Rule change legalizes LeBron’s ‘crab dribble’. So-called “star calls” have been commonplace in the NBA for many years, even if it often perturbs fans. But you haven’t truly arrived until you have your own “star rules.” Shaquille O’Neal has been there for a while; Le Bron James is just getting there now. Decades ago, the league installed a rule that players who are fouled before the ball is inbounded or away from the ball in the final two minutes of the game get free throws plus another possession. This was once known as the Wilt Chamberlain rule, but over the past dozen or so years has become known as the Shaq rule. It limits the effectiveness of the hack-a-Shaq strategy late in close games. Five years ago this month, the NBA installed a hand-check rule that prevented defenders from placing their hands on players when they’re driving from the perimeter. At the time, the league was concerned about the pace of scoring after watching the Spurs and Pistons rack up titles by holding opponents in the 70s with physical defense. The fact there were a host of young, skilled drivers in the league probably wasn’t a big factor in the decision, but it turned out to be a huge benefit for them. There’s no doubt it has been a significant advantage for James, who started exploiting it on a nightly basis and instantly became a regular in the league scoring leaders. – Cleveland Plain Dealer
Phil Jackson: Lakers Adam Morrison’s like a wounded dog. Ever-acerbic Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson was asked Saturday whether Adam Morrison’s confidence had to be restored, following his time as a Charlotte Bobcat. “Yes, he’s like a wounded dog,” Jackson joked. “We really had to take care of him – feed him right. He looks much better now.” A nurturer, Jackson isn’t. Morrison wasn’t playing with the Bobcats and, barring injuries, doesn’t figure to play much this season with the Lakers. As Morrison described, his team is “loaded,” particularly at his small-forward position. – Charlotte Observer
Heat star Dwyane Wade and actress Gabrielle Union’s coming out. Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade and his mistress, C-list actress Gabrielle Union, have tried desperately to keep their relationship a secret, but this week has been a coming out party of sorts for them. Either that, or they’re getting careless. First, the lovebirds were spotted in full on canoodles in a private club level suite at Land Shark Stadium during Monday Night Football, and missed long stretches of an epic game. Then Friday night, although she sneaked in through the back door, Wade took Union to the yearly Miami Children’s Hospital gala — one of Miami’s biggest social rendez-vous of the year. – Palm Beach Post
Source: Foxsports.com
