James Harden grabbed headlines with his decision not to extend his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. While fans and media are still figuring out where he intends to play next, The Beard‘s comments about the ‘flopping rule’ have once again grabbed the headlines.

Harden recently sat down with a podcaster to reminisce about his career and the discussion veered to something that has been niggling NBA for a while now – NBA players who flop, an intentional fall or stagger after little or no contact with the opponent.

James Harden says ‘flopping’ rule doesn’t affect him

A new rule by Adam Silver, the Commissioner of the NBA, says that anyone who’s called for flopping will see their opposing team awarded a free throw. Mackenzie Salmon of Sports Seriously on USA Today recently asked James Harden what he thought about the new rule.

Even before she could complete the question, James interjected with a stern reply, “Are you calling me a flopper?” When Mackenzie waded through that one, the conversation continued.

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Harden added, “They put the rule, kinda, like one year ago, and then just went away from it. I mean, honestly, it doesn’t affect me.”

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Harden said that the rule is going affect everyone in the league because it’s a part of the game. “You know, I mean, if it happens, it happens, you shoot a free throw and move on. You know, they are just trying to put more authenticity to the game. I’m here for it.”

Flopping and the NBA

The NBA has regularly come out against flopping. Beginning from the 2012-2013 season, the NBA started fining players who were found to be flopping and the repeated incursions would finally end up with a suspension.

Flopping, of course, is not new to the NBA. Some analysts have called out this antic in the ’60s. Several NBA players in their playing years have been fined for flopping.

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What do you think, will the free throw rule deter the current players from flopping? Tell us in the comments.