NBA Implements Permanent In-Game Flopping Penalty and Updates NBA Cup Tiebreakers

In a move aimed at enhancing the integrity and competitiveness of the game, NBA team owners voted on Tuesday to permanently implement the in-game flopping penalty that was trialed last season. Additionally, changes were made to the tie-breaking measures for the NBA Cup, which also begins in November.

Both measures were proposed by the NBA competition committee, which includes players, players union representatives, coaches, governors, team executives, and referees. These recommendations reflect a broad consensus within the league to address issues affecting game dynamics and fairness.

The flopping rule, initially introduced on a one-year trial basis, will now be a permanent fixture in NBA games. Under this rule, when a referee identifies a flopping violation, the offending player is charged with a non-unsportsmanlike technical foul. The opposing team is awarded one free throw attempt, which can be taken by any player on the court at the time of the call.

This rule aims to deter players from exaggerating contact to deceive referees, a tactic that undermines the integrity of the game. Unlike unsportsmanlike technical fouls, flopping violations do not lead to ejection, regardless of how many are called against a player in a single game.

Significant changes have also been made to the NBA Cup tie-breaking procedures. The NBA Cup, an in-season tournament that debuted last season, will see its second edition tip off on November 12. The new rules specifically address how overtime points are treated in tie-breaking scenarios.

Previously, point differential and total points scored were considered in determining tiebreakers after head-to-head records in group play. Now, any points scored during overtime will not count towards a team’s point differential or overall point total. This change ensures that teams do not gain an unfair advantage from scoring in extended play and promotes competitive fairness.

The primary tiebreaker remains the head-to-head record. The second and third tiebreakers are point differential and total points scored during regulation time, respectively. By excluding overtime points, the league aims to maintain an even playing field across all games, emphasizing performance during regular time play.

These measures reflect the NBA’s ongoing efforts to improve the game’s competitive integrity and fairness. The permanent flopping penalty is expected to significantly reduce instances of players attempting to deceive officials, thereby maintaining the sport’s integrity. Coaches and players are expected to adapt quickly to this rule, focusing on genuine play rather than exploiting loopholes.

On the NBA Cup front, the tie-breaking adjustments aim to ensure that all teams have an equal chance of advancing based on their performance in regulation time. This change is likely to be welcomed by teams and fans alike, as it aligns with the spirit of fair competition

With the 2024 NBA Cup set to begin in November, fans and players can look forward to a more streamlined and equitable competition, reflecting the NBA’s dedication to continuous improvement and fairness in the sport.