Getting technical
Posted: Monday, November 27 at 02:12 am ET by Nate Robinson
There are two new changes in the NBA this season that are having an impact on the league. One is the new basketball which is a synthetic material, while the old one was leather.
A lot of players have complained about the new ball. But it’s fine for me regardless of which ball we use. I’m only in my second year in the league, and in college, every school had its own ball, and they were often different from what we used at Washington.
So it doesn’t really matter to me. The new ball is not that bad, it just feels different, and a lot of guys loved the old ball. I loved it as well. Everybody wanted an NBA ball growing up as a kid.
But in the long run, I don’t think it will be a big deal, and the criticisms will quiet down. It’s not like the players are going to go on strike because of the ball.
The other change this season is a crackdown on complaining to the referees. They just don’t want players carrying on and whining a lot. But it seems like they’ve really gone too far.
I’ve received three technicals this season, and each one cost me $1,000. The first T came in our first game of the season. A guy hooked me, and I told the refs “they’re hooking me.” And I got a T for that. I thought to myself “wow, they’re not playin’.”
Then, in another game, I blocked a shot and they called a foul on me. I jumped up and said “WHOA!”, and they called a technical on me. I didn’t swear, I wasn’t in the ref’s face or anything.
I saw that Carmelo Anthony got T’d up twice and kicked out of a game for throwing his headband to his bench. And Quentin Richardson got a T for throwing his headband off once.
It’s just different this year. They’re taking so much away from the game, focusing on every little thing you do. You can’t react to calls so we just have to adjust as players.
I think (and I hope) that eventually this will quiet down a little bit. I think the refs will eventually ease off a little bit. You have to let guys react with emotion as long as they’re not going crazy with it.
The players will also adjust and tone down their acts. In the meantime, they’re making a lot of money off of those technicals!
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Team: NY Knicks Position: Guard Age: 22 Height: 5-9 Weight: 180 lbs. College: Washington |
Games: 64 (5 starts) MPG: 21.2 PPG: 10.1 RPG: 2.4 APG: 1.4 SPG: 0.8 |
2006-07 season numbers | |
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Hey Nate, don't worry about the refs. Just do what you do. I think the refs will ease of your backs as the season goes on, but some of techs are ridiculous. I live in Detroit, so I'll be out watching you play on Friday. I'll be there early for the pre-game shoot around. Hopefully you'll get a chance to stop near the tunnel, I'll be wearing a J-Craw jersey.
Randy Ip, Ann Arbor, Michigan (Sent Nov 27, 2006 2:52:27 PM)
while i realize that refs are human, and make mistakes, the amount of whining that used to go on was pretty lame. players, instead of getting back on D, would hang back and give the refs an earful...it was not fun to watch. everyone is human, everyone makes mistakes, but until the rule change, almost every single time there was a foul, there was a player b*tching to the refs...it was pretty ridiculous. the new rule may be a bit harsh, but its a rule like any other...adjust and move on...
b, in phoenix (Sent Nov 27, 2006 3:28:34 PM)
Hey Nate! NYK are 5 and 10. Looks like the wheels are coming off and we have not even hit December yet. Your playing fine this year...but guys like you and D. Lee are players of diminishing returns. In case you are all like "whaaat?" - that means the more minutes you get...the less effective. Its best for you to play 20 a nite...not 35. Your a great sparkplug. BUT - since St. Francis is no savior and Stephon is about to be dealt, I can see how there is no choice. The answer? Deal Stephon. It just has not worked. You still think it works? I'd say start getting cozy with Doc Rivers...he'll be the coach next year...
Knicks Fan (Sent Nov 27, 2006 3:33:03 PM)
Hey Nate, just discovered your blog out here in Seattle. As a fellow Husky I just wanted you to know that lots of us are out here and keeping tabs on you and wishing you well. The Dawgs look good this year, have you had a chance to see them play? Can you imagine the two-man game you could have played with a seven-foot passer like Hawes? Anyway, go get 'em kid.
anonymous (Sent Nov 29, 2006 2:32:20 AM)
Nate that was crazy when you blocked Yao Ming shoot. What do you think about his game. Whats up with the Knicks? On paper you guys could be an eighth seeded team but your record shows something different.
tim, detroit,mi (Sent Nov 29, 2006 8:25:11 PM)
Nate,
I've noticed the increase in technicals, too. It's not just on your team, or in the east, and it's not just for whining/complaining. It will be interesting to watch... Of course, if you can avoid them, it may help a lot in close games.
I wish the Knicks were 50% right now. You looked headed that way for a while, then lost a few at home. It's good you won tonight at home against Atlanta. Every time you play, I look to see if you're closer to the 50% mark, that's my first goal for the team.
I did go to the Celtics game in Boston the day after Thanksgiving and was shocked to hear the crowd booing Coach Thomas and Coach Rivers. I think that's so disrespectful. Does the team hear those things ? I hope you and Isiah hear me yelling for you that night.
Don't give up, I think your team can still accomplish a lot this year. It takes time to build a solid team.
Happy Holidays.
amethyst, Seattle, WA (Sent Dec 14, 2006 1:00:40 AM)
Hey Nate,
I am so sorry to hear about the fight at the end of the game against Denver. Unfortunately, this time I have to say that I cannot support either Coach Thomas or you for your statements and actions.
The game wasn't over, regardless of who was up and by how much. Sportsmanship is also knowing how to be a dignified loser.
I notice that the players on the floor from the Knicks were the younger guys, so you will bear the brunt of the punishment, although you are still learning. Emotions are strange things. The (older) Nuggets players (you would think) should have known to back off and show some restraint. Their victory could have spoken for itself.
Learning when to just walk away and when to stand and fight is not an easy decision.
I have a feeling that this may be the beginning of a quick ending to Coach Thomas' job(s.)
It's a sad day for us fans.
I hope you are humble enough to acknowledge your mistakes and I hope you bounce back in a very strong, positive way.
You are still Gr-8 !
amethyst, seattle (Sent Dec 17, 2006 6:05:36 PM)
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