
via Imago
Nov 6, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball as New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (17) guards in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

via Imago
Nov 6, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball as New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (17) guards in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA has been trying to crack down on over-the-top flopping for a while now. There have been several attempts made to correct this recently, and now the league has come up with a $2000 fine for the act. NBA veteran Robert Horry talked about the new rule on his podcast, while shedding some light on Nikola Jokic‘s antics.
Players don’t see any problem with flopping as it does help their case. However, the league is being extra cautious about calling flopping whenever it happens, and fines the responsible individual on the court. Discussing the new rule, Horry said that it is an important step being taken by the NBA.
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Nikola Jokic is slick with his skills
The 7x NBA champion recalled seeing LeBron James being called out for flopping. Horry said that the lines are blurred, so it will be difficult to determine if a reaction to contact is genuine or is being exaggerated. During the in-season tournament final, comedian Kevin Hart also took a dig at LeBron by asking him to not flop. However, Horry was uncertain of what unfolded with the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, so he moved on to Nikola Jokic. Horry said that “Jokic flops all the time,” but in his case, he doesn’t take it to a level of absurdity.

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Nov 24, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) drives with the ball as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
As per the NBA veteran, despite the persistent antics, Jokic doesn’t fall every time. Horry concluded that this new rule is going to make a difference in the long run. Players who violate this rule are being actively called out by officials.
To make games more engaging to watch, the league plans to double down on its agenda against flopping. Additionally, it will guarantee that players attempt to properly defend against the opposing team. This crackdown on flopping started taking shape last season and within a very short period, we already have a rule in place.
However, the players are still not equipped with how it functions, which is why there have been several fines imposed this year.
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List of players fined for flopping
In October, Jalen Brunson was given a technical foul after he attempted a three-pointer and landed on Jayson Tatum‘s feet. The officials deemed this a flop. Apart from Brunson, Kristaps Porzingis, Max Strus, Caris LeVert, and Paul George among others have also been called out for flopping.
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This new rule will definitely elevate the standard of the game, as the team will ensure that such theatrics will be controlled. With a fine in place, it will now be avoided as much as possible.
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