Day after day and year after year, we hear the fans, analysts, and even some players complain about how the NBA has gotten so much ‘softer’ when compared to the classic days.
Rules often favor offensive players and referees try to prevent contact, sometimes to a fault.
That makes for a different product, which isn’t necessarily worse or better than the old days.
However, it seems like the referees often overdo or force things, especially when it comes to giving out technical fouls.
That’s why NBA veteran Austin Reaves took to Twitter to urge the officials to stop handing out techs for stare-downs, adding that it just takes away from the game and that it’s all passion and nothing personal.
.@AustinRivers25 shared his thoughts after Anthony Edwards was assessed a technical foul for staring down Dario Šarić 👀 pic.twitter.com/ORmKkIWpCE
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 13, 2023
Truth be told, he’s right on point there.
That kind of technical foul takes away the fun of the game, the same as those for hanging onto the rim for too long after a dunk.
Taunting is a part of the game, and so is trash-talking.
The NBA wants the players to put on a show, but they punish that showmanship.
That’s like handing out a tech for throwing a dunk after being up 30 points because they think it’s disrespectful.
As long as it doesn’t lead to fights, there should be absolutely no problem with a stare-down.
A player made a big play? Let him celebrate; that’s what the people are watching to see.
No one wants refs to determine the outcome of a game, let alone take the fun away from a big play.
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