This season feels different not only because it’s the first season wherein no rookie drafted was a high school player (because of the new collective bargaining agreement rules) but also because of two changes: The new NBA ball and the “no tolerance” policy in officiating. The players feel offended that Commissioner David Stern implemented both changes without consulting them.

While the new ball is an issue, the players are starting to get used to it. The more serious issue is the tighter officiating which affects the way players react in an emotional circumstance.

“It takes away from your natural reaction, the things that make basketball what it is,” said Jerry Stackhouse, the Mavericks’ player representative. “You think Bill Bradley never hit the support after he was called for a foul? That’s the model citizen of all former NBA players. It’s just a natural thing to do.”

SI 12/1/06

The game of basketball is an emotional sport and player’s reactions are fueled by that emotion. Unfortunately, the tighter officiating and the zero tolerance (aka no whining) policy could interpret a harmless but emotionally fueled reaction as a whine and the player gets hit with a technical. That bring us to another issue.

players are fined $1,000 for each of their first five technicals. The fine increases by $500 for each five after that, capped by a $2,500 penalty for each one starting with the 16th. A one-game suspension also comes at that point and for every other technical thereafter.

Tighter officiating means more technicals and that means more fines. This combination really makes it seem now that the NBA is milking its players of their money. Conspiracy theory anyone? *horns*

Personally I’m sure that David Stern means well. It’s just that his methods make him look like some power hungry dictator. When it comes to decisions that will affect players with such magnitude, the players really need to consulted. I’m with the players this time since it seems like the players’ trust has been abused.