This trade deadline was fun and crazy this year. Lot of possibilities but finally, a lot of things went down. Years after years, we always hear constant trade rumors of big players moving to other clubs for a possible championship run or a future foundation move to rile up our emotions as NBA fans and analysts, but nothing usually goes down. This year is different. This year we have from the smallest of moves to the biggest of ones. G, Shooter, and Basher did an …

After a month of his release, Tim Donaghy strikes again. He has come out on 60 Minutes and tries to “set the story straight” and back up his book “Personal Foul.” In his entries, the ex referee claims he won 15 out of 16 bets he waged on and developed a winning pattern that “made bookies nervous.” Donaghy continued on by saying that if certain officials refereed games, including Steve Javie, Dick BaVetta, and my personal favorite, Joey Crawford, a consistent outcome would occur, leading to …

In my last entry, I discussed the psyche of an NBA coach and player during the strategy process for a one possession opportunity to win the game. At a glance, this decision may be easy, but when considering uncontrollable forces, ah let’s say… the officials, it can alter everything. Throughout this post, an outcome or conclusion was drawn, and a new strategy can be developed to not only supply success, but create a perspective not seen by most. A perspective that yours truly, The Ref would like to discuss even …

Last time, I discussed the importance of officiating in comparing NBA Generations. How rules change the aspect of the game and make it impossible to intertwine the skills of Michael Jordan and Jerry West. A long line of red-tape disguise each time period’s greatness, and today, I will delve into it further.
The 3 point field goal is a huge part of the NBA, actually all of basketball since the rule was instated back in 1979 by the late Larry O’Brien. It changed the game, creating new …

“There is 5.3 second to go in the game, we are down by one and this is a must win game. Ray (Allen), you have been nailing jumpers left and right tonight, but Paul (Pierce), you can create and drive to hole and hopefully get to the line. How has Dick BaVetta been calling fouls in these waning seconds of the game?”
-“Doc (Rivers), what the hell does that have to do with anything? We’re playing the game.”
-“Well Ray, I am debating whether or not to take a …

A few weeks ago, Bill Simmons released his first book about basketball. Naturally, Mr. Simmons being so witty, properly named it “The Book of Basketball”, and his main thesis is collaborating all the great players, regardless of playing era, and ranking them in a Top 50 list different than any others.
Bill Simmons attempts a feat many deemed impossible. Imagine comparing Wilt the Stilt matching up against Shaq Daddy. Michael Jordan slugging it out opposite Jerry West, and Bob Cousy versus Jason Kidd. It’s makes me giddy just getting into in …

In the NBA, traveling calls can be a bit of a laugher. From lack of consistency, misinterpretation, or plain stupidity, it’s a joke sometimes and it hurts the game. Last year, commissioner David Stern pressed this as a point of emphasis, and worked it out well. Everyone started to take notice. When the officials called traveling against the King himself (oh God, no they didn’t), the fans were surprised and shocked, but impressed. Fans have been waiting for referees to call that since ‘Grandmama’ was terrozing the streets with his …