Any basketball fan older than about 25, on occasion, will comment about how referees never call traveling in the NBA.
Thanks to a new league rule, they don’t have to. Traveling, in moderation, is now officially legal in the NBA.
A new rule states that players are allowed to take two steps before they pass, shoot or come to a stop after picking up their dribble. Two steps before a pass or shot makes sense, and to be honest, I thought that was always the rule. Apparently the old rule, and the rule for all other levels of basketball, is one step.
But two steps while coming to a stop? That’s a joke. Try getting away with that in a pickup game.
Unfortunately, now that the NBA says two is OK, expect traveling calls this season to be at an all-time low. Because, really, have you ever seen a player called for traveling after taking two steps? Most of the time taking three doesn’t get called, and it certainly won’t now.
I realize this makes me seem like an old-timer who starts sentences with, “Back in my day,” while making observations about the game. But this rule is another step toward making the NBA more like the “NBA Street” video games than actual basketball.
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1 comment:
This rule is embarrassing, and I noticed it last night. LeBron James carries the ball like a fullback from the 3-point line to the basket.
This rule was implmented to give the NBA a boost in viewers because it'll provide more offense and highlights. I disagree.
It took me one quarter to realize two things: 1) More fouls will be called and 2) More free throws will be shot, meaning the game is going to slow down tremendously.
Dumb move, Stern.
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