Throughout the first couple of weeks of the season, NBA referees have made it pretty clear that they won’t allow players to foul-bait anymore. That has reflected in players like James Harden and Trae Young, who’ve seen their scoring numbers take a dip.
The new rules prevent players from intentionally drawing contact with their defenders to go to the line 12 times per game. That craft made players like Dwyane Wade become legends, but it was a worrying trend that didn’t always please the viewership.
Recently, Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green took some time to compliment the league for enforcing this rule change, going as far as to say that he didn’t even enjoy watching basketball anymore.
Draymond Green Lauds The NBA Over The Rule Changes
“Can I also say how satisfying it has been to watch the game of basketball without all those bulls–t calls?” Green told the media. “I’m sorry. I’m not supposed to curse in interviews, right? Can I say how satisfying it is to watch the game without all those terrible calls? That guys [are] cheating the game and grabbing guys and getting the foul. I’ve been really enjoying watching basketball this year.”
“I kind of had stopped watching the NBA a bit because it was too much flailing and flopping and guys cheating the game to get free throws. I think that’s been great and I would be remissed if I didn’t mention that. I think that has been fantastic,” the former Defensive Player of the Year added.
Stephen Curry Agrees With Green, Says The New Rules Are Better
Surprisingly, Stephen Curry also seemed to agree with his teammate. That was kind of shocking considering he also benefited from the former rules more often than not, especially when he pulled up from beyond the arc:
“It’s obviously way better to watch,” Curry admitted. “I used to like them when it worked out for you. It’s kind of funny for me in Portland, the first preseason game, I had that one where I tried to draw a foul. You just get rid of that impulse. Figure out what other options you have.”
“I’ve been watching around the league and for the most part I’d say 9 out of 10 calls that used to go the other way are not for good reasons. There’s probably some that is still in that gray area where they’ll get more consistent but it’s great for the game. I know a lot of fans are loving it. The defensive-minded players are loving it,” Steph concluded.
At the end of the day, it’s all for the best. The game is fairer adn more real now. Also, great scorers like Harden will figure things out and find ways to make an offensive impact even without the free throws.