I just saw a video of Wembanyama dribbling between Bullock Jr.’s legs, and I’m kind of curious as to why a defensive player doesn’t just box out in this situation? It seems like less of a struggle to just turn your body and box out the offensive player, claiming the ball is now loose, and I was wondering if there is some NBA rule prohibiting this.
Like are you saying Bullock could have turned away from Wemby to shield the ball? It’s an option but chances are the defender doesn’t have a good position or space to cut off an offensive player going towards them with momentum.
Chances are it’ll be called a blocking foul… instead of potentially facing the offensive player and having a chance to steal the ball.
Okay, that makes sense. I was thinking that a player could argue that the ball is now loose since it’s not in the vicinity or control of an offensive player and could play it like a loose ball.
I wasn’t thinking much of a blocking foul because I figured the ball would be considered an out of control ball, much like how an over the back foul is called when an offensive player tries to jump over a boxing out defender after a shot or a loose ball
Chances are the ref would deem it in control of the offensive player but it’s subjective, especially if the offensive player is out of control. My perspective is that it’d be better for the defensive player to be facing the offensive player just so they can better react, like with poking the ball loose or even being able to take the charge.
I think what you’re describing is much more likely to happen closer to a defensive rebound / semi-transition break but it’s such a fast bang-bang kinda play.
Yep, I was thinking one of those pickup situations, where they are really just nutmegging the opponent in transition for the flashy aspect, and I was just thinking moreso of the defender pivoting and forcing the offensive player on a different route. After all, I figure a defensive player would be given at least a little leeway to at least turn and run towards the ball.
Like if Trevor Ariza had pivoted on his left leg, swinging his right towards the ball, and making a beeline trying to force Trae young to either A) let the ball, or B) have to initiate contact; instead of shoulder checking in this play
Obviously it probably wouldn’t have worked that well, and in this play Ariza isn’t given much time to react, so I’m giving this as more of a visual to build the idea off of