[Although opinions vary on just how much of an impact the new guidelines are having -- and whether they are good for the game -- most league observers agree they have contributed to the rise in scoring. Overall NBA teams are averaging 96.3 points per game, up nearly four points from a year ago at this time. Eight teams currently average more than 100 points a game, compared to just two a season ago.] I'd have to say it's been a major factor, ... It's giving teams incentive to attack the basket, which has led to higher percentage shots and better quality shots. |
A flagrant foul is unnecessary and excessive. And in my mind, that's what that was. It was an unnecessary play, and it was excessive in how hard he hit him. The referee did the right thing in calling a Flagrant 2. |
At the end of the day, what we had to decide on was the issue of Antonio breaking the barrier from the court into the stands. |
Certainly the message was very clear after the Nov. 19 incident in that it was clear to our players that they were not to enter the stands under any circumstances. Certainly this suspension is evident to the fact that we're very serious about that declaration. We realize there were some mitigating circumstances and we did in fact take that into account. |
Everybody always has a different view on different issues, and this was no different. This was an issue where we looked at all the factors and a 13-man roster was in the best interest of everyone. |
For the players, it will allow them to get an opportunity for playing time that didn't exist under the older system. For the teams, it provides them additional flexibility. It allows them to monitor and evaluate players in a competitive situation, whereas before those players were relegated to a practice situation. |
He explained his position and we differed, but it was very cordial and I think at the end of the conversation we both understood each other. |
His conduct in the stands, I thought, was very reasonable. He was calm, and the result was a good one, in that he got back down onto the floor without an incident erupting. But it brings to light really the danger that you have when a player enters the spectators' stands, in that at that point, we lose control of the situation and anything could have happened. Fortunately, in this situation, it didn't. |
I think it had come to a point where there were several viable candidates and it was just time to do it, |
I wouldn't call it a controversy. I'd call it some questions being asked: 'Do we have the best rules? |
I'd have to say it's been a major factor. It's giving teams incentive to attack the basket, which has led to higher percentage shots and better quality shots. |
I'll still look at the tape, but it's always better to be in the arena when something happens. The tape doesn't always get everything. |
In general, fans do not want to see a rumble. They want to see the most graceful game on the planet. Contact occurs, and our objective is to make sure the game is played safely. |
It brings to light the danger when a player enters the spectator stands. At that point, we lose control of the situation and anything could have happened. |
It was straightforward. Our rule says the players can't leave the vicinity of the bench area. In this case Ron clearly came onto the floor. |