I have never heard an announcer or ex-player that has actually read the Rulebook. I use to get a kick out of Tom Heinsohn. I live near Boston. On more than one occassion, he'd imply that McHale got away with a travel. I use to watch McHale on my VCR. His footwork in the pivot was like fine wine! He never travelled. He lifted his pivot and always shot (he never passed) before it hit, again. If you watch alot of Dr. J's re-runs - most times he did NOT travel. He gets a bum wrap. He'd catch the ball in the air just as his right foot landed, then he'd stride and jump off his left foot. It only looked like a travel 'cause he'd cover 30 feet.
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Originally posted by Brian Watson:
I think it is a bit unfair to apply the HS standard on travel to the NBA. Someone on another thread summed it up the best, we all know the rules in black and white, but we will interpret and apply those rules based on what the assignor or league wants to see.
If we have any NBA refs out there speak up, how are you "advised" on when to call a travel. I see plays that I would whistle travel on in the NBA every night, but maybe the NBA doesn't want that call.
Not that this is the right or wrong attitude, but, do you think david stern gives a care if kobe, iverson, or KG takes an extra step or two if their finish makes every highlight show for the day? I doubt it.