Referee Lockout

[...]

Please, board, if you will, explain the repercussions of a referee lockout. Does the NBA bring in replacements, scrubs as it were? Or are there larger issues potentially at hand (cancelled games, etc.)? Thanks, board!

[Devilzsidewalk]

replacement refs. Ramifications are the same amount of crappy calls but players will complain more because they'll be an unfamiliar type of crappy calls; they've gotten used to the types of crappy calls they can expect with the current refs.

[m2002brian]

this COULD be the best thing to happen to the nba in a long time.

If they're going to use three refs, why don't they rotate every trip down the floor? Better yet, get another one, and give them a big screen HD and a buzzer.

[john2jer]

Pretty positive if you don't see some kind of resolution by the refs' union within the next couple weeks, the NBA will start announcing replacement refs. The NBA exists because of the dollars spent by fans. Either from buying tickets, buying merchandise, or using companies that advertise with the NBA. Fans go to the games to see the players, not the refs. They won't cancel games because of this.

[Calinks]

It will be great. Fewer superstar calls and fairer refereeing. Expect the wolves to actually get some free throws this season!

[...]

I figured it wouldn't get to the point of cancelling games. Just had to ask though.

I never even thought about the notion that certain refs may have favoritism towards some and bias against others. It would be nice to see a little more neutrality.

Go Lockout!

[m2002brian]

Of course one might think SuperStars won't get their normal calls. Although, I think, even with new refs, they'll be giving SS's the calls because well, they're SS's. They might actually call LBJ for traveling....might.

[...]

It would be sweet to see the playing field leveled a bit. No special treatment for SS's with everyone actually earning trips to the line. Call travelling? All of this sounds like Communism to me.

[m2002brian]

Nothing wrong with communism...in theory

[john2jer]

True Communism as a theory isn't all that bad, but in practice when those at the top are enforcing it, but not following it themselves, it fails miserably.

Could replacement refs be intimidated by superstars, though? Or do you think some will go so hard at following the exact rule book with the hope of earning a chance to be a real ref? Although there is that whole being shunned for being a scab, thing.

[GopherIt!]

nothing wrong with killing Commies in theory either...

[deeney0]

Two words: Celebrity Refs. If millions of idiots will tune in to watch celebrities dance, they will surely tune in the watch them officiate.

[john2jer]

Two words: Celebrity Refs. If millions of idiots will tune in to watch celebrities dance, they will surely tune in the watch them officiate.

This might be a genius idea.

"SO YOU THINK YOU CAN REF!?"

[Tirion]

Nothing wrong with communism...in theory

nothing wrong with any religion... in theory.

[john2jer]

Is Communism a religion now?

[Calinks]

Two words: Celebrity Refs. If millions of idiots will tune in to watch celebrities dance, they will surely tune in the watch them officiate.

This might be a genius idea.

"SO YOU THINK YOU CAN REF!?"

[Tirion]

Is Communism a religion now?

it always was.

[GopherIt!]

celeb refs would be great.

I want to see the Gary Coleman/Emmanuel Lewis/Mini Me crew.

"What choo talking about Wade?"

"Mini Me, stop biting LeBron!"

[B Calrissian]

nothing wrong with killing Commies in theory either...

The only person that gets away with talking like that is Red Forman.