While NBA thinks about eliminating the “flopping” and that it has already put an end to intentional faults in counter-attack a year ago, Adam Silver was invited to discuss the various rule changes that have been implemented under his mandate. In the continuity of the changes made since the beginning of the 2000s.
In an interview with Kevin Garnettthe commissioner first put himself in the shoes of a fan to justify the visible changes in the league over the past few years, which benefit the forwards.
“ There was a time, probably in the late 1990s, when the game got too physical », does he judge Thus. ” We have lost part of the aesthetics of the game, of this sport. It played on the skill a player could have and [le jeu] was perhaps too physical oriented, as a big and strong player could prevent an incredibly technically gifted player, ball in hand, from achieving what he can do. »
Adam Silver then takes the example of Stephen Curry and his game, based mainly on shooting and movement, to support his point, where the notion of “fan interest” is central.
” If some guys could run into him and knock him down, like they’ve done in this league before, I don’t think it would make basketball look any better. “, He estimates concerning the leader of the Warriors, among the most appreciated, followed and therefore “bankable” with NBA fans.
But Adam Silver also points out that it is still important to find the right balance, vis-à-vis the defense, both to protect the players and satisfy the spectators, and to maintain attractiveness.
” We tried to bring some physics back into the game because I think people like to see rough defense “, adds the commissioner. ” So we have made changes this season, especially in terms of these movements which are not natural, used to circumvent the system, the rules, but which will no longer be considered a fault. »
