|
Having met several NBA officials, I can truly say that they're at the top of the class. Their ability to make split second decisions correctly speaks to the difficulty it takes to make it to that level.
Perhaps comparing the NCAA game and the NBA is apples and oranges, but Hank Nichols (NCAA coordinator of men's officiating) recently came out with a memo saying that the NCAA game has become more physical than the pro game. I fully agree with his memo -- the tournament looked more like hand-to-hand combat than basketball. If the supervisor of the NCAA wants to clean up the college game to the NBA level, then doesn't that mean the pros are doing something right?
No one is going to deny that the NBA is about entertainment. And yes, the stars do get a little more protection because imagine the melee that would ensue if a player tried to take your star's head off? Just like in hockey, you'd have teammates readily coming to defend the star.
As for van Gundy, I can see there being truth behind his comments. Haven't we all had a pre-game where we tell each other to watch out for Player X's tendencies, etc.? My concern is the possibility that an NBA official would pass that comment along. Doesn't sound very professional to me, and considering the person isn't working the playoffs suggests that it's a younger official with very little judgment. If true, then this person will definitely be looking for a new job next year.
|