RE: new rules

[OzerskyJA <OzerskyJA@cmog.org>]

I'm convinced.  Bring the new rules on...anything that will
bring the fast break back is ok with me.

Josh Ozersky	
Marketing Communications Specialist 
Corning Museum of Glass

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Thomas Murphy [SMTP:tfmiii@worldnet.att.net]
> Sent:	Thursday, April 05, 2001 2:13 PM
> To:	Celtic list
> Subject:	re: new rules
> 
> I'm all in favor of eliminating illegal D. Coaches have devised ways of
> short-circuiting mandatory man-to-man for at least two decades now. This
> led
> to illegal D rules which turned many games into a slow-down, slug-it-out
> affairs in which each team tries to break down the other through carefully
> orchestrated iso plays. Eliminating these rules will encourage ball and
> player movement and hopefully eventually lead to a renaissance in
> fast-breaking offense (i.e., score before the D sets up). As the rules are
> currently constructed it only makes sense for coaches to slow the game
> down
> so that you can be sure your best player has a chance to go one on one
> against the opposition (this tendency is further aggravated by the lack of
> travel calls). Without the crutch of these illegal D rules the incentive
> structure should change back to the free-flow of the '70s and early '80s
> rather than the grunt'n'grab of the nineties. After all, the best cure for
> team defense is team offense. (Plus is there a worse call then the illegal
> D
> call? It stops play and for what? And remember this - even when it isn't
> called the offense will often stall their own play and yell "illegal"
> pointing to the floor to get a call. It slows the game down even when the
> refs DON'T blow the whistle).
> 
> For those who are afraid that this will eliminate the athleticism of the
> game ask yourself which is more athletic: a team walking the ball up the
> court and isolating so one player (or perhaps two) can demonstrate their
> 'athleticism' (more often than not their bulk with teams blessed to have a
> Shaq or Mourning) OR some of those same athletes busting it down court at
> top speed for fastbreak passing, dunks etc? I'll take the latter every
> time.
> 
> I'm far less convinced about the rest of the rule change proposals - they
> may be great but I simply have not had much time to think them over.
> 
> The three second rule could be good - if evenly enforced. It seems like a
> bone to those who are afraid athleticism will wane. Ditto for the 8 second
> rule.
> 
> The incidental contact rule sounds good if that means equalization of the
> disparity between what is allowed under the hoop and what is permitted 20
> feet from the hoop. I hope it does not simply mean more contact away from
> the hoop without cleaning up the rough stuff inside. Hard to tell with so
> few details out there.
> 
> I've got no idea about playing the ball off the rim - do any of our
> international fans have opinions about this? It seems like a bone for the
> big men to accept the elim of illegal D.
> 
> Finally, anything that simplifies the rules has got to be good for
> officiating. The less they have to keep track of the better in my opinion.
> Maybe we'll see more consistent 3 second calls against the offense now the
> same rule applies to the D. (BTW what is the penalty for a defensive 3
> seconds? a free throw? this could slow the game down a bit).
> 
> These rules as a whole seem better thought out than moving in the 3 pt
> line
> was. They seem focused on improving flow and giving teams incentives for
> stocking the roster with better rounded players (rather than athletic
> goons
> who can D up) and executing a team offense rather than simply walk it up
> for
> isos. I'm all for encouraging both trends.
> 
> Cheers -Tom Murphy
> 
> > Haven't seen any posts on the new rules about to be adopted for next
> year.
> > Anyone have any thoughts?
> >
> > -No more illegal defense rules, but there will be a defensive three
> > seconds
> > rule prohibiting a Mutombo from just planting himself in front of the
> rim.
> >
> > -8 seconds instead of 10 to advance out of the backcourt
> >
> > -incidental contact (including hand checks) allowed
> >
> > -balls can be touched while on the rim
>