02 February 2 News Monty McCutcheon, Senior Vice President of NBA Referee Development and Training, recently accepted ”
An exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated, explaining the fact that LeBron James’ last attack was missed by the thugs during the regular time of the Lakers’ loss to the Celtics.
The refereeing error in Boston will have no further impact.
The referees’ association has issued a public apology, an unprecedented move.
The NBA’s options are limited when it comes to addressing issues in the rulebook.
Introducing more replays is an idea McCutcheon is open to, but he noted that their use is problematic in live game situations like James’ drive.
“We’re not rugby, we’re not going to stop after every over. Our game is a free-for-all. Suppose there’s a flag that you think you should throw out one of the times when no calls come up. Well,
As you can imagine, someone might throw the flag just to stop a snap they know is coming.
“There’s no easy answer to that question. Now, that doesn’t mean it won’t be checked. I don’t know if it’s going to be checked. It’s up to the competition committee to decide. I know the NBA, certainly the NBA Referee Operations and the NBA
Referees, they want the right calls. If technology can help and we can find the right way to enforce the rules that help the game — the coach challenge is a good example — NBA referees are willing to
Adapt. Of course, the refereeing department and the NBA office are willing to adapt. The point is, can you find a rule that makes sense and serves the game, not just the general public who are unhappy with one individual flaw? If we can
Find it, then the race committee has an opportunity to explore it. Most certainly, in the role I play, I’m willing to make changes that positively impact the game,” McCutcheon said.