[Old School]

Article: In the past few seasons we have had the frightening spectacle of help defenders sprinting from the weak side or from under the basket – often directly at the driver – to get planted outside the restricted line a split second before the driver (who may be airborne or about to elevate) reaches that spot. This has led to a number of scary collisions and falls (I'll cite some examples below) and surely has James Naismith rolling over in his grave.

Article: scary falls or collisions don't guarantee a serious injury, but they greatly increase the likelihood. In none of these case do I think the defender intended to endanger the other player. But he had been coached to help-defend in a manner that did just that.

My feeling exactly. If you recall, I defended the block on the block/charge video that sparked a huge debate. One reason is exactly what you and this article is getting at. It's not playing defense, it's playing the rules and endangers the offensive player. Oh, but i was called everything but the son of god for calling this a block. How about protect the shooter.

There was another thread we argued where in the playoff's, similiar play Steve Nash ran up under Tim Duncan in an attempt to drawl the charge. Most stated here they would have called a charge on Duncan. I immediately reasoned (and would have called block) that Nash has no possible change to defend Duncan and this defensive move could have seriously injured Tim, protect the shooter. I wanted to send the message right now if I'm ref'ing in the game, little guy, don't run under big guy and expect to get a call. I'm sending the message don't do that again.

To take this issue forward, we need to start rewarding defensive play on a drive to the bucket when there's contact. IOW's reward the defender if he's going for the ball in an attempt to play defense and there's contact. Often we call a foul on any little contact from the defense on this type of drive or move to the bucket, and we really shouldn't.