Finally...

[johnny d]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

A good, post-season 2-man official shouldn't hurt the crew that much, IMO. Good, post-season 2-man official would study up on 3-man mechanics in preparation of working such an assignment.

Studying the 3-man mechanics and actually doing them in game situations are two very different games. I have seen very good 2-man officials, who have turned into very good 3-man officials struggle on the court when they first start doing 3-man. I think the biggest reason is that they are more worried about where they are supposed to go and when they are supposed to go there rather than concentrating on officiating the game. Add in the extra intensity of a playoff game and I think you are really asking for trouble by putting officials in situations that are not part of their normal routine.