Replacement Refs: This Can’t be Good
The nba is going with replacement refs to start the season after the latest offer was rejected. I’m not going to go into the details of the offer and what was rejected but I will go into how important a ref is in today’s game.
A good ref makes all the difference in the world and what most players want more than anything is a ref who will make strong and definite calls. Players want refs who are confident in what they are seeing and aren’t afraid to make the tough call when they have to. In the NBA it is a different game in that most of these refs have been around so long that they know what they are going to see and how it is going to look. They have the respect of most of the players and for the most part they don’t idolize the players. What are these refs going to do?
I know it is their job to be a ref and to be professional and not saying it will be an issue but if you are going to break in a new ref or two every season that’s ok because you are surrounding them with experience. In this case you are going to have replacement refs all over the court and it is going to be very very inconsistent. One night to the next you’ll get different things. Each night you will have to feel out how this new crew will handle calls and situations. It’s going to be tough.
The preseason is going to be key and if it goes well then the refs are going to lose some leverage in their negotiations. However, i don’t think it will go so hot and the refs will be back shortly.
