From the camera angle, it's difficult to see; from the angle of either T or C (not sure who's where on this), it wouldn't be that difficult. But it would also be easy to miss.

In high school, it would be easy from the proper position. He's not exactly Michael Johnson out there.

I think it might be hard to see in real time. At least to the point you could explain it. And if I cannot explain it, I am not calling it. I do not call travels because they look funny, I call them becasue I can identify why they are illegal movements. But we all miss travels and I just hate the position that people say, "Sure it is a travel" when they cannot explain it. When I evaluate guys at camp that is a question I ask. Most of the time I cannot get an explanation and that is not how we should be calling these plays. If we can explain a foul, we should be able to explain a travel.

Peace

I agree with all this; but I don't think this travel would be difficult to see in real time from the proper position. It would, however, be easy to miss because it happens so quickly. If you asked me, I would simply tell you he established a pivot foot when he gathered the ball; then he proceeded to lift it and return it before shooting.

Hence the reason we hear "that wasn't a travel!" objections at the scholastic levels.

Agreed. Right foot gather, jump off left foot, simultaneously landed on both feet. That's NBA legal.

I just don't get where some people are saying he has gathered with his right foot??? He doesn't bring the ball together to both hands (gather) until he is on his left foot meaning that the jump stop is step one, if he had wanted to he could've even pivoted after the jump stop. That is a legal play at any level of ball...

I agree it's close. I did see a view on ESPN earlier today from the baseline that convinced me that Manu gathered the ball with the right foot on the floor.

I think the important thing is it's pretty conclusive that this play was legal. :p

Speaking of Manu, just took a charge on Carmelo Anthony to wipe out a game winning lay-up and win the game. Outstanding call by Rodney Mott and Haywoode Workman.

Stick to the NBA rules, Ben. You don't know the other ones that well. Even if what you say above is true, you still can't legally pivot under both NCAA and NFHS rules after gathering the ball with one foot on the floor and then jumping of that foot to land simultaneously on both feet. Never could. Still can't.

+1

Where in the hell did you get that definition of "gathered?" He ends his dribble with the right foot on the floor, steps backwards with his left, then jumps and lands on both feet simultaneously. NFHS and NCAA, this is a travel as soon as that right foot hits the floor.

I actually think there's room for debate on whether he had gathered the ball before the right foot came off the ground. At first blush I thought for sure he had. After watching the replays I felt less certain. I believe it may be a legal play under NFHS or NCAA rules.

It definitely is (as has been established here) by NBA standards.

I'm surprised noone has mentioned the defender appears to have caused Manu to momentarily lose control of the ball while trying to gather it. No control = no travel.