that argument will become unnecessary. The rules are the first of their kind in NBA history and have been protested by others, including the NBA players union.

Said NBPA Executive Director Billy Hunter:

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The NBA is not permitted to unilaterally impose new economic discipline against the players without first bargaining with the union. We believe that any monetary penalty for an act of this type is inappropriate and without precedent in our sport or any other sport.

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Hunter is right about the move being unprecedented. However, many fans of the NBA are excited about the new rule and view flopping as going against gamesmanship rather than being a part of it.

Right now, Nowitzki's feelings on the matter are quite clear.

“I think it’s a bunch of crap to be honest with you."

Adam Waksman is a featured columnist for the Bleacher Report New York Jets community. Be sure to follow Adam on Twitter to receive updates right away.

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