hile the NBA’s new flopping policy is a strong step in the right direction, only time will tell if the policy will make a large impact on the game.

David Stern has spoken out against the flop, so has the blogosphere, and now the fans will see how the league determines a flop, which has been all too prominent. The flop has become a talent, a skill that’s practiced, and openly acknowledged. Manu Ginobili, Pau Gasol, Jarron Collins…every team has one or more players who looks to draw the offensive foul.

Paraphrasing David Stern: “Oh Vlade (Divac)? Vlade made a living (on flopping). And we used to say to him, ‘How many times are you flopping?’ and he said, ‘Every time’.”

The referees already review tapes to evaluate their calls, and note their non-calls. It won’t be too difficult to spot out the flops and then fine/suspend those players, right? However, the problem with this rule is that — just like real-time officiating — it’s still all subjective.

Is it possible to “define” a flop? There are many situations where players could flop: fighting through a screen, getting “shoved in the back” on a box out, or drawing an and-one. Realistically, it has to be done on a case-by-case basis, which leaves much to be discussed. The NBA has definitely made a move in the right direction; however, expect there to be uproar when players aren’t suspended for what we see as a clear flop.