The world of basketball is no stranger to the art of flopping. More often, players skillfully exaggerate contact to draw fouls or sway referee decisions in their favor. Renowned NBA players like James Harden, Joel Embiid, and Luka Doncic have often been in the spotlight for their theatrical flopping antics.

However, a recent incident in the WNBA has raised eyebrows and taken flopping to a new level. It’s making even the likes of Harden and the company seem amateurish in comparison.

WNBA star takes flopping to the next level

The concept of flopping has been a part of basketball for years, raising debates about sportsmanship, ethics, and fair play. The NBA has often dealt with accusations of players exaggerating contact to manipulate referees, gaining an upper hand in games.

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In a recent game between Atlanta and the Chicago Sky, 6’0 Atlanta Dream guard, Allisha Gray, showcased her flopping prowess. During the third quarter when Elizabeth Williams grabbed a rebound after a missed 3-point shot by her teammate, Kahleah Copper.

A seemingly ordinary battle for possession turned extraordinary when Williams barely touched Gray. It was Gray who dramatically collapsed to the court as if struck in her throat.

Despite the minimal contact, the flop execution was with sheer conviction, leaving fans in awe of her theatrical skills. Historically, the NBA office has reviewed questionable plays post-game and imposed fines as a deterrence. However, the league’s approach recently underwent a significant transformation. They’re now signaling the importance of curbing flopping.

The changing stance on flopping showcases NBA’s commitment to fair play, referee involvement, and safeguarding the sport’s authenticity.

A new flop era, the impact on players like James Harden

The NBA’s in-game flopping penalty approval and expanded Coach’s Challenge usage signal a pivotal approach shift. The 2023-24 NBA season will see these rule changes in action, underscoring the league’s dedication to upholding game integrity. While these changes were initially trialed during the Summer League, they’ll now become a permanent fixture of the league’s landscape.

Meanwhile, these rules’ implementation sends a message to players across the league, including notorious floppers like Harden, Embiid, and Doncic. Harden, known for his skillful flopping, could encounter increased difficulty as the league takes a proactive stance against it. Moreover, the exaggerated contact ability to draw fouls or alter the course of a game will be met with closer scrutiny and potential repercussions, affecting the strategies and tactics that players employ on the court.

While the controversies surrounding Harden and the 76ers president are hot at the moment, fans look forward to Harden’s flopping approach next season.

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