July 29, 2002

The NBA institutes instant replay, as expected.: After the playoff issues this year, it's no surprise. Instant replay will also be used to determine if someone's on the three point line, and if a called foul came after time expired. Is this meaningful, or just a response to a hot issue? What about the oft-miscalled issues that instant replay can't cover? Will we ever get instant replay for travelling calls and non-calls?

posted by Bryant to basketball at 07:31 PM - 8 comments

Is this meaningful, or just a response to a hot issue? Basically, it's one less thing Mark Cuban can bitch about. With all of his "independent researches" out there scouring the court, the NBA felt compelled to do the trendy thing and get instant replay. Bogus remedy to please the critics. What about the oft-miscalled issues that instant replay can't cover? Shhh! Instant replay sees all! Will we ever get instant replay for travelling calls and non-calls? Isn't the game slow enough as is?

posted by BlueTrain at 10:14 PM on July 29, 2002

Instant replay will only be good to contest those last-minute buzzer beaters. That will kind of take the thrill out of the game. I can only imagine: Iverson shoots! He scores! Philadelphia wins... .wait... Phil Jackson is making his way to the referees table... they're going to the instant replay... (5 minutes later) Referee: after careful analysis, the L.A. Lakers have won the championship! (money falls out of refs pockets) (fans storm floor, begin to riot)

posted by insomnyuk at 10:55 PM on July 29, 2002

There's only one thing that matters and that's getting the calls right. It's only going to be used on objective calls not subjective. I think it's a good idea, in theory it should result in the correct call, now let's see how they execute it.

posted by vito90 at 11:04 PM on July 29, 2002

This is a good step, I'll admit, but it won't in any way affect the way refs call fouls on the inside, when Shaq is throwing around his enormous caboose. It does, however, give the league a bit more credibility.

posted by insomnyuk at 11:11 PM on July 29, 2002

I have a bad feeling that, like football, the refs will take way too long in making a decision. Heck, I just want them to call traveling. Please? Pretty please?

posted by shackbar at 02:47 AM on July 30, 2002

Is this meaningful, or just a response to a hot issue? IMHO...just a response to a hot issue. To me, vito90 hit the nail on the head: "get the calls right." That's all I ask, and if they can do that then maybe I will watch the NBA other than during the finals. It does...give the league a bit more credibility Personally, I don't think the league has any credibility until they get the refs to call games by the book. Unfortunately that would mean a lot of 22-20 games, because they'd be a lot of palming and travelling calls made that haven't been since....oh...Jordan showed up. (IMHO, obviously)

posted by PeteyStock at 10:23 AM on July 30, 2002

Hell, if they'd just establish a set of rules and enforce it on all players no matter the size of their paycheck (or ego) then it'd be a major improvement.

posted by Ufez Jones at 10:43 AM on July 30, 2002

Amateur wrestling now has video replay, too. (I am sure a few gentlemen in the audience would pay good money for the tapes. Imagine the resale value on eBay.)

posted by joeclark at 05:45 PM on July 30, 2002

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