We had another variation of this gag simply referred to as the "first foul of the game" bet. While still in the locker room before tip-off, we would make a wager on which of us would call the game's first foul. [...] There were occasions when we would hold back for two or three minutes — an eternity in an NBA game — before blowing the whistle. It didn't matter if bodies were flying all over the place; no fouls were called because no one wanted to lose the bet.
We played this little game during the regular season and summer league. After a game, all three refs would gather around the VCR and watch a replay of the game. Early in the contest, the announcers would say, "Holy cow! They're really letting them play tonight!" If they only knew...
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You would think that the NBA would love a guy who plays such great defense. Think again! Star stoppers hurt the promotion of marquee players. [...]
If a player of Kobe's stature collides with the likes of Raja Bell, the call will almost always go for Kobe and against Bell. As part of our ongoing training and game preparation, NBA referees regularly receive game-action video tape from the league office. Over the years, I have reviewed many recorded hours of video involving Raja Bell. The footage I analyzed usually illustrated fouls being called against Bell, rarely for him. The message was subtle but clear — call fouls against the star stopper because he's hurting the game.
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From my earliest involvement with Bavetta, I learned that he likes to keep games close, and that when a team gets down by double-digit points, he helps the players save face. He accomplishes this act of mercy by quietly, and frequently, blowing the whistle on the team that's having the better night. Team fouls suddenly become one-sided between the contestants, and the score begins to tighten up. That's the way Dick Bavetta referees a game — and everyone in the league knew it.
[...] Is the conscious act of helping a team crawl back into a contest "cheating"? The credo of referees from high school to the NBA is "call them like you see them." Of course, that's a lot different than purposely calling more fouls against one team as opposed to another. Did Bavetta have a hidden agenda? Or was he the ultimate company man, making sure the NBA and its fans got a competitive game most times he was on the court?
If you have the time, I'd highly recommend reading the full link above, there's a LOT more quotes and examples there. Pretty crazy stuff imho, though surprisingly not all that shocking or unbelievable from a fan's perspective. I really wish the NBA would institute a challenge-like system a la the NFL. Coaches can ask for video review of any calls, if the coach is right, the call is reversed. If the coach is wrong, the team is charged a full timeout (to cut down on frivolous challenges). And added benefit is that we'd have a public record for the number/frequency of reversed calls per ref, for greater accountability.
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Oh and fantasy update... I hope you picked up Danillo Gallinari when I recommended him last week, cuz odds are he's gone by now and I think he's gonna be the pickup of the year. He's averaging SIX 3PTM over his last 3 games... 80% of his FGA are from behind the arc (12/15) and he's just been promoted to the NY starting lineup. That's insane!
Similar insanity goes out to Channing Frye, who's averaging 4.3 3PTMs and 19.7 through 3 games. Actually everybody on the Suns ('cept Amare) are playing out of their minds right now. 35 year old SF Grant Hill is averaging 20/10 through 3 games and Nash is back to MVP form, posting 18/3/14. I expect them to cool off somewhat, but it's nice to see the old run and gun Suns back to form.
Also Chris Douglas Roberts finally had a breakout game. Your choice whether to nab him now or wait for one more good performance. With Devin Harris out for 2 weeks, I think CDR can get a lot more looks in their offense. Having 3 position eligibility is nice too. For another temp pickup, you can check out Charlie Bell, who'll be starting for Redd for the next 2 weeks.
It's almost tough sometimes cuz there's lots of options out there on the FA list but you just don't have the roster space to make the move. If you can swing some 2-1 deals to upgrade your top talents, DO IT. Even if you're slightly overpaying... because the stuff on the wire (esp. early in the season) is always good. If you can't free that spot though, sometimes you have to consider your team's needs/strengths when you're dealing with the last spots your roster instead of just the best/better player available.
Personally I've had to let someone else take Frye in a league just because I didn't have anybody I was willing to drop. And I had to drop Tyreke Evans to take Brandon Jennings in another league. In Frye's case, my team was already really strong in 3s so I'd rather keep a true big like Thompson or Speights instead of picking up Frye to pad a stat I'd carry anyways.
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